Brentford vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent.
This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years.
Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight.
Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.
Brentford FC 1 - 4 Liverpool FC
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:37
The full-time whistle sounds in west London, and Liverpool pass what could have been a stern test of their title ambitions with flying colours! Nunez's chipped finish had the Reds ahead before half-time, and injuries to Jones and Jota failed to knock Klopp's side off their stride as they raced into a 3-0 lead after the break. Mac Allister took in Salah's pass before sliding his finish past Flekken, then the Egyptian got himself on the scoresheet by punishing some terrible defending from Collins and Mee. Toney pulled one back for Brentford, but the Bees were unable to rouse themselves late on as Diaz teed up Gakpo for a fourth. Liverpool go five points clear at the summit, and they can now put their feet up and watch on as Arsenal and Manchester City take to the field later on Saturday. That's all from the Gtech Community Stadium, so thank you for your company and goodbye!
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:33
FULL-TIME: BRENTFORD 1-4 LIVERPOOL.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:33
WOODWORK! Robertson's delivery finds Van Dijk completely unmarked, but the defender crashes his header off the top of the crossbar as Brentford avoid further damage. That will be that at the Gtech!
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:32
Diaz tip-toes past Collins as Liverpool continue to chase a fifth goal, but Janelt gets back to intercept his left-footed cutback. Liverpool come back and win a corner, which Robertson will take from the left.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:30
Brentford win another free-kick, this one in a much more central area. Toney takes on the shot, but it deflects wide off the wall and the Bees fail to make the resulting corner count. The hosts are going through the motions now at 4-1 down.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:28
WHAT A SAVE! Brentford, and Toney, should have a second. Toney meets Damsgaard's delivery with a glancing header at the near post, but Kelleher reacts with a great one-handed save, pushing it away before the Liverpool backline completes the clearance.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:27
Endo is perhaps fortunate to walk away without a second yellow after catching Onyeka wide on the Brentford right. The Bees will whip this free-kick into a crowded penalty area.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:27
We are into seven minutes of stoppage time here – that is a number the home fans weren't too pleased to see.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:25
SAVE! Liverpool win a free-kick in an excellent position, slightly to the right of the D. Salah surprisingly leaves it for Elliott, who sees a low, curling effort pushed away by Flekken.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:25
Before kick-off, Liverpool had 15 more points (54) than they had after 24 games of last season (39). In three of the previous four top-flight campaigns where the Reds had at least 54 points after 24 games, they have finished second (in 1990-91, 2018-19 & 2021-22). The other was in 2019-20, when they had 70 points at this stage and won the Premier League.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:23
This is a real statement result for Liverpool, who have made a potentially tricky away game look routine here. Arsenal host Burnley and Manchester City face Chelsea later on Saturday – how will the Reds' title rivals respond?
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:20
Goal Cody Mathès Gakpo
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:19
Substitution Sergio Reguilón Rodríguez Sayed Saman Ghoddos
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:18
Substitution Conor Bradley Joseph Dave Gomez
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:18
Substitution Alexis Mac Allister Harvey Daniel James Elliott
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:18
PENALTY APPEAL! Diaz sprints into the box, hitting the byline before chopping back as Collins dives in. Oliver initially doesn't give a spot-kick, but replays show contact from the defender on the slide. There's a VAR check in the background… no penalty is the decision, there wasn't enough in it to bring Diaz down.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:18
That's better from Brentford as Flekken picks out Damsgaard in space with a neat, driven pass. He advances over halfway before attempting to release Wissa, but Konate slides in to snuff out the danger. We've got 10 minutes to play, with Brentford trying to set up a grandstand finish.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:14
Liverpool are preparing their final two changes now. Mac Allister looks for Diaz with a cute backheel inside a crowded penalty area, but it's just cut out.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:12
Brentford are just doing everything a little quicker now. Full credit to Frank's side – they could have sunk without trace when Salah made it 3-0, but they have shown plenty of fight since then.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:11
Toney has netted his first Premier League goal against Liverpool on what is his fourth appearance against them in the competition. That has given the home crowd a lift.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:09
Liverpool were a little fortunate there, as Robertson got nowhere near the ball as he barged Toney over. The argument might be that Toney knew what he was doing – he had a glance over his shoulder and anticipated the contact.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:08
Goal Ivan Benjamin Elijah Toney
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:08
Frank makes his fourth change as Damsgaard replaces Jensen.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:08
Onyeka is booked for his challenge on Endo, further irritating the home fans.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:08
PENALTY APPEAL! Reguilon gets up the left wing to cross for Toney, who is clattered from behind by Robertson and goes down inside the area. The Brentford fans scream for a spot-kick, then Endo – who is on a yellow – flies into a 50-50 with Onyeka. Oliver penalises Onyeka, and the VAR clears the initial Robertson challenge – that was a risky one!
