Despite speculation about a possible bench role following recent criticism after the Aston Villa defeat, the 33-year-old Egyptian winger started on the right flank—a position he has occupied since joining from Roma in 2017. Salah, who will leave the club this summer, came agonizingly close to scoring when his powerful free-kick rattled the crossbar early in the first half.

His moment of magic arrived just before the hour mark when his pinpoint cross from the right wing found Curtis Jones, who nodded in the opener. The Egyptian’s final contribution to Liverpool’s cause was nothing short of spectacular, breaking Steven Gerrard’s club record for most Premier League assists.

Brentford equalized through Kevin Schade’s close-range header, but the point was enough to secure fifth place for Liverpool, guaranteeing their return to Europe’s elite competition next season.

Player ratings: liverpool’s reds reflect on a season of highs and lows

• Goalkeepers and defenders

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

  Curtis Jones (7/10): Deployed as an emergency right-back, Jones impressed with his energy and involvement in Liverpool’s best first-half moves. His perfectly timed run to convert Salah’s cross was a highlight, though his unfortunate deflection on Schade’s header served as a reminder of his quality ahead of a potential summer exit.

  Ibrahima Konaté (5/10): Comfortable in the air and precise with his passing, Konaté collected an avoidable yellow card for a clumsy challenge as his contract nears its end.

  Virgil van Dijk (6/10): Dominant as ever, the Dutchman will be disappointed Liverpool failed to keep a clean sheet once again.

  Andy Robertson (6/10): Preferred to Kerkez for his final appearance, the Scottish left-back put in a solid if unspectacular shift. He was outmuscled by Schade for the equalizer, though the deflection made the task impossible. Like Salah, he received a well-deserved standing ovation as he departed.

• Midfielders

  Ryan Gravenberch (7/10): One of Liverpool’s most energetic players, he crafted several promising openings in the first half and nearly scored with a well-struck long-range effort.

  Alexis Mac Allister (5/10): His work rate was evident, but his lack of end product remains concerning. Frustration boiled over with a reckless tackle on Igor Thiago, earning him a late yellow card.

  Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10): Ever mobile, he found Gakpo with a brilliant cross that deserved to be converted, then set up Wirtz with another chance. Though not outstanding, he remains Liverpool’s strongest candidate for player of the season.

• Forwards

  Mohamed Salah (8/10): Determined to end his Liverpool career on a high, Salah came close when his curling free-kick cannoned off the crossbar with Kelleher beaten. His cross for Jones’ goal showcased his mastery, allowing him to surpass Steven Gerrard as Liverpool’s all-time Premier League assist leader.

  Cody Gakpo (6/10): Created multiple chances for teammates and initiated the move leading to Jones’ goal. He had reason to rue a missed header from Szoboszlai’s cross that was blocked by a Brentford defender.

  Rio Ngumoha (7/10): The fearless teenager constantly tested Brentford’s defense, nearly opening the scoring with a sublime curling effort that just missed the target.

• Substitutes and manager

  Florian Wirtz (6/10): Returning in fine form, the German replaced Ngumoha late on. Initially struggling to find his rhythm, he was denied a last-gasp winner by Kelleher’s brilliant save in stoppage time.

  Jeremie Frimpong (5/10): Introduced for Salah on the right wing in the 74th minute, he failed to make a significant impact.

  Trey Nyoni (unrated): Came on for Gravenberch in the final 10 minutes.

  Milos Kerkez (N/A): Replaced Robertson in the 83rd minute.

  Joe Gomez (N/A): Stepped in for Konaté in stoppage time.

  Arne Slot (5/10): Resisted the urge to bench Salah following his recent outburst and was rewarded with a crucial assist. Ngumoha’s performance as a starter also provided encouragement, but Slot faces a monumental task this summer to shore up Liverpool’s leaky defense.