Liverpool’s first Premier League match at Anfield under Arne Slot concluded with a straightforward 2-0 victory over Brentford, despite several missed opportunities.
Alisson – 8/10
Made a few key saves to maintain a clean sheet, including a smart stop from a close-range header early in the second half. Demonstrated his usual excellent footwork and precise passing under pressure, and looked sharp in his new goalkeeper kit.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7/10
Still adjusting to full match fitness, he had some effective attacking moments, including a deflected shot and good link-up play with Mo Salah. Substituted after the second goal, possibly to manage his minutes.
Ibrahima Konate – 8/10
The only change from the previous match and nearly scored with a header cleared off the line. Defensively robust, he won key duels and covered for Alexander-Arnold effectively, pushing forward more in the second half when Liverpool dominated. Kept Bryan Mbeumo under control.
Virgil van Dijk – 7/10
Not at his most dominant in the first half, where he lost a challenge to Yoane Wissa and struggled in some aerial duels. However, he was solid in the box and had a more comfortable second half, dealing with occasional counterattacks. Secured another clean sheet.
Andy Robertson – 7/10
Came close to scoring from a near-post effort in the first half but missed a few chances with misplaced passes. Had minimal defensive duties and could have added another goal from a Diogo Jota cross.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7/10
Showed his usual tenacity with solid tackles and efforts to track back, though he isn’t a natural defensive midfielder. Had a few bypassed moments and received a booking for an ill-timed tackle.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7/10
Appeared to be the sharpest of the midfielders, making several good passes in and around the box. Contributed to the second goal and almost earned an early assist of the season.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7/10
Delivered a mixed performance with some strong positioning and attacking runs, but also made a few poor pass decisions. Played a role in winning back possession for the second goal and was booked for a misplaced touch and tackle.
Mohamed Salah – 8/10 – Man of the Match
As always, a constant threat and showed great intent, though he faced blocked shots and tight marking initially. Was central to the best attack of the match with a series of quick passes and finally scored his second goal of the season. Now has more Anfield goals than Robbie Fowler.
Luis Diaz – 8/10
Took his first chance of the game excellently to open the scoring. Continually posed a threat, creating chances and providing an assist for Salah’s goal. Had a low drive tipped past the post and set up a big chance for Jota.
Diogo Jota – 7/10
Displayed some clever passing, including the assist for Diaz’s goal. Had no clear chances in the first half but nearly assisted Robertson with an overhead kick and should have scored but was blocked from close range.
Cody Gakpo (on for Diaz, 72’) – 7/10
Came close to scoring with a deflected long-range shot that hit the bar.
Darwin Nunez (on for Jota, 72’) – 6/10
Made his first league appearance but had limited impact. Had one effort flicked wide and was offside.
Conor Bradley (on for Alexander-Arnold, 72’) – 6/10
Made a few forward runs and had a challenge and a foul.
Harvey Elliott (on for Salah, 80’) – N/A
Came on and sent in a couple of crosses from the right.
Wataru Endo (on for Gravenberch, 90’) – N/A
Had a brief appearance in injury time.
Subs not used: Kelleher, Quansah, Gomez, Tsimikas