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:06
Salah now has six goal involvements in five league games against Brentford (five goals, one assist), scoring in each of his previous three league games against the Bees. His latest effort has surely put this match beyond Frank's men.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:03
Assist Cody Mathès Gakpo
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:03
Good move! Gravenberch feeds a pass into Salah inside the Brentford area, and he immediately lays it off to Mac Allister. Salah wants the ball played back to him, but the Argentine sees a first-time shot blocked.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:02
Goal Mohamed Salah Hamed Mahrous Ghaly
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:02
Yellow Card Wataru Endo
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:01
Toney gets back in a bid to recover possession for Brentford, but his loose touch only succeeds in teeing Gakpo up for a 20-yard strike. It's blocked at close quarters, but the ball is soon back with Liverpool. They're in total control now.
Brentford vs Liverpool
14:00
Brentford have done plenty of things well here, but they have certainly caused their own issues. In the build-up to Liverpool's second goal, a flat kick from Flekken failed to clear the halfway line and was won back by Endo, allowing Liverpool to quickly feed the ball wide to Salah.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:58
In fact, Frank will make it a triple change, with Lewis-Potter on for Roerslev in a positive switch.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:58
Wissa, meanwhile, is on for Maupay. He might feel hard done by, having been a menace to Liverpool's defence from the off.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:58
We're going to see the returns of Brentford's two African stars. Onyeka is on for Norgaard in midfield.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:58
Liverpool look to be in control now, with the atmosphere falling flat in west London. Frank is about to respond with two substitutions.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:58
Salah has been directly involved in four goals across his last two Premier League appearances (two goals, two assists), as many as in his previous six games in the competition. His month-long lay-off doesn't look to have affected him too much.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:55
Over! The ever-impressive Bradley inverts into a midfield position, taking a touch out of his feet before sending a rasping drive over the crossbar from 25 yards out. It was only a yard too high.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:55
Brentford have lost four of their last six home Premier League matches, as many as they had in their previous 30 (15 wins, 11 draws, four defeats). They look destined for another loss here, with Liverpool able to pick their moments to strike on the break at 2-0.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:55
Chance, but the flag is up! Brentford fire another deep free-kick towards the danger zone as they seek a response. Mee wins the first header, then Toney flicks the ball towards goal, but Maupay can only help it onto the roof of the net before seeing the flag raised against him.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:53
Almost! Janelt spots Kelleher off his line and goes for goal from inside his own half, and the Liverpool goalkeeper is visibly worried as he darts back. However, the midfielder's audacious effort drops a couple of yards wide.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:50
GOOOOOOAAAAAAALLL! MAC ALLISTER MAKES IT 2-0! Liverpool have the second goal they have been threatening since the restart! Salah is at the heart of it, taking in Gravenberch's pass before finding Mac Allister's run with a terrific ball into the box. The Argentine's first touch takes the ball between the legs of Collins, then he slides his finish past the helpless Flekken. Great goal!
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:50
Assist Mohamed Salah Hamed Mahrous Ghaly
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:50
Liverpool have scored more second-half goals than any other side in the Premier League this term (34). Brentford need to force the issue at some point, but they also need to be wary of their opponents' counterattacking prowess.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:48
Important defending! For a team known for their solidity, Brentford are giving up so much space on the break. Liverpool have a three-on-two situation as Salah darts across halfway before electing to go right with his pass to Gakpo. Gakpo tries to cut it back to Salah, but Janelt gets back in with a vital intervention.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:48
HUGE MISS! How is it not 2-0?! Brentford's defensive line is nowhere to be seen again as Salah latches onto a long pass over the top. He looks destined to double Liverpool's lead as he scampers into the area, but he completely misjudges his finish and dinks it well wide of the near post. Brentford won't get many more let-offs like that one!
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:45
Over! Now Diaz cuts inside from the left and finds space for a shot, and Flekken looks concerned as it just rises over his crossbar. Decent effort, but no reward.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:45
Liverpool should do better! Diaz has space as he advances towards the edge of the box, with Gakpo making a good run off the shoulder of the last defender. However, Diaz hits his pass with too much power, and Gakpo can't get it out of his feet inside the area.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:45
Only Aston Villa (three) have dropped fewer points from winning positions than Liverpool in the Premier League this season (four). Brentford, meanwhile, have recovered a middling eight points from losing positions in the Premier League this campaign.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:42
Toney will be fine to continue after receiving treatment. He had to leave the pitch temporarily, but is now allowed back on by referee Oliver.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:41
There's an injury concern for Brentford now, with Toney down after Bradley's studs appeared to catch him on the back of the calf as the pair contested an aerial duel. He's still receiving treatment – it looked like a painful one.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:40
We're under way for the second half as Brentford get the ball rolling! Is there a way back for the Bees?
