Shocking Liverpool Trail Brentford After Yarmoliuk Red Card

Image Source: BBC

Liverpool are trailing Brentford 1-0 at half-time in a dramatic Premier League contest at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, 17 October 2026. Kevin Lewis-Potter gave the hosts the lead shortly before the interval, while Brentford were reduced to 10 men after Yehor Yarmoliuk received a red card following a VAR review.

Shocking Liverpool setback as Brentford strike before half-time

The match began with Liverpool enjoying the greater share of possession, but Brentford produced the decisive moment in the 44th minute. Igor Thiago supplied the assist for Lewis-Potter, who finished to put the home side ahead.

That goal came after Liverpool had seen plenty of the ball without seriously testing Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. The visitors recorded 59.4% possession and seven shots during the opening half, but none were on target. Brentford managed six attempts, with one on target, and looked dangerous during several attacking phases.

Liverpool’s attacking line included Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola and Víctor Muñoz, but the visitors struggled to turn their control of possession into clear chances. Their midfield also changed early, with T. Nyoni replacing Dominik Szoboszlai in the 32nd minute.

Yehor Yarmoliuk sees red after VAR intervention

The biggest flashpoint arrived deep into stoppage time. Referee John Brooks initially allowed play to continue, but video assistant referee Darren England recommended an on-field review after Yarmoliuk made a headbutting action towards Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet.

Brooks eventually showed Yarmoliuk a straight red card at 45 minutes and eight seconds. Because the ball was not in play, no penalty was awarded, but the dismissal was issued for violent conduct.

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann told the BBC that the decision was correct, describing the red card as “inevitable” after the Brentford midfielder made clear movement with his head. Former England defender Martin Keown offered a more cautious view, saying Yarmoliuk had taken a risk by moving towards his opponent.

The decision left Brentford with a one-goal advantage but a numerical disadvantage for the entire second half. BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty called the incident “totally needless”, particularly because Brentford had been leading and appeared in control.

Can Liverpool turn possession into a comeback?

The statistics suggested a competitive first half, despite Liverpool’s inability to register a shot on target. Brentford had 40.6% possession compared with Liverpool’s 59.4%, while expected goals were narrowly in the visitors’ favour at 0.66 to 0.53.

• Half-time score: Brentford 1-0 Liverpool
• Goal: Kevin Lewis-Potter, 44 minutes
• Assist: Igor Thiago
• Red card: Yehor Yarmoliuk, 45 minutes plus eight
• Possession: Brentford 40.6%, Liverpool 59.4%
• Shots: Brentford six, Liverpool seven
• Shots on target: Brentford one, Liverpool zero

With Brentford down to 10 players, Liverpool are likely to increase the pressure after the restart. Captain Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister and Alexander Isak will be expected to help the visitors find a way through a compact home defence.

Brentford, meanwhile, face a difficult tactical challenge. Keith Andrews’ side must protect their lead without surrendering too much territory. Lewis-Potter’s goal has given the hosts momentum, but Yarmoliuk’s dismissal could completely change the pattern of the game.

Premier League stakes rise for both teams

The result carries significance in a tightly packed Premier League table. Brentford began the day fourth with 13 points, while Liverpool were ninth on nine points. A win would strengthen Brentford’s early-season push towards the European places, whereas Liverpool need a positive result to avoid losing further ground.

The fixture also continues a competitive recent head-to-head record. Brentford beat Liverpool 3-2 in October 2025, while the reverse fixture in May 2026 ended 1-1. Liverpool won the previous meeting at the Gtech Community Stadium in January 2025, but the latest contest was again proving difficult for the visitors.

All eyes now turn to the second half. Liverpool have the extra man, the majority of possession and a narrow statistical edge in expected goals. Brentford have the lead, home support and a chance to produce a major result if they can withstand the pressure.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Liverpool score against Brentford?

Liverpool are losing 1-0 to Brentford at half-time in the live Premier League match.

Who scored for Brentford?

Kevin Lewis-Potter scored Brentford’s opening goal in the 44th minute, assisted by Igor Thiago.

Why was Yehor Yarmoliuk sent off?

Yarmoliuk was shown a red card for violent conduct after a VAR review of his headbutting action towards Jeremy Jacquet.

Did Liverpool have more possession?

Yes. Liverpool had 59.4% possession compared with Brentford’s 40.6% at half-time.