2 months ago
22
Liverpool's return to Anfield after three away defeats in a row was supposed to provide the perfect platform for the team to get back on track.
Liverpool's overall performance level since the start of the season was cause for concern even before the loss at Selhurst Park which triggered this nightmare run of form, but all would have been forgotten — briefly, at least — were the Reds to have recorded a victory over Manchester United on Sunday.
After Cody Gakpo equalized against United in the 78th minute, most viewers felt that there would probably only be one winner, but Harry Maguire clinched a first victory at Anfield for the Red Devils in almost a decade. Liverpool is back on the road in the coming days, with a Champions League trip to Frankfurt followed by a return to London, to face Brentford in the Premier League.
Last season's trip to Brentford brought about one of the most memorable wins in Liverpool's title charge, as Darwin Nunez emerged from the bench to score twice in injury time to underline the team's title credentials.
Next weekend's trip to West London will be equally as important in the context of this season's struggles, and Arne Slot's players will come up against a familiar face in the clash.
Jordan Henderson's return to the Premier League with Brentford over the summer raised eyebrows, but he has been a revelation for Keith Andrews' side.
Henderson lined up for the Bees on Monday as they won 2-0 away to West Ham, and boss Andrews praised the England midfielder as he claimed that Brentford's performance against the Hammers was its best of the season.
"Very content," Andrews said when assessing the win. "The performance was excellent on a lot of fronts - the chemistry, the conviction. It was a very good performance. A lot of individuals taking the next steps."
"More than once or twice," Andrews responded when asked whether he was concerned about his players not converting more of their chances against West Ham. "It's the nature of the game. We managed the game pretty well but all it takes is a moment.
"What we've seen from Thiago, he'll score goals. He's a handful. He's a personality. Jordan [Henderson] is imperative. We have a young squad. He's brought in his experience."
On whether the win was Brentford's best display of the campaign to date, Andrews answered: "Yeah I think so. We've shown parts of games and good results but performance-wise this is the most complete."
Henderson may be a Liverpool legend but he is also a fierce competitor, and there will be no room for sentiment when he comes up against the team he used to captain this weekend.
He will want to win, and if he ends up doing so, the concern around where this Liverpool team currently finds itself will only grow.
English (US) ·