Sunday afternoon’s Premier League encounter between Liverpool and Fulham saw the Reds return from behind with two late goals to win 4-3 at Anfield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s superbly executed free-kick gave Liverpool the lead as it struck the bar and bounced off Fulham custodian Bernd Leno’s back. However, the shoddy defense let the Cottagers draw even when USMNT player Antonee Robinson returned a cut-back pass to Harry Wilson for the finish.
Shortly afterward, Alexis Mac Allister produced an unbelievable long-range shot that gave Leno no chance, potentially leading to the season’s best goal. However, Kenny Tete’s corner goal before halftime was too much for Liverpool to hold on to.
After Darwin Núñez struck the crossbar in the second half, three Fulham substitutes combined to give the home team the lead, punishing them for not capitalizing on their opportunities. With ten minutes remaining, Bobby Decordova-Reid converted Tom Cairney’s cross towards the back post after an ingenious inside pass from Willian.
Wataru Endo’s comeback in the 87th minute added to the tension, and Alexander-Arnold’s brilliant effort a minute later saw him chest the ball down.
Liverpool didn’t play their best, but they did manage four excellent goals, which keeps them in the lead in the Premier League title battle.
Advantages
Mac Allister’s goal is a strong candidate for goal of the season. Liverpool scored some outstanding goals. The Reds overcame some subpar defending thanks to their opportunity creation.
Adverse Effects
If Liverpool wants to remain in the title race, they need to improve their defense since they might be punished by superior opponents on another day.
Manager assessment
9 — On Sunday afternoon, Jurgen Klopp executed the tactics perfectly and wasn’t responsible for any individual mistakes resulting in goals. After both players scored late goals, it was his choice to push Alexander-Arnold forward and insert Endo, which ultimately proved to be the winning move for his team.
Player rankings (1–10, with ten being the best and no rating for players added after 70 minutes)
G.K. Kelleher Caoimhin, 5 — In place of the injured Alisson, the Republic of Ireland international should have performed better on both goals. In the first, he was hit quickly and directly, while in the second, he made a stupid and hasty decision to stray from his line.
DF Tsimikas Kostas, 5 — Tsimikas was straight in his passing and attempted to support attacks down the left wing, but Fulham’s third goal—which saw him beaten too easily at the back post—was the game’s pivotal moment.
DF Van Dijk Virgil, 5 — the captain could have been in a better position for the first goal because Liverpool’s defensive line was totally out of rhythm. Even if he played better in the second half, it wasn’t his best performance.
DF Joel Matip, five Matip, had a mixed day; while he made a crucial tackle to deny Wilson in the first half, he could have been more aggressive in other areas of his defense.
DF Trent (Arnold) Alexander, 9 — Liverpool took the lead thanks to a superb free-kick during a solid performance overall in which he flourished as a playmaker. There will be no question about the second goal he struck with a shot Steven Gerrard would have been proud of, even though he wasn’t given credit for the first.
MF Alexis Mac Allister, the seventh Fulham’s first equalizer, came from a Mac Allister cross that he could not block, but he quickly atoned for his miss by scoring a possible season-long goal from 28 yards.
MF Gravenberch Ryan, six while he could drive at the defenders with the ball, the 21-year-old looked bright while getting in front of his opponent, which helped Liverpool up the tempo in several attacks. Before being replaced, he was silent during the second half.
MF 6— Dominik Szoboszlai Szoboszlai showed some skill with the ball at times, and his dribbling earned Liverpool the free kick from which Alexander-Arnold scored. However, during his 65 minutes on the pitch, he appeared to come and go from the game.
FW Luis Díaz Six, — Calvin Bassey, the Colombian international’s marker, was frequently outclassed by him and was made to commit many fouls in the first half. Diaz was unfortunate not to equalize after forcing a good stop from Leno with a header from Alexander-Arnold’s corner.
Darwin Nunez, FW, 5 Despite making several impressive runs behind the defense, the 24-year-old could not convert Salah’s assist into a goal, slamming the ball against the crossbar. The Uruguayan international’s day wasn’t very successful in terms of finishing.
Mohamed Salah, FW, 7 Salah was unlucky not to receive an assist after two well-placed passes to Nunez that should have resulted in goals. In the first half, Salah had the ball in the net before it was ruled to be offside.
Replacements (players added after 70 minutes do not receive a rating)
FW Cody Gakpo, 6 He played the game quietly at first, but Gakpo entered the picture when it counted most. When he rushed forward, he exuded confidence with the ball, and his effort nearly went inside the near post, setting up Alexander-Arnold to put Liverpool ahead.
DF Joe Gomez, six, was moved to right back so Alexander-Arnold could play at a higher level. He put in a lot of work on the right wing and was a formidable opponent in duels.
DF Ibrahima Konaté (six) Konaté, who replaced Matip, was instrumental in coordinating Liverpool’s defense in the closing stages.
MF Endo Wataru, N/R — The Japan international, who isn’t very good at scoring goals, levelled with a well-placed shot into the upper corner.