With tears in his eyes, Mohamed Salah delivered a poignant goodbye to the Anfield crowd after setting a new all-time record for Premier League assists at Liverpool during a 1-1 draw with Brentford. Despite rumors that Arne Slot might drop him following recent friction after the Aston Villa defeat, the 33-year-old Egyptian started in his familiar right-wing role, a position he has made his own since joining from Roma in 2017.
Salah was determined to add to his incredible tally of 257 goals for the club, but luck was not on his side as his best effort—a curling free-kick—struck the woodwork. However, he did manage to record his 93rd assist for the Reds, providing a sublime outside-of-the-boot cross that Curtis Jones converted to open the scoring before the hour mark.
Brentford eventually found a way back into the match when Kevin Schade headed home from close range. Nevertheless, the draw was enough for the hosts, as the single point confirmed their qualification for the Champions League with a fifth-place finish.
Here are the player ratings from Anfield as Salah and Andy Robertson brought the curtain down on their legendary careers in Merseyside.
Goalkeeper and defense
Alisson Becker (6/10): In what appeared to be his final home game for the Reds, the Brazilian shot-stopper produced a vital save to deny Schade just before the break. He was left powerless to stop Brentford’s equalizer later in the game.
Curtis Jones (7/10): Once again filling in at right-back, he performed admirably. Jones was heavily involved in the team’s best attacking moves during the first half and eventually found the net with a perfectly timed run to meet Salah’s cross. While the equalizing goal unfortunately deflected off him before Schade’s header, his overall performance was a reminder of his talent as he faces an uncertain future this summer.
Ibrahima Konaté (5/10): Dominant in aerial duels and composed on the ball, the defender nonetheless picked up a needless yellow card for a clumsy challenge. It was a lapse in concentration that has become somewhat typical as his current contract nears its end.
Virgil van Dijk (6/10): The Dutchman put in a characteristically commanding performance at the back, though he will be frustrated that the team failed to keep a clean sheet once again.
Andy Robertson (6/10): Given the nod over Kerkez for his final appearance, the Scotsman was dependable if not spectacular. He was beaten to the ball by Schade for the equalizer, though the deflection made it difficult to react. Like Salah, he received a well-earned standing ovation when he was substituted.
Midfield
Ryan Gravenberch (7/10): One of the most energetic players on the pitch, he drove forward well in the first half and came close to scoring with a powerful effort from distance.
Alexis Mac Allister (5/10): The midfielder worked tirelessly, but his lack of clinical impact remains a concern. His evening ended on a sour note with a frustrated challenge on Igor Thiago that earned him a booking in stoppage time.
Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10): Full of running as usual, he created a great chance for Gakpo and another for Wirtz. While not his most explosive game, he remains the primary candidate for the club’s player of the season award.
Attack
Mohamed Salah (8/10): He played with the hunger of a man desperate for one last goal, hitting the post with a brilliant free-kick that left Kelleher stranded. His pinpoint cross for the opening goal saw him overtake Steven Gerrard as Liverpool’s leading assist provider in Premier League history.
Cody Gakpo (6/10): The forward was active in creating space and played the initial pass to Salah that led to the goal. He will be disappointed that a goal-bound header from a Szoboszlai cross was blocked by a defender.
Rio Ngumoha (7/10): The fearless teenager was constantly looking to make things happen and nearly scored a stunning goal with a curling shot that whistled just past the post.
Substitutes and manager
Florian Wirtz (6/10): Returning to fitness, the German replaced Ngumoha for the final 20 minutes. After a slow start, he was denied a late winner by a sensational save from Kelleher in the dying moments.
Jeremie Frimpong (5/10): Came on for Salah on the right wing but struggled to get involved in the closing stages.
Trey Nyoni (N/A): Replaced Gravenberch for the final ten minutes of play.
Milos Kerkez (N/A): Introduced in place of Robertson in the 83rd minute.
Joe Gomez (N/A): A very late substitute for Konaté.
Arne Slot (5/10): The manager chose to start Salah despite recent tensions and was rewarded with a crucial assist. He also gave Ngumoha a starting opportunity, but Slot faces a massive task this summer to fix a defense that looked vulnerable throughout.
