Klopp responds as Liverpool miss chance to send title message at Brentford

Jurgen Klopp was left to rue Liverpool's lacklustre defending as his side spurned the chance to take a two-point lead at the top of the table with a 3-3 draw away at Brentford.

Brentford took the lead early on in what was a topsy-turvy tie between the newly-promoted hosts and a Liverpool side aiming to mount a serious title tilt after last season's attempt to retain their Premier League crown fell spectacularly short as a result of a remarkable injury crisis.

Diogo Jota equalised shortly after and Mohamed Salah handed the visitors the lead only for the Reds to be pegged back by Vitaly Janelt's header just after the hour mark.

Jurgen Klopp conceded Brentford were worthy of their point (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Cutis Jones' deflected effort put Klopp's side back in front before Yoane Wissa's 82nd-minute goal ensured Brentford took more points off 'big six' opposition - just weeks after their opening-day victory over Arsenal.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the Reds boss said: "[I'm] not sure enjoy is the right word. It was a wild ride. They deserved their three goals for the way they played. We obviously couldn't deal with the long balls today but we should have scored more goals."

Earlier on in the day, both Chelsea and Manchester United were on the end of 1-0 home defeats - presenting Liverpool with the chance to extend their lead over the rest of their title rivals.

Klopp went on to concede that Thomas Frank's side were worthy of their point - even if it did cost Liverpool the chance to open up a gap at the top.

"They deserved it," said the German. "I don't think you can control them much better, we created a lot of clear-cut chances but couldn't deal with them defensively. These things happen.

"We should have scored more. If we win 3-2 or 4-3 we still have these struggles defensively. Toney and Mbuemo did really well. Brentford deserved a point.

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Jurgen Klopp conceded Brentford were worthy of their point (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"I have no problem with accepting when you play this kind of football. That's football. You have to create things to deserve to win. They deserved a point as well because they put up a proper fight.

"I respect that a lot. In the end there were situations we should do better - and then it could be a completely different game. Their goalie should have number 10 on his shirt with the balls that he played."