Yehor Yarmoliuk's red card late in the first half proved to be a turning point, enabling Liverpool to stage a comeback at Brentford. Although Keane Lewis-Potter opened the scoring for the hosts, second-half goals from Victor Munoz and Alexander Isak secured a 2-1 victory for the visitors.

Victor Munoz (right) of Liverpool controls the ball in the air against Keane Lewis-Potter of Brentford during their Premier League match in London, England, on 17/10/2026. *Photo: AP*

Yarmoliuk received a red card in first-half stoppage time after referee John Brooks reviewed a headbutt incident involving the Brentford midfielder and defender Jeremy Jacquet on the pitchside monitor. The direct red card meant the Ukrainian player was sent off.

This decision left Brentford playing the entire second half with 10 men, despite holding a 1-0 lead. The hosts had gained their advantage in the 44th minute when Lewis-Potter headed home Igor Thiago's cross from the right wing, beating Alisson Becker.

Lewis-Potter's goal had come when Liverpool struggled to assert dominance. However, Yarmoliuk's red card forced Brentford to alter their strategy, providing the visitors with more space and time to press.

Liverpool capitalized on their numerical advantage after halftime. In the 62nd minute, Florian Wirtz threaded a pass through the Brentford defense, allowing Munoz to break into the right side of the penalty area. The Spanish midfielder cut inside onto his left foot before firing a low shot into the near corner, beating Caoimhin Kelleher to level the score at 1-1.

The equalizer eased the pressure on Liverpool, and Munoz was visibly thrilled to score his second Premier League goal. Despite his excitement, he quickly signaled his teammates to restart play. Brentford attempted to hold on, but their numerical disadvantage made it difficult to maintain their defensive shape, while Liverpool effectively exploited their advantage.

In the 70th minute, Alexander Isak sealed the comeback for the visitors. Bradley Barcola headed the ball into the path of the Swedish striker, who, despite being off balance, managed to connect with a left-footed diagonal shot to secure the 2-1 lead.

In second-half stoppage time, the match was effectively decided when Brentford received their second red card. Defender Vitaly Janelt committed a foul on Rio Ngumoha from behind, earning his second yellow card and a subsequent dismissal. Reduced to 9 men, the hosts were unable to mount a comeback.

The victory propelled Liverpool to fifth place, while Brentford dropped to sixth.

Xuan Binh