Liverpool toiled in attack against Fulham, with Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz among those to struggle to make an impact. This is what we spotted as Andoni Iraola's men drew.
Victor Munoz in action for Liverpool against Fulham.
Victor Munoz in action for Liverpool against Fulham.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL // Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz were among those to struggle as Liverpool dropped points in its third of four Premier League games to start the new season.
While Victor Munoz came close with a first-half header in the first half, Fulham looked more likely to break the deadlock. Those inside Anfield, at least in the home end, were audibly frustrated with a few moans and groans, with Alvaro Arbeloa's men growing in confidence despite a difficult opening few fixtures.
Isak and Bradley Barcola both had half-chances, but very little of note was created. Here are the five things Liverpool.com spotted as the game unfolded.
Bradley Barcola and Liverpool attack a work in progress
Bradley Barcola showed against Atletico Madrid midweek that he is comfortable on the right wing. Here, though, he lined up down the left — his favored role, really, and the one he was primarily bought for.
The $166 million (£123 million) winger had one chance from a Dominik Szoboszlai cross to the back post, but he wasn't involved anywhere near enough.
There were one or two moments when he stood his marker, Timothy Castagne, up and went past him, but he needs more of the ball to do the damage he is capable of.
None of Liverpool's front four saw anywhere near enough of the action in the right areas, with Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz lackluster to put it mildly. If that doesn't change soon, then neither will the rate at which Liverpool collects points.
Alexis Mac Allister missed
Andoni Iraola was going to have to rotate his side at some point, with so many matches to come. Here, it was a slight surprise, though, that Alexis Mac Allister was one who dropped out.
Mac Allister was exceptional midweek and the Carabao Cup tie with Tottenham seemed like the logical time to give him a rest, but Ryan Gravenberch came in and produced a mixed showing.
There were occasions when the old Gravenberch looked like he was present, but he and Szoboszlai together lacked the kind of cohesion and control that is required.
It is easy to say now, perhaps, but the lack of Mac Allister was costly. Had he started, perhaps others wouldn't have been so lethargic around him.
Kostas Tsimikas rusty
Milos Kerkez has not been as bad at the start of the season as some might want you to believe, but the Hungary international was taken out of the side here, with Kostas Tsimikas getting a go.
Starting his first game for Liverpool since May 2025 (with a loan at AS Roma in between), the Greek left-back was terrible. Multiple times, he either miscontrolled the ball or passed it straight out of play.
Tsimikas can be a stable deputy, but he only added to the lackadaisical Liverpool performance here. Lasting only until half-time, he was hooked in favor of the number one in his position.
Josh King of Fulham battles Kostas Tsimikas of Liverpool.
Josh King of Fulham battles Kostas Tsimikas of Liverpool.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Alvaro Arbeloa improvement
Fulham has not won a single game this season under Alvaro Arbeloa, who has already come under pressure after arriving from Real Madrid. That doesn't tell the full story, though.
The Cottagers have created chances at times and Arbeloa's team is filled with good players. New number seven Gonzalo Garcia, for instance, looks to have real potential, while Josh King is a nailed-on future England international.
Fulham has so far created opportunities, but gifted far too many to its opponents. Here, it limited Liverpool to almost nothing, which does not say much about the Reds' big-money forward line.
Mixed start for Andoni Iraola
After two draws at the start of the season (against Newcastle and then Nottingham Forest), this was a third lot of dropped points already for Liverpool. Only Ipswich has been beaten.
Iraola got his first victory in Europe midweek and he wanted to quickly follow that up with his first win at home in the Premier League too. Instead, he was made to wait.
There remains much more to come from Liverpool — and it is already playing catch-up to the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City. But after a change of head coach, there is a better mood, even if it was at times tested here.