With tears in his eyes, Mohamed Salah said a heartfelt goodbye to Anfield after setting a new Premier League assists record for Liverpool in their 1-1 draw against Brentford. Despite recent speculation about being left on the bench following criticism after the defeat at Aston Villa, the 33-year-old Egyptian international started on the right wing—a position he has occupied since joining from Roma in 2017.
Salah pushed hard to add to his tally of 257 goals for Liverpool, but his best chance—a well-placed free kick just outside the box—hit the post. However, he contributed his 93rd assist for the Reds, delivering a perfect cross from the flank that Curtis Jones converted to open the scoring just before the hour mark.
Brentford equalized through a close-range header by Kevin Schade, but the result ensured Liverpool secured a top-five finish and qualification for the Champions League on the final day of the season.
Goalkeeper and defense ratings
- Alisson Becker (6/10): Made a crucial save against Schade before halftime but could do nothing about Brentford’s equalizer.
- Curtis Jones (7/10): Played out of position at right-back, Jones impressed. He was involved in Liverpool’s best attacking moves early on and scored with a well-timed run to convert Salah’s cross. His involvement highlights his quality even as his future at the club remains uncertain.
- Ibrahima Konaté (5/10): Comfortable in the air and precise with his passing, but received an avoidable yellow card for a clumsy foul as his contract nears its end.
- Virgil van Dijk (6/10): Delivered a dominant performance typical of the Dutch defender, though he will be disappointed Liverpool failed to keep a clean sheet once again.
- Andy Robertson (6/10): Chosen ahead of Kerkez for his final appearance, Robertson was solid but not spectacular. He was beaten by Schade for the equalizer, though the deflection made it difficult for any defender. Like Salah, he received a standing ovation as he left the pitch.
Midfield performance
- Ryan Gravenberch (7/10): One of Liverpool’s most energetic players, he made several strong runs in the first half and nearly scored with a well-struck long-range effort.
- Alexis Mac Allister (5/10): Worked hard but lacked efficiency. His frustration boiled over with a strong tackle on Igor Thiago, earning him a late yellow card.
- Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10): Continued to show impressive mobility, finding Gakpo in the box with a brilliant cross that deserved to be converted, and later set up a chance for Wirtz. Though not outstanding, he remains Liverpool’s strongest contender for Player of the Season.
Attacker assessments
- Mohamed Salah (8/10): Played with determination in what may have been his final appearance. His free kick in the first half hit the post when Kelleher was already beaten. His assist for Jones’ goal made him Liverpool’s all-time top assist provider in the Premier League, surpassing Steven Gerrard.
- Cody Gakpo (6/10): Created several chances and set up Salah for the assist leading to Jones’ goal. Missed a headed chance from Szoboszlai’s cross when the ball deflected off a Brentford defender.
- Rio Ngumoha (7/10): Showed fearless determination, nearly scoring with a curling shot that narrowly missed the target.
Substitutes and manager review
- Florian Wirtz (6/10): Returned in good form but struggled initially before coming close to scoring. His effort was denied by a brilliant save from Kelleher in stoppage time.
- Jeremie Frimpong (5/10): Replaced Salah on the right wing in the 74th minute but had little impact.
- Trey Nyoni (not rated): Came on for Gravenberch in the final ten minutes.
- Milos Kerkez (N/A): Replaced Robertson in the 83rd minute.
- Joe Gomez (N/A): Came on for Konaté in stoppage time.
- Arne Slot (5/10): Resisted the urge to bench Salah despite recent frustrations and was rewarded with an assist. Ngumoha’s solid performance as a starter was a positive note, but Slot faces a major task this summer to address Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities.