Arne Slot wasn't able to extend Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League as Fulham held the league leaders 2-2 in front of a rowdy Anfield crowd
17:03, 14 Dec 2024Updated 17:09, 14 Dec 2024
Arne slot
Arne Slot still finds himself at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool drew 2-2 at Anfield against a high-flying Fulham side as Arne Slot's momentum begins to slow down.
Fulham took the lead early in the game when Antonee Robinson crossed a ball to the back post. Although it looked like it was just going too far, Andreas Pereira showed his athleticism by sticking out a leg and finished off a magnificent move.
Liverpool's woes were worsened when Andy Robertson found himself sent off within 20 minutes. A poor touch put the ball into the path of Harry Wilson who the Scotsman took down with a poor challenge. It was a straight red for denying a goal scoring opportunity.
Anfield was brought back to life instantly in the second-half when Mohamed Salah sent a ball to the back post where Cody Gakpo was waiting to nod it home.
Fulham scored what they thought was the winner 15 minutes from full-time as Robinson played a key role yet again. After out pacing Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alex Iwobi slipped in the American who tapped the ball to Rodrigo Muniz who scored from close range.
It was substitute Diogo Jota who silenced the fans from London as he turned inside one defender to score what was a fantastic goal in the 86th minute - a welcome return to Anfield from his two month injury. But no more could be done as Liverpool scrambled for a winner.
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Didn't control Antonee Robinson
Antonee Robinson continued to prove himself one of the best left-backs in the Premier League
Antonee Robinson continued to prove himself one of the best left-backs in the Premier League(Image: Getty Images)
The Fulham left-back has proven himself one of the top players in his position in the Premier League. His ability on the ball, defensive intelligence and eye for space has caused issues for multiple teams - and it was Liverpool who were next on the list.
The talk before the game was if he could handle Salah. When Fulham put in the opening goal thanks to a Robinson assist, the question changed to if Liverpool could handle the Fulham player.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was constantly caught in two minds between keeping Iwobi in check and Robinson running down the wing. It wasn't an easy day for the Red.
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Poor aggressive tackling
Andrew Robertson was sent off against Fulham
Andrew Robertson was sent off against Fulham(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
To give the benefit of the doubt, both sides were rough with their tackling from the get go. Fulham's Issa Diop was booked in the first two minutes due to a scraping challenge on Roberston.
But if you are going to tackle hard, the key thing is to stay on the pitch, something which the Scotsman failed to do.
The challenge on Wilson was rushed and careless. His boot got no where near the ball and it ended up with Liverpool having to play the majority of the game with 10-men.
Underestimated a former player
Robertson
Harry Wilson was a nuisance down the right-wing(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Harry Wilson was one of the best players at Anfield today. It was the kind of performance that would annoy Liverpool supporters that he's not back in a Red shirt.
The Welshman's pace down the right hand side was clearly a worry for Liverpool from the first whistle. Robertson could only handle him for 17 minutes before being sent off for a challenge on the Fulham man.
His free-kick from just outside the box had the entire stadium silent as it looked to be dipping in. He always looked a threat.
Couldn't handle Fulham counter-attack
Andreas Pereira scored the opener with a stunning athletic goal
Andreas Pereira scored the opener with a stunning athletic goal(Image: Getty Images)
When Liverpool beat Girona in the Champions League mid-week, Slot had criticised his sides pressing. Their Spanish opponents often played their way through the midfield and counter-attacked repeatedly.
They had four days to fix this before they faced a Fulham side who have caused big teams problems with their own counter-attack. Arsenal weren't able to deal with this, neither were Manchester City; nor Liverpool.
Alexander-Arnold was often found out of position letting Iwobi and Robinson work their magic on the left hand side.
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