With tear-filled eyes, Mohamed Salah bid a heartfelt farewell to Anfield after setting a new Liverpool Premier League assists record in the 1-1 draw against Brentford. Despite speculation over a potential bench role following recent criticism after the Aston Villa defeat, the 33-year-old Egyptian international started on the right wing—the position he has occupied since joining from Roma in 2017.
Salah, whose departure is confirmed, pushed hard to extend his tally of 257 goals for Liverpool, but his best chance—a well-placed free-kick at the edge of the box—hit the post. Undeterred, he delivered his 93rd assist for the club, curling in a perfect cross from outside the foot that Curtis Jones converted just before half-time.
Brentford equalized through Kevin Schade’s close-range header, though the goal did little to alter the outcome for the hosts, who secured a point sufficient to clinch fifth place and a Champions League spot.
goal ratings: defenders and goalkeeper
Alisson Becker (6/10): In what may have been his final appearance at Anfield in a Liverpool shirt, the Brazilian made a crucial save against Schade before half-time but was powerless to prevent Brentford’s equalizer.
Curtis Jones (7/10): Deployed out of position at right-back, Jones delivered when it mattered. He played a key role in Liverpool’s best attacking sequences early on and then scored the opener with a perfectly timed run to convert Salah’s sublime cross. A slight misstep on the cross that led to Schade’s goal reminded observers of his quality, just as uncertainty looms over his future at Anfield this summer.
Ibrahima Konaté (5/10): Comfortable in the air and precise with his passing, Konaté picked up an avoidable yellow card for a clumsy foul—a reminder of his struggles as his contract nears its end.
Virgil van Dijk (6/10): Delivered another commanding performance typical of the Dutchman, though he will be deeply frustrated that Liverpool failed to keep a clean sheet once again.
Andy Robertson (6/10): Preferred to Kerkez for his final match in a Liverpool shirt, Robertson was solid without being spectacular. He was outpaced by Schade for the equalizer, though he was far from alone in being caught off guard by the deflected cross. Like his friend Salah, the Scot received a well-deserved standing ovation as he left the pitch.
midfield performances
Ryan Gravenberch (7/10): One of Liverpool’s most energetic players, he made several strong forward runs early on and nearly scored with a well-struck long-range effort.
Alexis Mac Allister (5/10): Put in a high-energy shift but his lack of cutting edge remains a concern. His frustration boiled over with a heavy tackle on Igor Thiago, earning a late yellow card.
Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10): As mobile as ever, he found Gakpo in the box with a superb cross that deserved to be converted, and later set up a clear chance for Wirtz. Though not exceptional, he remains Liverpool’s strongest contender for the Player of the Season award.
attacking contributions
Mohamed Salah (8/10): He played as though determined to end his Liverpool career with one last goal, but fortune was not on his side when his sublime first-half free-kick rattled the post with Kelleher beaten. His cross, which led to Jones’s goal, was executed with masterful precision, allowing him to surpass Steven Gerrard as Liverpool’s all-time top assist provider in the Premier League.
Cody Gakpo (6/10): Created multiple chances for teammates and was instrumental in setting up Jones’s goal with a through-ball to Salah. He will rue a missed header from a Szoboszlai cross that was deflected away by a Brentford defender.
Rio Ngumoha (7/10): The fearless teenager consistently seized opportunities and nearly opened the scoring with a curling effort that narrowly missed the target.
substitutes and manager assessment
Florian Wirtz (6/10): Returning to form, the German replaced Ngumoha with just under 20 minutes left. Initially struggling to find his rhythm, Wirtz was denied an equalizer winner by a brilliant save from Kelleher in stoppage time.
Jeremie Frimpong (5/10): Introduced for Salah on the right wing in the 74th minute, he failed to make a significant impact on the game.
Trey Nyoni: Came on for Gravenberch in the final ten minutes.
Milos Kerkez: Replaced Robertson in the 83rd minute.
Joe Gomez: Stepped in for Konaté in the dying moments of the match.
Arne Slot (5/10): Resisted the urge to bench Salah following his latest public outburst and was rewarded with an assist. Ngumoha also impressed on his final appearance as a starter, but Slot faces a major task this summer to address Liverpool’s leaky defense.
