An emotional farewell unfolded at Anfield as Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian sensation, concluded his remarkable Liverpool journey in style. With tears in his eyes, Salah delivered a masterful assist in the 1-1 draw against Brentford, securing a crucial point that clinched the Reds’ spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League. The 33-year-old, facing uncertainty over his future, was deployed from the start on the right wing—a position he has dominated since joining from Roma in 2017.
Salah’s final act at Anfield nearly produced a goal when his free-kick rattled the crossbar early in the game, a reminder of the brilliance he brought to Merseyside. But it was his pinpoint cross from outside the box that Curtis Jones converted with just over an hour played, giving Liverpool the lead. The moment, however, was bittersweet: Brentford equalized shortly after through Kevin Schade’s close-range header, though the result ultimately mattered little for the hosts.
player ratings: liverpool’s stars in the final league game of the season
goalkeepers and defense
Alisson Becker (6/10): Making what could have been his last appearance in a Liverpool shirt, the Brazilian made a crucial save against Schade before halftime. He was helpless, though, when Brentford found the net.
Curtis Jones (7/10): Stepping in at right-back, Jones delivered a standout performance. His involvement in Liverpool’s best first-half sequences set the tone, and he capped it all by converting Salah’s sublime cross to open the scoring. A moment of misfortune followed when a Brentford header bounced off him, but Jones’ contributions were undeniable—especially as his future at the club remains uncertain.
Ibrahima Konaté (5/10): Comfortable in the air and precise with his passing, Konaté’s only mistake was a clumsy foul that earned him an avoidable yellow card. His contract situation may have played a role in his uncharacteristic error.
Virgil van Dijk (6/10): The Dutchman was his usual dominant self, but Liverpool’s inability to keep a clean sheet yet again left him frustrated. His leadership at the back remains vital, even if the result wasn’t perfect.
Andy Robertson (6/10): Selected ahead of Kerkez for his final game, the Scottish left-back was solid but not spectacular. Schade’s equalizer caught him out, though he was far from alone in being surprised by the deflected cross. Like Salah, Robertson received a well-deserved standing ovation as he exited the pitch.
midfielders
Ryan Gravenberch (7/10): One of Liverpool’s most energetic players, he made several incisive runs in the first half and nearly scored with a well-struck long-range effort.
Alexis Mac Allister (5/10): His work rate was commendable, but his lack of end product remains a concern. Frustration boiled over late in the game when he committed a heavy tackle on Igor Thiago, earning a yellow card in stoppage time.
Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10): The Hungarian continued to showcase his mobility and creativity, finding Gakpo with a brilliant cross that deserved to be converted. Though not at his best, he remains Liverpool’s strongest contender for the Player of the Season award.
forwards
Mohamed Salah (8/10): He played as though determined to leave a final mark, and luck simply wasn’t on his side when his sublime free-kick crashed against the post with Kelleher beaten. His cross to Jones, which led to the opening goal, was a masterclass in precision—and it also saw him surpass Steven Gerrard as Liverpool’s all-time top assist provider in the Premier League.
Cody Gakpo (6/10): He created multiple chances for his teammates, including setting up Salah for the assist to Jones. Gakpo will rue a missed header from a Szoboszlai cross that was deflected out by a Brentford defender.
Rio Ngumoha (7/10): The youngster showed fearless intent, nearly opening the scoring with a curling effort that just missed the target.
substitutes and manager
Florian Wirtz (6/10): Returning in good form, the German replaced Ngumoha late in the game. After a shaky start, Wirtz nearly scored the winner when Kelleher made a brilliant save in the dying seconds.
Jeremie Frimpong (5/10): Brought on for Salah on the right wing in the 74th minute, he failed to make a significant impact.
Arne Slot (5/10): The manager resisted the urge to bench Salah despite recent criticism, and his decision paid off with the crucial assist. While Ngumoha impressed on his final start, Slot faces a monumental task this summer to address Liverpool’s defensive frailties.
