Liverpool have had a very poor start to their second game of 2026 against Fulham.
The new year has not started very well for the Reds as after drawing 0-0 at home to Leeds, they find themselves behind against Fulham at half time.
Arne Slot has had to make a few changes, most notably leaving Hugo Ekitike out of the squad due to a slight hamstring issue, with Cody Gakpo playing through the middle instead.
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However, Liverpool have been very sub-par in the first 45 minutes and Harry Wilson’s goal highlights a big issue that they seem to keep having, with the worst thing being that Slot has no control over it.
Liverpool dominate possession but then switch off
The Reds have had all of the possession in this game, just like they often do, but have failed to do anything with it.
Gakpo had the best chance of the half but scuffed his shot, with the Reds creating absolutely nothing other than that.
The only positive is that they looked like they were not going to concede either after barely giving Fulham a touch of the ball, but as always, they switched off.
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They played one simple ball through the team and left Wilson unmarked on the left, with the former Red finishing it well into the bottom right-hand corner.
Fulham's Welsh midfielder #08 Harry Wilson (R) scores the opening goal to take the lead 1-0 during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage
Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images
This lapse in concentration is something Reds fans have to put up with most weeks, although this one was punished and leaves Liverpool with a tough mountain to climb.
Slot really cannot control his team switching off, but he can do something about what they do with it down the other end of the pitch.
Liverpool are not positive enough
Despite all the attacking players on the pitch, Liverpool seem scared to try anything a bit risky, with almost every pass going sideways.
The one good chance they had came from an excellent ball for Curtis Jones, with this the only time in the half where they took a risk.
Supporters knew that Slot brought a more controlled style of play with him, but this is far too controlled and they are waiting for perfection, something that will not come.
So, this is where the Reds need to just go for it, as being too cautious is actually making them more vulnerable.
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