Early set-backs from conceding and a purple card put Liverpool actually up in opposition to it in opposition to Fulham, however high quality and struggle was on present to by some means grind out a 2-2 draw.
Liverpool 2-2 Fulham
Premier League (15) | Anfield
December 14, 2024
Objectives: Gakpo 47′, Jota 85′; Pereira 11′, Muniz 76′
Crimson card: Robertson 17′
Alisson – 7 (out of 10)
One routine save early after which overwhelmed by a deflection from shut vary. Made a few large aerial claims once we have been beneath stress to make sure issues didn’t get any worse.
Took an enormous hit to the top on Fulham‘s second purpose. Very important cease together with his ft late on from Traore.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4
A few good switches as anticipated, however nothing dramatic within the first half and in fact after the purple card and system change, we most likely simply wanted retention and straight line width from him.
His set-pieces weren’t nice first half – out of play or past the group most of the time – and method too typically he was caught by runs in behind and never monitoring second balls. We couldn’t afford that form of slack positional work when all the way down to 10 males and it was nearly expensive greater than as soon as.
Acquired shouted at by Virgil van Dijk a number of occasions and rightly so for being so slack. Didn’t change something as Trent was run previous method too simply, by no means bought into place and the second Fulham purpose got here down his aspect, assisted by the person who ran off him. A shocker.
Joe Gomez – 8
Not an excessive amount of involvement within the early phases and was shifted proper of three after the purple card, however the Reds have been so disorganised in that first half spell that typically he was overlaying because the left-sided one – which is the place he made a unbelievable sliding block from. Ended up there because the left-back after an eventual shuffle.
Made fixed barrelling runs down the left and deserves large credit score for that too, one in every of which positively might have gained a penalty as Tete took him out. Personal purpose as he was attempting to dam out a cross, very unfortunate.
Virgil van Dijk – 8
Made a clearance from a goal-bound shot however it solely meant Robertson’s purple card adopted. Actually needed to be diligent at monitoring runs and organising these round him after the reshuffle and seemed very assured by way of that.
Loss of life stares didn’t do the trick with Trent so shouting needed to suffice, however he additionally produced the headed clearances wanted himself and was in the way in which of low crosses.
Andy Robertson – 3
Made an early burst ahead which ought to have resulted in a purple card for Diop, wanted remedy after which was completely ghosted on the again submit by Pereira, who scored by way of a deflection off Robertson.
It was a busy and never superb begin for him however he needn’t have nervous, he solely had six minutes extra to go – a mis-control and a surprising problem resulted in a straight purple card for being the final man.
One other dismal recreation – or 16 minutes – for our left-back.
Ryan Gravenberch – 8 (Man of the Match)
One other horrid early deal with went in on the Dutchman’s Achilles however he was fortunately positive to proceed. After Robertson’s purple he went centre-back, surprisingly, or a model of it – at occasions he was nearly a sweeper, enjoying from actually deep after which left of the three, and eventually merely centre-back subsequent to Van Dijk.
He twice gained vital challenges when Fulham would have been in, together with as soon as when he appeared to slide over beforehand. Can’t fault his effort from the function and a cut-out after the hour mark was sensational solely six yards out. Again in midfield for the ultimate 20.
Curtis Jones – 7
Nipped in on a brief backpass early on however couldn’t get any reward from it. Had an enormous function within the centre to assist hold form and nonetheless progress the ball as soon as we have been behind. Not too many stand-out moments however disciplined and fixed. Took an enormous hit to his ankle and couldn’t proceed – hopefully nothing main.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7
A recreation we wanted Szoboszlai to shine in as an attacking pressure, however the purple card reshuffle principally denied any probability of that as he went centre mid with Jones – not probably the most naturally defensive-minded pairing.
Nonetheless delivered a number of beautiful balls into the field and arrange Salah for an opportunity on a lightning counter.
Mohamed Salah – 7
A quiet begin to the sport however quickly bought the higher of Robinson after which determined to beat him at each alternative, thrice in succession dribbling into the field to create moments for the crew.
Began the second half by offering an absolute belter of a far-post cross for Gakpo’s equaliser, however then rattled that shot huge when Szoboszlai despatched him by way of. Had a few half-sighters which he didn’t get clear photographs away for thereafter.
Luis Diaz – 7
No actual shock to see him beginning at centre-forward given latest Nunez outings, however was booked early for an tried overhead kick. Tried to push and dribble his method into the field at each alternative and was a superb outlet left aspect at occasions.
One header flicked over from a good place earlier than the break, one shot blocked late on. Extra trade than inspiration, however heaps and plenty of trade and energy.
Cody Gakpo – 7
A few robust dribbles and good deliveries within the opening phases however then was compelled into auxiliary responsibility as an efficient left wing-back, or typically outright winger, relying on the sport state.
From there he did diligently work again when wanted on counters – even ended up as a sole centre-back in opposition to one – however nonetheless had the prime job of creating up numbers in assault, from the place he scored a superb diving header for the equaliser.
Substitutes
Jarell Quansah (on for Jones, 69′) – 5 – Couldn’t reduce out the cross which led to 2-1 and gifted a nook for no purpose.
Darwin Nunez (on for Gakpo, 69′) – 7 – A few channel runs however no rapid risk. Are you able to scuff a header? He did. Then he arrange Jota for 2-2.
Harvey Elliott (on for Szoboszlai, 78′) – 7 – Bent one simply previous the submit and good free-kick supply.
Diogo Jota (on for Alexander-Arnold, 78′) – 8 – Welcome again, to the pitch and the scoresheet! Nice composure. Had two extra openings he made himself.
Subs not used: Kelleher, Endo, Morton, Nyoni, Chiesa
Arne Slot – 8
Undecided if we’ve prepped the false again three in coaching an excessive amount of however after a muddled jiffy the crew settled in neatly in equity, so the teaching workers deserve reward for readability of message, if not foresight on the coaching pitch.
How they additional juggle the again line for a midweek cup match can be fascinating from this level, thoughts.
Anyway, most managers would react by bringing on a sub after a purple card, particularly for a defender, however credit score to Slot for attempting one thing else; it took a few rotations and trialling positions, however the Reds discovered a groove once more and largely dominated possession and territory from that time on, even with a person much less.
It ended up with nearly a ‘regular’ again 4, positionally if not personnel, earlier than one other reversion to 3 late on as we chased a second purpose.
Onerous to make an excessive amount of of the subs; too many are barely again to health, there are not any senior choices for the again line and the working required for an entire recreation with 10 males meant some adjustments have been apparent.
Gambled later for targets and bought a reward.
