Ian Doyle with the talking points from Liverpool's Premier League clash at Fulham on Sunday afternoon
Cody Gakpo had put Liverpool ahead late on
Cody Gakpo had put Liverpool ahead late on(Image: AP)
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Among the many shortcomings of Liverpool’s season is one that not even the most pessimistic supporter could have forecast. Having been free-scoring on their way to the title, this new-look Reds have become alarmingly shot-shy.
Arne Slot’s need for greater defensive solidity after a nightmare autumn has come at the expense of the attacking verve that swept his team to the Premier League crown. And with hamstrung leading scorer Hugo Ekitike here joining Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah in being unavailable, it begged a simple question: who was going to score the goals?
Cody Gakpo was handed the task by being named centre forward for the first time by Slot and, after too many indifferent performances this season, gradually grew into the game.
True, his first-half finish when sent clear by Curtis Jones was that of a player lacking sharpness. But the Dutchman’s overall determined showing merited him forcing home Liverpool’s second, albeit having reverted to the left flank following the introduction of Federico Chiesa from the bench.
Gakpo has previously had his turn as a scapegoat from the online fanbase for this season’s ills. This, then, was a reminder of how effective an option he remains for Slot.
Midfield pairing must improve
Arne Slot took a step back in an attempt to move Liverpool forward here. But, similar to the game itself, the eventual outcome was inconclusive.
The foundation of Liverpool’s title-winning midfield last season, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have largely been kept apart during the recent unbeaten run.
And their reunion at Fulham – together at the base of midfield for the first time since the home draw with Sunderland a month ago – had an inauspicious start during an opening period in which both were well off the pace.
For Gravenberch, it was a rare fall in standards, too often loose in possession, knocked off the ball and unable to track the run of Harry Wilson for the opener.
Mac Allister, meanwhile, again looked a yard short of pace with his understandable lack of confidence shown with too many safe passes.
In fairness, both were better in the second half, with Gravenberch providing bite and Mac Allister unlucky with a header that crashed against the woodwork.
The duo rekindling last season’s glories would go some way to ensuring a more successful second half of the season for Liverpool.
Wirtz provides positive
The painful finale suggests otherwise. But, unlike Thursday’s toil against Leeds United, there were some positives here for Liverpool.
Florian Wirtz, managing a hamstring issue while negotiating festive football for the first time, again demonstrated that, even when flitting in and out of the game, he makes a difference.
After creating a first-half chance for Curtis Jones, it was Wirtz’s cool finish that drew Liverpool level. In his last four Premier League games, the Germany international has two goals and an assist.
His latest strike was created by a forceful run from Conor Bradley who, having been disappointing in the first half up against Antonee Robinson, responded with a more effective performance after the break both in defence and attack.
Jones, again lively despite being shunted out to the left wing, deserves to remain in the team while Milos Kerkez is now channelling his enthusiasm in the correct manner.
And Ibrahima Konate had the better of his personal duel with Raul Jimenez to underline the upward curve in his performance level – particularly timely given the test that awaits at the Emirates on Thursday.