Good news for Liverpool today, as Alisson returns to the starting XI and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is fit and ready to play.
The Reds look to remain atop the Premier League with a trip to Craven Cottage and bottom-dwellers Fulham.
The first half was as bad as the Reds have played all season. Fulham played with drive and purpose. Liverpool were terrible. The Reds will have some work to do to make up the 0-1 deficit at the half.
A costly handball by Fulham on a direct kick gift wraps a pk to Liverpool. Mo Salah buries it and Liverpool scrap a 1-1 draw.
Here are Liverpool player ratings vs Fulham.
Liverpool Player Ratings vs Fulham
Manager
Jurgen Klopp (5) –
Goes with a best available XI today. Doesn’t have the lads ready for this one. Getting beat to balls and playing way too direct.
Klopp makes an odd half-time sub, shifting Hendo to CB and inserting Minamino at mid. Gets the Reds playing harder in the second half, but at the end of the day, Klopp just didn’t have them ready.
Goalkeeper
Alisson (7) –
The big Brazilian returns to the line-up. Wastes no time getting challenged, stopping a difficult shot in the 4th minute. Has another big moment in the 14th minute. Nothing he could do on the Fulham opener that was a helluva strike. Liverpool could’ve lost 3-1 had it not been for Ali’s big saves.
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold (5) –
Should be a good match-up for TAA to shake some of the rust off. Still rusty though. Getting blown by early. Still not in form. Comes off before the 70th minute.
Joel Matip (6) –
No mistakes really. Comes off at half. Hope it’s not an injury.
Fabinho (7) –
Snuffs out two dangerous counters early. Rightfully escapes a pk call and is just generally bossing the game.
Andy Robertson (6) –
Get caught / beat in opening seconds leading to a potentially dangerous counter that Fab snuffed out. Caught out of position on the Fulham opener. Basically moved up to a left-winger by end of match.
Midfielders
Curtis Jones (8) –
Among a lone bright spot with Fab in the first half. Drops deeper in the second half and seeing lots of the ball. Takes a dribble all the way up the pitch and almost single handedly gets Liverpool the lead.
Gini Wijnaldum (5) –
Did he even play the first half? While his free-kick did earn a penalty and ultimately the draw, not his best showing.
Jordan Henderson (6) –
Can’t connect a pass to save his life but effort is there, at least. Shifted to CB in the second half. Missed a golden chance in the 61st minute to level the match. Typical class display.
Forwards
Mo Salah (7) –
A constant menace. Certainly the most assertive of the front 3 today. Second pk Salah takes in a row that he hits in the middle but fortunately he did it with enough power to get past the keeper. Levels it 1-1.
Sadio Mane (5) –
Not linking up well / connecting passes. Should’ve come off.
Roberto Firmino (6) –
With Jota out for a bit, Firmino has a chance to remind everyone why he’s so important. Going for goal early on with some real purpose. Defensive work-rate is great.
Substitutions
Takumi Minamino (5) – Trying, but just not impacting the game.
Neco Williams (6) – Good showing today. Played with real purpose.
Divock Origi (NR) – On too late to make a difference.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Curtis Jones was the best Liverpool player today.
