Given the frailties shown throughout this season, one could never fully trust Liverpool not to squander their firm grip on Champions League qualification. Even if they lost and Bournemouth won, a six-goal swing in goal difference was needed—though the Cherries did beat Nottingham Forest 5-0 last season, and Liverpool lost to Brentford earlier this term. Stranger things have happened, but the improbable nature of such a collapse, coupled with scorching weather, meant Anfield was filled with an unusual sense of calm and relaxation.
Emotional Farewells at Anfield
It was also the big farewell party. Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson both played their final games after nine trophy-laden, glorious years that saw them scale many heights, awaken a sleeping giant, and transform it into a superpower once more. Neither could lead their team to one final victory, but they secured a place in Europe's top competition with a draw against a spirited Brentford side that missed out on a Conference League spot by the skin of their teeth after missing a last-gasp chance that looked easier to score than head over.
Salah was in tears at the final whistle on a day where Liverpool sealed their Champions League spot. With the sun beaming down on L4, Salah and Robertson could bask in the heat and reflect on everything they achieved: a Champions League, two Premier Leagues, an FA Cup, two Carabao Cups, and a FIFA Club World Cup.
Salah's Legacy Secured
Salah leaves knowing his place in the pantheon is secured. The kids of today will grow up and talk about him in the same way their elders now discuss Sir Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard, and Ian Rush. The debate will rage on about where he stands in the all-time list, but for all the trophies, match-winning games, and his journey from rural Egypt to the top of European football, there is no doubting he is at least in the conversation to be the greatest.
Robertson, meanwhile, deserves just as much praise. Signed for just £8 million from soon-to-be Premier League Hull City, the Scotsman sums up the data-led Moneyball recruitment success over the last decade as much as anyone. The pair were serenaded before, during, and after the match with mosaics in the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand and Kop End. Just like two years ago when Jurgen Klopp departed, it felt like the end of an era.
Brentford's European Dream Falls Short
Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson also received a rousing reception on his first appearance back at Anfield since his exit in 2023, while former goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher had his name sung by the Kop on his comeback. Some Brentford fans joined in applause for the departing Reds, but they were not here simply to enjoy a party. They knew a win could take them into European football for the first time. When Kevin Schade equalised midway through the second half, the travelling Bees started to believe that was possible and chanted about being a 'bus stop in Hounslow'. Regardless of the outcome, what a journey they have been on and what a stellar job Keith Andrews has done in his debut managerial season of a team tipped for relegation when several key men departed last summer.
Slot's Challenge Ahead
Slot will be hoping his team also improve after losing their best player. With talisman Salah exiting the club, Liverpool lose their goal-scorer and creator-in-chief, even if this final season has been blighted by a dip in form and a fallout with the head coach. The Egyptian had multiple chances for one final Anfield goal, most notably a first-half free-kick that kissed the post on its way through. As it was, Salah had to settle for an assist as he put the ball on a plate for Curtis Jones—another with an uncertain future given interest in signing him—to score a tap-in. It was vintage Salah, making something happen out of nothing. It meant that he ended the season on 23 goal involvements. Even in his worst campaign in a Liverpool shirt, Salah still scored and assisted more goals than most forwards would dream of.
But in typical fashion for Slot's side, they did not make their lead count and instead retreated backwards. Brentford grew in confidence and were soon level through Schade with a tidy finish. He should have scored earlier in the match but was denied by Alisson's foot in what was one of the saves of the season. Another with question marks over his head, it was a moment to prove why the Brazil No. 1 is indispensable to Liverpool. Brentford really should have won this match, and Andrews fell to his knees when Dango Ouattara headed over when unmarked five yards out in the 99th minute. It led to a weird post-match mood at Anfield, as the Kop sang 'don't worry about a thing, every little thing is gonna be all right'. Every little thing will probably be all right, but on the back of this torrid season, with two greats—at least—departing, the mood is much more gloomy than it was 12 months ago.