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:39
Substitution Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro Cody Mathès Gakpo
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:31
Frank will be pleased with aspects of Brentford's performance despite the scoreline; Maupay and Toney caused Liverpool problems early on, and the Bees look dangerous from set-pieces. However, they have also caused their own issues from those same situations, with Liverpool's goal arriving when they left one man back from a deep free-kick, giving Jota and Nunez space on the break. It was a bit naïve from Frank's usually streetwise side.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:29
It's half-time at the Gtech Community Stadium, and as things stand, Liverpool are set to move five points clear at the top of the Premier League thanks to Nunez's lovely dinked finish. The Reds struggled with Brentford's intensity early on but have slowly taken charge of the game, and if not for a couple of good saves from Flekken and a rare miscue from Salah, they might be further ahead. However, it wasn't all positive for Klopp, as he was forced to use two substitutions to replace the injured Jones and Jota. With Alisson, Alexander-Arnold and Szoboszlai already out, the Reds' selection issues are piling up.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:25
HALF-TIME: BRENTFORD 0-1 LIVERPOOL.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:24
Brentford have managed eight shots to Liverpool's five here, but the Reds are winning the expected goals (xG) battle 1.06-0.32. The Bees have had plenty of audacious attempts, failing to carve out a clear chance in the last half-hour or so.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:24
Kelleher makes the catch from the free-kick before looking to set Salah off on the break, but this time, Brentford get men back to recover the long kick out. Reguilon then gets up the left to cross, and though Toney plucks his overhit delivery out of the air on the far side, he can't stop it drifting behind.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:21
A recurring theme of this game has been Brentford leaving themselves short from their own set-pieces, piling as many players into the box as possible. They get another dead-ball opportunity out on the left, as Konate pushes Maupay over.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:20
BIG CHANCE FOR 2-0! Jensen lines up a long throw into the Liverpool box, which causes a scramble before Konate clears. Diaz has so much space as he drives down the left on the counterattack, before cutting it back for Salah, who just can't sort his feet out as the ball bobbles off his leg and is cleared!
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:18
We are into EIGHT minutes of first-half stoppage time, following those injuries to Jones and Jota.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:18
Almost a brilliant move! Salah's first involvement sees him volley a pass over the top to Nunez, who cushions it back across the box with Diaz lurking. Fortunately for Brentford, Flekken reaches the pass first.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:16
There's the first booking of the game, and it goes to Reguilon. The Tottenham loanee dives into a poor challenge on Bradley, catching the youngster on the top of his boot, and deservedly sees yellow.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:16
Jota is carried off on a stretcher as Salah enters the fray. We will likely have a lengthy amount of first-half stoppage time now.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:14
It looks like Jota was hurt upon landing in that previous challenge, with Norgaard falling on top of him. Salah is preparing to enter the action – it's not a bad replacement, but this is not the way Liverpool wanted him to make his return.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:14
This is a major concern for Liverpool. Jota attempts to get up before immediately dropping back to the turf, and a stretcher is being brought out.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:13
Now Jota is down inside the Brentford half, having been come off worse from a collision involving both Norgaard and Mac Allister. Klopp looks on ruefully, he can't afford any further injuries.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:11
After assisting Nunez's opener, Jota has 15 goal involvements across his last 19 away starts in the Premier League for Liverpool (eight goals, seven assists).
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:10
Now Diaz looks to break into the box on the right-hand side, but his cutback is smothered by Flekken. That goal has put a spring in Liverpool's step. There may be questions asked as to how Brentford left themselves so short-handed at the back from the initial set-piece, though.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:06
Assist Diogo José Teixeira da Silva
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:05
Goal Darwin Gabriel Núñez Ribeiro
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:04
The pace of the game has just dropped now, after Brentford's fast start and Liverpool's subsequent spell of pressure. Bradley ups the tempo by racing down the right to cross for Diaz, but a slight touch from a defender takes it away from the Colombian.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:04
Substitution Curtis Julian Jones Ryan Jiro Gravenberch
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:03
Jones is moving very gingerly as he makes his way to the sideline. It doesn't look like he'll be able to carry on, and Liverpool will soldier on with 10 men until the change can be made.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:03
This is a concern for Liverpool. Jones lost out in a 50-50 earlier in the move which led to that last Brentford chance, and he has stayed down. He looks to have gone over on his ankle, and he's still receiving treatment.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:03
Good move! Maupay has been excellent so far. A mazy run takes him to the edge of the Liverpool box, where he offloads to Janelt. His lay-off allows Norgaard to take aim, but his shot dribbles wide of the bottom-left corner.
Brentford vs Liverpool
13:00
Toney takes aim with an audacious attempt from near the right corner of the Liverpool box, but it dribbles well wide of the bottom-left corner. He was never troubling Kelleher there.
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:59
What a run from Jota! That's brilliant work from the Portugal forward, whose powerful run takes him past three Brentford challenges, from the halfway line to the edge of the area. His last touch just runs too long, though, and the home defence can crowd Diaz out as he tries to bring the loose ball in.
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:56
Brentford look to load the area from a deep free-kick, but Mee is just unable to keep it alive at the far post. Frank will be very happy with how his side have matched Liverpool so far, though, as we pass the 25-minute mark.
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:55
The Brentford fans aren't happy as Endo appears to handle from Robertson's inswinging delivery, but the referee doesn't see it and Liverpool eventually win another corner. Again, the home defence stands firm, with Ajer stepping in to intercept ahead of Nunez on the edge of the box.
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:54
GOOD SAVE! Now it's Liverpool's turn to threaten as Jota brings down a bouncing ball before firing off a shot from the edge of the box, and Flekken springs up to push it over the crossbar. Corner.
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:53
SAVE! Brentford continue to threaten on the break. Toney is sent racing into the right-hand channel by Maupay, but Van Dijk sticks with him and his low strike eventually lacks the necessary power to beat Kelleher. Liverpool are just struggling to get into their rhythm here.
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:53
Robertson surges down the left before firing off a cross, but it's overhit and Bradley has to work to keep it alive on the far side. He works it infield to Diaz, who in turn sends it back to the left, and another Robertson delivery is headed out by Mee. Brentford are defending very well here.
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:50
Since Toney's first Premier League appearance of the season on January 20, only three players have more goals in the division than he does (three in four games). Liverpool are, however, one of four teams he has faced without ever scoring in the competition (three games, seven shots, one shot on target).
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:49
Straight at the goalkeeper! Toney's effort is a poor one and Kelleher is totally untroubled in the centre of his goal.
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:49
It's another positive moment for Brentford as Toney tries to break into the area, being caught by Mac Allister right on the line. Michael Oliver points for a free-kick, rather than a penalty, and the VAR agrees with that call. It's still a promising position for Toney, though…
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:48
WIDE! Maupay and Toney are causing Liverpool problems here! The former drops deep before rolling a clever pass into the path of Toney, who sends his left-footed finish across goal and narrowly wide of the bottom-right corner. Unlucky!
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:46
There's a brief VAR check on a possible penalty for Liverpool, as Janelt seemed to have a hold of Jota, wrestling the Portugal international to the ground in advance of the corner being delivered. The check is quickly cleared, and Brentford might have gotten away with one there...
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:45
Nunez tries to trick his way down the left wing and wins a corner for Liverpool. Robertson's kick is headed clear inside a crowded six-yard box, then Jota is just unable to reach the second delivery into the box.
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:44
Liverpool are starting to enjoy more possession now. Robertson looks to hang a cross up with Mac Allister hitting the area, but it drifts all the way through to Flekken.
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:42
DOUBLE SAVE! Bradley almost gets his second Premier League goal, drifting infield before prodding an audacious attempt towards the bottom-right corner, using the outside of his boot. Flekken does brilliantly to push it away, then he gets up to make himself big and smother Jota's follow-up!
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:41
Liverpool have both scored and conceded in all seven of their away league games against Brentford. They lost 3-1 here last season but have never lost successive away matches against the Bees before. Should we expect plenty of goalmouth action?
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:40
Jota – the Premier League's Player of the Month for January – carries the ball through the centre of the field and looks to release Nunez, but Mee closes him down and blocks the pass. We've had a high-octane start to this one!
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:39
Action at both ends! Janelt looks to break in behind with Liverpool caught upfield, and Van Dijk is forced into another booming clearance. Liverpool then attack down their right through Nunez, but there's nobody there to tap his low cross home – it only needed a touch!
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:38
Brentford have made a very positive start here! Reguilon almost bursts onto a reverse pass into the box from Maupay, and Van Dijk is forced to put his foot through the ball. Liverpool are being penned back early on.
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:36
WIDE! The first chance goes Brentford's way! The home fans aren't happy as Konate is all over Maupay, but the Frenchman does well to hold the ball up and work it infield to Norgaard. He finds Janelt in space, and the midfielder drags a poor left-footed effort well wide – he should have done better!
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:34
A poor pass from Jota stops a Liverpool break in its tracks, and Brentford come forward through Jensen. He crosses low from the right and Van Dijk is forced to make the block, then Diaz gets back to recover possession.
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:33
Klopp famously isn't keen on these early Saturday kick-offs, but Liverpool are unbeaten in their four Premier League games taking place at 12:30pm on a Saturday this season (three wins, one draw), having failed to win any of their six such matches last term (three draws, three losses).
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:32
We're under way in west London as Liverpool – donning their all purple change kit – get the ball rolling through Nunez!
Brentford vs Liverpool
12:31
The players are out at the Gtech Community Stadium! Kick-off is just moments away!
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