Full Breakdown
Salah and Robertson’s Anfield Farewell Marks End of an Era
5/25/2026, 11:47:13 AM
Anfield Farewell: Salah and Robertson’s Final Match
On 24 May 2026 Liverpool hosted Brentford at Anfield in the Premier League’s final round. Mohamed Salah delivered an outside-foot cross for Curtis Jones’s 58th-minute goal; Kevin Schade equalised six minutes later. The 1-1 draw secured fifth place, 60 points, and Champions League qualification.
Season Overview
Liverpool entered as defending champions but finished with a record-low 60 points for a top-five finish, the lowest since Tottenham in 2006-07. Inconsistent possession, defensive lapses and a prolonged goal-scoring drought forced a late surge to clinch European football.
Key Players
Mohamed Salah (Egypt, 257 goals, 93 PL assists) and Andy Robertson (Scotland, 378 appearances, 69 assists) both completed nine seasons. Head coach Arne Slot, in his second year, faced scrutiny over tactics. Former captain Jordan Henderson returned with Brentford and received a guard of honour.
Match Numbers
Liverpool held 60 % possession, completed 434 passes (83 % accuracy) and fired 24 shots (8 on target). Brentford had 40 % possession, 16 shots (5 on target) and 14 corners. Liverpool created four big chances but only Jones scored.
Official Statements
Arne Slot said the side “had chances to score more than one goal” and that “we deserved to qualify for the Champions League.” Salah noted “we put this club back where it belongs” and expressed pride in the achievement. Robertson described the week as “emotionally drained” and thanked fans.
Criticism
Analysts pointed to wasteful finishing, ponderous possession and defensive frailties, noting Liverpool “failed to create many chances” despite dominating play and conceding 14 corners, fueling doubts over Slot’s tactical approach.
Fan Reactions
A guard of honour formed as Salah and Robertson left; the Kop sang “Three Little Birds” and chanted their names. Both players were visibly emotional, with Salah shedding tears after the final whistle.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources confirm Salah’s 93rd PL assist and the 1-1 result, but the future clubs for Salah, Robertson and several senior players remain unconfirmed, with only speculative links to Italy, Saudi Arabia and Scotland.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think I cried more than in my whole life. I'm not really an emotional guy. We lived our youth here, sharing everything from the beginning to the end,” — Mohamed Salah, Sky Sports interview
- “We put this club back where it belongs.” — Mohamed Salah, post-match interview
- “We had chances to score more than one goal. We almost lost in the end, and in the end, it was a draw.” — Arne Slot, BBC Match of the Day
Looking Ahead
The transfer window opens 15 June; Liverpool is expected to pursue replacements for Salah and Robertson while assessing Arne Slot’s long-term role as head coach.
