Liverpool vs Brentford: Arne Slot Faces Final Day Test
Liverpool’s final day meeting with Brentford should have been routine. Instead, it arrives loaded with jeopardy, scrutiny and a rather uncomfortable slice of history for Arne Slot.
Champions League Pressure
Liverpool go into Sunday’s Brentford clash still not certain of Champions League qualification, a remarkable position after winning the Premier League under Slot in 2024/25.
Twelve league defeats have changed the mood sharply. A side built on control, rhythm and authority has spent too much of this season chasing games, conceding cheap goals and leaving supporters asking how standards slipped so quickly.
Anfield Record Under Threat
Liverpool have not lost their final league match in any of the last 10 seasons, winning seven and drawing three. Their last final day defeat came in 2014/15, the infamous 6-1 loss away at Stoke City.
At Anfield, the record is even stronger. Liverpool are unbeaten in 18 final day home league matches, with five wins and three draws in the Premier League era. Their last home defeat on the final day came against Arsenal in 1989, when the Gunners won 2-0.
That is the sort of statistic which usually feels ceremonial. This season, it feels fragile.
Brentford Chance To Make History
Brentford have already beaten Liverpool once this season, winning 3-2 in October. If they win again on May 23, it would be the first time Liverpool have ever lost to Brentford twice in the same campaign.
That matters because this fixture has historically belonged to Liverpool, especially at Anfield. Brentford have not won away at Liverpool since 1937. In the last six meetings between the clubs at Anfield, Brentford have failed to score.
Those numbers should reassure Slot. Given Liverpool’s defensive uncertainty, they may instead underline the risk.
This is where Slot’s final day becomes more than a fixture. It is a referendum on Liverpool’s direction. Champions League football remains essential, financially and competitively, but the performance may matter almost as much as the result.
Liverpool need structure, clarity and conviction. Brentford will arrive knowing anxiety can spread quickly around Anfield if the game starts badly.
For Slot, avoiding an unwanted 37-year first would be useful. Restoring belief would be far more valuable.
