Tactical Analysis: Brentford
By Kripa Krishnan
Quick post-mortem of previous game (Liverpool v Ipswich)
Liverpool displayed a mix of strengths and areas for improvement. Their cross accuracy was relatively low at 22.7%, indicating room for better delivery from wide areas. Ground duels were challenging, with a success rate of 36.3%, and dribbling success was moderate at 40.0%. However, they excelled in several key areas: accurate long balls had a solid success rate of 55.7%, and their passing accuracy was impressive at 85.7%, showcasing strong ball retention and distribution. Nearly half of the aerial duels were won (48.2%), and their shot accuracy was efficient at 55.8%. Notably, their tackling success was exceptional at 100.0%, reflecting strong performances in the back.
Player-specific highlights include Virgil van Dijk’s commanding presence, with 80 accurate passes at a 94.12% success rate and winning aerial duels at a success rate of 75%. He also contributed to the long ball success rate with an individual rate of 71.43%. Mohamed Salah was clinical, with a long ball and perfect shot accuracy . Trent Alexander-Arnold, had an unexpectedly lower success rate of 35.71% with his long balls. Andrew Robertson and Ryan Gravenberch were pivotal in maintaining high passing accuracy. Luis Diaz excelled in ground duels and successful dribbles, demonstrating his continued agility and tenacity. Improving cross accuracy and ground duels will be crucial for Liverpool to further elevate their game.
Jurgen [Klopp] hated the 12.30pm kick-off and we played like we hated the 12.30pm kick-off as we weren't in the game in the first half
Liverpool struggled to match Ipswich’s intensity, with Ipswich winning 58% of the 53 duels in the first half. Ipswich’s aggressive and bold approach, particularly from centre-forward Liam Delap, posed significant challenges for Liverpool’s defence.
Spotting the issue, Slot made a strategic substitution at half-time, replacing Jarell Quansah with Ibrahima Konate. This change was purely tactical and not injury-related contrary to what many hypothesised at the time. Konate’s physical presence and influence helped Liverpool regain control, reducing Delap’s impact and improving Liverpool’s duels-won ratio to 55% in the second half.
Liverpool’s performance in the second half was markedly improved, with 15 shots and an expected goals tally of 2.61. Thirteen of these shots came from inside the box, resulting in two goals. Liverpool effectively exploited Ipswich’s risky one-on-one defending against Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah, securing three points for Slot in his debut match. This tactical adjustment and heightened intensity were crucial to Liverpool’s second-half success.
What to Expect from Brentford
Stats aggregated across all seasons till date:
Liverpool have played significantly more matches than Brentford in the EPL and boasts a higher win percentage. They excel in attacking metrics, with more goals per game and a higher pass accuracy. Defensively, Liverpool have conceded fewer goals per match and have a higher percentage of clean sheets. Their tackle success rate is also better.
Brentford, while having fewer matches, shows competitive shooting and cross accuracy. They also have a lower percentage of errors leading to goals compared to Liverpool.
In terms of Brentford’s technical tactics we can expect to see the following:
Formation Variability: Brentford often switches between formations like 1-3-2-5 and 1-3-1-4-2. This flexibility helps them create numerical advantages in different areas of the pitch, making it difficult for opponents to predict their movements.
Build-up Play: They focus on building from the back, using their goalkeeper and defenders to initiate attacks. Like Liverpool, they will seek to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game.
High Backline: Brentford maintains a high defensive line, and typically employs a high press to disrupt the opponent’s build-up play.
Set-pieces: Brentford are particularly effective at delivering dangerous crosses into the box. They are well known for their well-rehearsed set-piece routines, which often result in goal-scoring opportunities.
Defence: Brentford often shifts to a 1-5-3-2 formation. This compact shape helps them close down central spaces and force opponents to play wide.
In their last match v Palace:
In Brentford’s last game, they secured a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, showcasing their aggressive and bold approach. Brentford’s high press and quick transitions were evident, with players like Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade creating chances from wide areas. Their ability to exploit defensive lapses and capitalise
on set-pieces was also notable.
Brentford effectively used the width of the pitch, with players like Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade creating chances from wide areas. This approach stretches the opponent’s defence and opens up spaces for attacking plays.
Liverpool should focus on improving their cross accuracy and ground duels. Brentford’s aggressive and bold approach, particularly in duels, will require Liverpool to match their intensity from the start. Brentford’s flexibility in formations and effective use of width will challenge Liverpool’s defence.
