Liverpool held by Brentford as Anfield bids Salah and Robertson farewell

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Guardian or go back to LFC Live.

They leave behind a club that secured Champions League qualification on the final day of a uniquely challenging season, but could have been staring at another defeat but for Dango Ouattara’s late miss for Brentford.Ouattara put a free header wide with Alisson’s goal at his mercy with practically the final touch of the season. Liverpool’s performance was clearly geared at times to getting Salah on the scoresheet too.For Arne Slot, there was no question of punishing Salah for his latest public criticism with a demotion when Champions League football was still at stake.

The former Liverpool goalkeeper and the club’s former captain, Jordan Henderson, were also given rousing receptions on their return to Anfield.Henderson exited without fanfare when leaving for Saudi Arabia in 2023. Henderson was visibly moved and returned the compliment, tapping his chest above the heart as he went.Liverpool had taken a merited lead just prior to Henderson’s departure.

And, in keeping with Liverpool’s entire season, they almost conceded when put under pressure for the first time.A diving Kevin Schade heads Brentford’s equaliser. The left-back’s cross took a slight deflection off the Liverpool goalscorer en route to Schade, who beat Alisson with a diving header.Liverpool substitute Florian Wirtz had a glorious chance to restore the home side’s lead in the 96th minute but Kelleher saved with his legs.