Bees will keep proving their doubters wrong next season

Brentford's European dream may be over but this was another performance that will fill their fans with hope for the future, and it was more evidence of the great job that manager Keith Andrews has done this season.

The game at Anfield was overshadowed by the farewells for two Liverpool legends - Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson - but Brentford came so close to the win which would have not only delivered European football but also a famous double over Arne Slot's side.

Their equaliser, just six minutes after Liverpool had taken the lead, summed up Brentford's character and fighting spirit. Then in the closing stages they gave Liverpool so many nervy moments, including wasting a great chance just before the final whistle.

Meanwhile, what Andrews said after the game will surely add to the optimism around Brentford right now. He told reporters that he is excited because they will "be better next year".

So, sadly, Bees fans won't be having a European tour just yet, but from the evidence of the performance they produced at Anfield, and also the displays throughout the entire campaign, it seems as though the club will be back pushing for those European spots a year from now.

A team tipped by many pundits as relegation favourites came so close to the Europa League and no doubt they'll keep on proving their doubters wrong next season.