After the postponed and very anticipated Merseyside Derby, Liverpool was truly back in Premier League as they faced Fulham on Saturday. Their last meeting had quite an interesting score. While The Reds have been making headlines all over with their contract sagas, everything were put back to standby as the Reds took on Fulham in Anfield to be on their winning ways.
Their last fixture against Everton will now be played next year in February (the decision still awaits the green light from UEFA). After barely winning against Girona, thanks to Salah’s spot kick, the Reds were eager to get the three points and regain their momentum in the Premier League as their last fixture were drawn against Newcastle United.
Given both the Sky Blues and the Gunners have dropped points last week, the Reds will now have an extra advantage given they will have 1 game advantage over them in the fixture. So far, Chelsea is now the closest contender for Arne Slot’s Liverpool. And the manager was looking forward to getting the much-needed 3 points to have an advantage over the Blues.
Prior to the match, there were good news in Anfield as Diogo Jota was back in training with Federico Chiesa not far away from a return. The Scousers already knew that Macca would miss out on the fixture, which almost made it confirmed that Dominic and Curtis would start alongside Gravenberch.
Harrison Reed was already out due to his knee injury for Fulham. However, before the match, it was expected that the Spanish International Adama Traore would begin the match.
While the Reds for sure are having a good start to the season, with the jam-packed schedule of the 2024-25 season, anything can happen in football. And it was nothing less as the game kicked off and it was all to play for.
This was exactly what happened as Pereira opened up the net with an acrobatic strike. While the Fulham team tried their best to double up on their lead, Liverpool stood firm, thanks to Slot’s trust in his 10 men and his constant switch of tactics. The halftime saw 0-1 with an advantage for the visitors.
The second half started and the inevitable happened. Salah’s cross saw Gakpo converting for an equalizer. 75th minute in the game and Muniz scored the 2nd goal for Fulham, giving the club the lead back again. However, Diogo Jota slotted it past Leno with a cool finish to equalize once again. The whole of Anfield was on their feet to see another goal from the home team. However, the poor refereeing and time wasting from Fulham saw the score 2-2 at the end of the game.
Liverpool Player Ratings vs Fulham
Goalkeeper
Alisson (5.5/10)
Had nothing to do with the goal scored by Pereira. Robbo’s deflection took it away from the Brazilian. Played really well for the rest of the game.
Defenders
Alexander-Arnold (5/10)
Seem to be always catching up to Iwobi. Was sloppy with some of his passes too. Got subbed off in 78th minute.
Van Dijk (6.5/10)
A true captain. Led the back line rather well after the team saw Robertson leave the pitch in the 10th minute. Great with his long passes.
Gomez (6.5/10)
Liverpool’s most versatile player. Saved the team from conceding the 2nd goal as he blocked a crucial shot in the box. Played multiple positions in the game. He fended off Adama like a true CB.
Robertson (4/10)
While the Scottish Captain was sloppy with his play, the controversial refereeing followed up with him after giving Diaz an unnecessary Yellow card saw Robbo get a Red. The decision was particularly controversial as Fulham had a clear advantage following the Robbo foul.
Midfielders
Szoboszlai (6/10)
Matches like these show how valuable the Hungarian is. What a tremendous work ethic. He was everywhere in the pitch. Got subbed off after Liverpool conceeded the second time.
Jones (6/10)
The Englishman has matured as a player and it shows in the pitch as he controlled the tempo of the game rather well.
Gravenberch (6.5/10)
Liverpool’s greatest player in the first half. Played exceptionally well in both CDM and later as a centre-back as Slot changed tactics.
Forwards
Salah (6/10)
Looked rather invisible in the first half. But whenever he got the ball in his feet, he looked dangerous. Assisted Gakpo with the equalizer.
Gakpo (6/10)
Been the busiest in front three. Good link-up plays with the midfielders. Scored the equalizer for Liverpool. Got subbed later in the second half.
Diaz (5.5/10)
Picked up a yellow card early. Was good with his runs and gave trouble to Fulham defenders.
Manager
Arne Slot (6/10)
Was very busy in the first half. Seen exploring tactics with his circle. Got booked with a yellow card.
Substitutions
Kelleher: N.A.
Endo: N.A.
Nunez (4/10)
Came along Quansah in the 68th minute. He was the replacement for Cody Gakpo. Got a chance to score the equalizer but he could not place his header well. Assisted the Jota goal but caught a yellow card. Though, the fans loved his hunger.
Chiesa:
Elliott (4/10)
The Englishman came in for Alexander Arnold in the 78th minute. Almost scored the equalizer with a curling shot.
Jota (4/10)
Came in for Dominic Szoboszlai in the 78th minute. A true fox in the box. What a player. The Portuguese scored the equalizer. What a finisher!
Quansah (4/10)
Came in for Jones in the 68th minute after the ankle issue.
Morton: N.A.
Nyoni: N.A.
Fulham Player Ratings vs Liverpool
Goalkeeper
Leno (5/10)
Looked less busy between the two goalkeepers.
Defenders
Tete (6/10)
Denied Liverpool a great chance that would have come from Curtis Jones as Lukic made a sloppy back pass. He was subbed off in the 52nd minute.
Diop (5.5/10)
Was a good partner to Tete. Played rather well in the defense.
Cuenca (5/10)
Gave a lot of trouble to the Reds with his flank runs.
Robinson (5.5/10)
What an energetic player. Gave the Liverpool full-backs all sorts of problems with his runs and trackbacks.
Midfielders
Berge (5/10)
Looked very good in the first half. But was overwhelmed as the second half started. Got booked in the 80th minute.
Lukic (4.5/10)
Although he is known to play on the edge, it was a sloppy pass from him that almost led to a Liverpool goal.
Wilson (5/10)
He did some very good runs. Looked very dangerous in the first half.
Pereira (6.5/10)
Looked very dangerous in the early stages. And opened up the net for the visitors with his acrobatic strike.
Iwobi (6/10)
Was very good with the deliveries in the first half.
Forwards
Jimenez (5.5/10)
While he tracked back to play passes with his team, it wasn’t a good forward performance from him. Got subbed off in 67th minute.
Manager
Marco Silva
Was the less stressed manager.
Substitutions
Benda: N.A.
Castagne (5/10)
Came in the 52nd minute for Tete.
Sessengon: N.A.
King: N.A.
Smith Rowe (4/10)
Came in with Munoz in the 67th minute for Jimenez.
Adama (4/10)
Came in after Diogo Jota scored the equalizer.
Muniz (4/10)
came in the 67th minute for Pereira. Turned out to be the super sub as he scored the second goal.
Vinicius: N.A.
When was the match between Liverpool vs Fulham?
The match between Liverpool vs Fulham was in 14th December, 2024.
What was the score between Liverpool vs Fulham?
The score between Liverpool vs Fulham was 2-2.
Who was the best player in Liverpool vs Fulham?
Mo Salah was the best player in Liverpool vs Fulham match.
Who was the worst player in Liverpool vs Fulham?
Robertson was the worst player in Liverpool vs Fulham.