Liverpool secure champions league spot as salah bids farewell with assist against brentford

Player ratings
Liverpool
M. Salah
Premier League
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Liverpool vs Brentford

Salah, whose departure from the club is confirmed, relentlessly pursued a final goal to add to his impressive 257-goal tally for Liverpool. His best opportunity, a well-placed free-kick from the edge of the box, agonizingly struck the post.

Nevertheless, he provided his 93rd assist for Liverpool, curling a perfect outside-of-the-boot cross that Curtis Jones expertly converted to open the scoring just before the hour mark.

Brentford eventually found an equalizer through a close-range header from Kevin Schade. However, this goal had little impact on Liverpool’s ambitions, as the single point was enough to confirm their Champions League qualification, concluding the season in fifth place.

Here are the player ratings for all Liverpool squad members at Anfield, as Salah and Andy Robertson made their final bows after memorable careers on Merseyside:

  • Goalkeeper and defence

    Alisson Becker (6/10):

    In what could be his final Anfield appearance for the Reds, the Brazilian made a crucial save against Schade just before halftime. He was, however, powerless to stop Brentford’s equalizer.

    Curtis Jones (7/10):

    Once again deployed out of position at right-back, he rose to the occasion. Jones was heavily involved in Liverpool’s best attacking plays in the first half and then broke the deadlock with a perfectly timed run, converting a sublime cross from Salah. While the cross for Schade’s header unfortunately deflected off him, this moment served as a timely reminder of Jones’s quality amid questions about his future at Liverpool this summer.

    Ibrahima Konaté (5/10):

    Comfortable in aerial duels and accurate with his passing, he regrettably picked up an avoidable yellow card for a clumsy foul, a characteristic lapse in judgment as his contract nears its conclusion.

    Virgil van Dijk (6/10):

    A typically commanding performance from the Dutchman, yet he will undoubtedly be profoundly disappointed that Liverpool once again failed to keep a clean sheet.

    Andy Robertson (6/10):

    Preferred over Kerkez for his last match with Liverpool, he was solid but not spectacular. He was beaten by Schade on the equalizer, though he wasn’t the only one caught out by the deflected cross. Like his friend Salah, the Scot received a well-deserved ovation upon his substitution.

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  • Midfield

    Ryan Gravenberch (7/10):

    One of Liverpool’s most dynamic players, he made several impressive runs in the first half and nearly scored with a well-struck long-range effort.

    Alexis Mac Allister (5/10):

    He put in a tireless shift, but his lack of attacking impact remains a concern. His frustration boiled over with a forceful tackle on Igor Thiago, earning him a yellow card in stoppage time.

    Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10):

    Consistently mobile, he found Gakpo in the box with a superb cross that deserved a goal, before setting up a good chance for Wirtz. While not exceptional, he remains the sole genuine contender for Liverpool’s Player of the Season.

  • Attack

    Mohamed Salah (8/10):

    He played as if determined to cap his tenure with a final goal, and luck deserted him when his magnificent first-half free-kick struck the post with Kelleher beaten. His cross, which led to Jones’s goal, was a masterclass in delivery and saw him surpass Steven Gerrard as Liverpool’s all-time Premier League assist leader.

    Cody Gakpo (6/10):

    He created several opportunities for his attacking teammates and initiated the move that led to Salah assisting Jones for the opening goal. However, he will regret his header from a Szoboszlai cross, which was blocked by a Brentford defender.

    Rio Ngumoha (7/10):

    The fearless teenager consistently took on defenders and almost opened the scoring with a superb curled shot that narrowly missed the target.


  • Substitutes and coach

    Florian Wirtz (6/10):

    Returning to full fitness, the German replaced Ngumoha with just under 20 minutes remaining. While initially appearing somewhat unsettled, Wirtz was ultimately denied a late winning goal by a brilliant save from Kelleher in the final seconds.

    Jeremie Frimpong (5/10):

    Came on for Salah on the right wing in the 74th minute but failed to significantly influence the game.

    Trey Nyoni (not rated):

    Replaced Gravenberch in midfield for the final ten minutes.

    Milos Kerkez (N/A):

    Substituted Robertson in the 83rd minute.

    Joe Gomez (N/A):

    Replaced Konaté in the closing stages of the match.

    Arne Slot (5/10):

    He resisted the temptation to bench Salah after his recent outburst and was rewarded with a crucial assist. Ngumoha also performed well in his final start. However, Slot still faces considerable work this summer to address his team’s inconsistent defense.