Liverpool secure Champions League spot as Salah exits with assist in final game

With tears in his eyes, Mohamed Salah bid a heartfelt farewell to Anfield, delivering his 93rd assist for Liverpool in the Premier League during the 1-1 draw with Brentford. The Egyptian star, 33, started on the right wing as expected, despite recent speculation about being benched following criticism after the loss at Aston Villa.

Salah’s final attempt to add to his 257 Liverpool goals came when his free-kick struck the post in the first half. Yet his legacy was secured when his pinpoint cross from the right was converted by Curtis Jones just before the hour mark. Brentford equalized through Kevin Schade’s close-range header, but the point was enough to secure Liverpool’s fifth-place finish and Champions League qualification.

Below, we assess every Liverpool player’s performance on the day as Salah and Andy Robertson stepped into the sunset after memorable careers in Merseyside.

Goalkeepers and defenders

Alisson Becker (6/10): Made a crucial save against Schade before halftime but couldn’t prevent Brentford’s equalizer.

Curtis Jones (7/10): Filled in at right-back with composure, driving the attack and scoring from Salah’s assist. His involvement in the build-up to Schade’s goal was unfortunate, but his overall contribution was notable.

Ibrahima Konaté (5/10): Commanding in the air but gave away a needless yellow card for a clumsy foul as his contract nears expiration.

Virgil van Dijk (6/10): Dominant as ever, though frustrated by another clean sheet slipping away.

Andy Robertson (6/10): Solid but not spectacular in his final appearance. Schade’s equalizer exposed vulnerabilities, but he received a well-deserved ovation alongside Salah.
Midfield

Ryan Gravenberch (7/10): Energetic and incisive, nearly scoring from distance in the first half.

Alexis Mac Allister (5/10): Worked hard but lacked end product, culminating in a late yellow card for a heavy tackle.

Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10): Mobile and creative, setting up Gakpo and nearly winning the game in the dying moments.
Attack

Mohamed Salah (8/10): Played with intent, missing a sitter from a free-kick that hit the post. His cross for Jones’ goal broke the club’s all-time assist record, surpassing Steven Gerrard.

Cody Gakpo (6/10): Linked up well but saw his header saved after Szoboszlai’s cross.

Rio Ngumoha (7/10): Fearless and nearly scored with a curled effort that rattled the crossbar.
Substitutes and manager

Florian Wirtz (6/10): Showed glimpses of quality but denied by a brilliant Kelleher save late on.

Jeremie Frimpong (5/10): Ineffective after replacing Salah on the right flank.

Arne Slot (5/10): Resisted benching Salah despite recent criticism. His team’s defensive frailties remain a concern ahead of summer reinforcements.