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OUTSTANDING performance from Liverpool transfer target hands Arne Slot title boost

While the club's expectations at the start of the season were tempered, as Arne Slot was faced with the daunting task of replacing Jurgen Klopp, it is now clear that Liverpool can be serious contenders for the Premier League title.

After 21 games played, the team has won 18 of them, losing just one in that time, and now sitting at the top of the Premier League and the Champions League, they've proved their credentials as a team to look out for this season.

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In their fight for Premier League glory stands reigning champions Manchester City and title pretenders from the past few seasons, Arsenal.

And while Liverpool were unable to play this weekend as their Merseyside Derby clash against Everton was postponed because of the safety threat caused by Storm Darragh, the team was still able to have a successful weekend, pulling away from their rivals.

Arsenal drop points away at Fulham

While Fulham have been a bogey team for the Gunners in recent years, an Arsenal outfit with Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka was always favoured for the victory.

However, in emphatic fashion, Raul Jimenez gave the Cottagers the lead, and that advantage remained intact at half-time.

The home side had only created 0.03xg throughout the opening 45 minutes, but it was enough to send a shiver down Mikel Arteta's spine, although his team were still in the game.

It took a Saliba header from a corner in the 52nd minute to bring Arsenal back to parity - a moment Arsenal's set piece coach Nicolas Jover will be particularly proud about, as Arsenal's last three goals have all been from corners.

And it looked like Arsenal were set to take all three points, when Saka scored in the 90th minute, but Gabriel Martinelli was ruled offside for his involvement in the build-up.

As such, it means that Liverpool will gain points on both Arsenal (two points) and Man City (three points) if they can win their game in hand against Everton when it is eventually rescheduled.

For Fulham, it was a job well done at Craven Cottage ahead of next week's visit to Anfield, and an essential part of today's performance was full-back Antonee Robinson, who was charged with locking up Saka today.

Robertson replacement excels in Arsenal audition

Liverpool have been linked with Antonee Robinson for a number of months now, as the Reds' current left-back Andrew Robertson begins to show clear signs of decline.

In order to keep the defence in tip-top shape, and to continue the good defensive work that Arne Slot has been able to deliver from his players so far this season - 15 goals conceded in 21 matches - the club may need to bite the bullet and invest in a new future star.

And what better way to show your transfer admirers what you can do than locking up Bukayo Saka and captaining your team to a well-deserved point against title contenders Arsenal?

While captaining the Cottagers in this afternoon's display, Robinson managed five clearances, three interceptions, five tackles, 6/9 ground duels, 1/2 aerial duels and 1/2 successful dribbles.

Not a bad showing at all and at 27 years old, it was the sort of performance you'd expect from a qualified professional, although it's easier said than done competing against the best teams.

He even received praise on social media for his efforts, with fans left in awe by the American fullback.

"I’d be all over Antonee Robinson from Fulham if I was in charge of transfers at Liverpool, he’s absolutely brilliant. I love Robertson but it’s time to start planning for the future," one Liverpool fan wrote on X.

A Welsh football fan added: "Antonee Robinson is a top professional, most underrated fullback in the league easily."

"Whenever I want to show positive defending actions from full backs to show my players I always clip Antonee Robinson bits. The way he played Saka there. Aggressive without being rash and out of control," was the view of a UEFA-qualified grassroots football coach.

And Sam Dean from the Daily Telegraph said: "Arsenal have taken two points from the last nine available against Fulham. Whatever questions #AFC try to pose, Marco Silva seems to have the answers.

"Antonee Robinson was outstanding against Bukayo Saka & Sander Berge was tireless in midfield for #FFC".

With Andry Robertson set to be out of contract in 2026, meaning a decision on the Scottish captain's future will be needed by next year.

Should sporting director Richard Hughes be looking to move him on, there can't be too many better players out there to replace him than Robinson, who captained Fulham today.

Liverpool are also looking at the possibility of bringing in Bournemouth fullback Milos Kerkez, whom Hughes may have a better rapore with following his time as the Cherries' sporting director, but there are a variety of options out there, which ever way Liverpool choose to proceed.

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