Liverpool squandered the chance to move closer to the Premier League top four as Brentford punished their defensive frailties in a deserved win at the Community Stadium.
In a desperate first half, Liverpool scored two poor goals amid an inspired performance from the hosts.
The opener came when Ibrahima Konaté deflected a corner into his own goal after 19 minutes.
Liverpool were unable to deal with set pieces from Brentford, conceding twice more from corners in the first half only to have both goals ruled out for offside.
Moments after Yoane Wissa’s second disallowed effort, the Bees striker headed in after Liverpool dropped the ball.
A triple half-time change from a visibly frustrated Reds manager Jurgen Klopp, including replacing captain Virgil van Dijk, had the desired effect and Liverpool pulled one back through Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain within five minutes of restarting.
At this point the momentum seemed to be with Liverpool, but Brentford weathered the storm.
With six minutes to go, Bryan Mbeumo sealed an impressive win, brushing Konaté away chasing a long ball before heading home.
Brentford are now unbeaten in six games – their best run in the top flight for over 80 years – and sit seventh.
Liverpool, who would have been a point behind fourth with a win, remain sixth and two behind the Bees.
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