🟥 Matchweek 7 · Sat 17 Oct 2026 · Gtech Community Stadium
Yarmolyuk Red 45+8' · Lewis-Potter Leads · Muñoz + Isak Turn It · Janelt 90+2'
This match cannot be summarised by its scoreline. For much of the first half, Brentford were the better side — organised, physical, dangerous from set pieces, exactly the kind of team Keith Andrews builds. The Gtech Community Stadium was loud, hostile, and fully convinced it was about to witness an upset. Lewis-Potter's 44th-minute header put Brentford in front, and it was deserved.
Then, in first-half stoppage time at 45+8', Yehor Yarmolyuk was dismissed. A headbutting motion toward Jérémy Jacquet — reviewed by VAR and upheld as violent conduct. Straight red card. Brentford, who had just scored and were the better team, went into the dressing room a goal up and a man down. The trap they had set so carefully suddenly had a large hole in it.
Liverpool came out for the entire second half against ten men and made it count. Victor Muñoz equalized at 62' — the numerical advantage allowing Liverpool's midfield to dominate in ways that had been impossible with Brentford at full strength. Then Alexander Isak — listed in every matchweek preview as a significant fitness doubt — swept home the winner at 70'. The fitness doubt. The match-winner. The man who answered every question asked of him.
Vitaly Janelt was shown his second yellow card at 90+2', leaving Brentford with nine men at the final whistle. The scoreline says Liverpool won 2–1. The football says Brentford were the better side for the 44 minutes it was even. Andrews will be furious — and not without justification. Liverpool: 12 points. Fifth. The resilience is real, but so is the fortune.