“We Have to Start Better” – Ryan Gravenberch on Liverpool’s Clash with Brentford | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Slow Starts Must End as Brentford Challenge Awaits

Liverpool’s ability to claw their way back from losing positions has been a hallmark of their season, but as Ryan Gravenberch rightly pointed out, the Reds need to start games with greater intensity. With Brentford up next, Arne Slot’s side must address their recurring sluggish openings to ensure they maintain their grip on the Premier League summit.

Defensive Lapses and the Need for Urgency

Liverpool’s habit of conceding early is becoming an unwanted trend. Five times in their last seven league outings, they have fallen behind. Nottingham Forest took full advantage of that vulnerability, punishing the Reds with their first significant attack of the game. While Diogo Jota salvaged a point late on, the match was yet another example of Liverpool making life harder than necessary.

Photo: IMAGO

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Gravenberch acknowledged the issue: “It’s just the intensity what we give [and] I think also when we look at it back, it’s just the intensity in pressing and making the deep runs etc.” The Dutch midfielder’s assessment points to a fundamental problem – Liverpool are reactive rather than proactive in the opening stages.

Brentford’s Physical Challenge

Brentford will pose a different kind of threat at the Gtech Community Stadium. Their physical approach, combined with their ability to punish defensive lapses, makes them a dangerous opponent. Last season, Liverpool struggled in this fixture, something Gravenberch is keen to avoid repeating. “We know also from last season, it was not easy, and we have to give our all. We have to start better than the game at Forest and then I think we have a good chance to win the game.”

Thomas Frank’s side will likely attempt to unsettle Liverpool early on, knowing that slow starts have plagued the league leaders. If the Reds fail to assert themselves in the opening exchanges, Brentford will fancy their chances of capitalising.

Photo: IMAGO

Gravenberch’s Growing Influence

On a personal level, Gravenberch has become a pivotal figure under Slot. He has already played significantly more minutes this season than in the entirety of the last campaign, establishing himself as a consistent presence in Liverpool’s midfield. His performances have added dynamism to the team, and his work ethic has been evident in his approach. “I just want to give everything when I am on the pitch. I want to show myself every day and also I just look after my body well.”

His commitment is exactly what Liverpool need from all their midfielders, particularly in the opening phases of matches. If Liverpool can match his intensity from the first whistle, they will stand a far greater chance of securing three points in West London.

Keeping Momentum Alive

Liverpool may not have lost any of the matches in which they’ve fallen behind recently, but that doesn’t mean they should continue testing their resilience. Slot’s men must learn from the second half against Forest, where they dominated possession and created a wealth of chances. “I think 100 per cent [we can take that momentum into Saturday] because we gave everything in the second half. We created a lot of chances, we didn’t finish them but we created.”

Photo: IMAGO

If they can replicate that performance over 90 minutes against Brentford, Liverpool’s title push will remain firmly on track. The challenge now is not just to respond when under pressure, but to take control from the very first kick.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool’s ability to grind out results has been remarkable, but fans will be hoping for a more controlled display at Brentford. The slow starts are frustrating, particularly when the team has the firepower to put games to bed early. The match against Forest felt like a microcosm of the season—falling behind, rallying back, but ultimately failing to capitalise on dominance.

Gravenberch’s words reflect a growing awareness within the squad that this trend must change. His growing influence in the midfield is a positive sign, and his hunger to prove himself is evident. His battle against Brentford’s midfield will be crucial.

Liverpool need to stamp their authority early on Saturday. Brentford will test them physically, but if Slot’s side can set the tempo from the start, they should have enough quality to come away with all three points. No more slow starts—this is the moment to show why they are leading the league.