Liverpool 1 – 0 Fulham – PL Player Ratings
Alisson Becker – 8.0
Had to make an early save as Fulham started brightly, yet much of the first half was about receiving and recycling possession. Had little to do through much of the second period as control seemed more important to Liverpool. Needed to stay strong when Fulham were clear late on.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 8.0
The playmaker continued to influence the first period, with one good shot easing past the far post. Was quick and decisive with the ball and eager to put in the hard yards as the reds looked comfortable for the first period. The game stagnated after the break, yet Trent continued to offer good movement of the ball. Will become a starting midfielder for England very soon.
Kostas Tsimikas – 6.0
His positioning and knowing when to stay back took a moment to right itself, yet the first half was pretty drama free after a shaky start. Was good enough through the second half in a slightly altered position.
Subbed – 63 mins
Ibrahima Konaté – 7.0
His ability to outmuscle opponents was evident here, with a desire to give the Fulham attackers no room to breathe. Was positionally solid and reliable on the ball against a limited adversary.
Virgil van Djik – 8.0
Had to make a crucial clearance early on and was alert throughout a comfortable first half. Saw lots of the ball and made sure the possession was ticking over. Stayed concentrated when the reds dominated the ball.
Curtis Jones – 7.0
Continues to impress and start games. His burst and willingness to run is infectious, as well as his intricacies when maintaining the ball under pressure. Had some good moments in the first half and was always looking to add creation. Was considered and alert in the second half against a resilient opposition.
Subbed – 83 mins
Fabinho – 8.0
Was lovely and bullish in that first half, with a keen intent to hit anyone that dare pass him. Working nicely in his new double six, with a knowledge that his teammates are now rushing to support him. Kept his awareness and covered space well throughout.
Jordan Henderson – 7.0
Came back into the team and offered good continuity of ball. Tried to keep things simple and pressed quickly to make sure the ball stayed with the reds. Had some nice moments on the ball as the reds probed through the second period. Was unlucky with a long-range strike late on.
Darwin Núñez – 6.0
Started cagily, with a want to be centrally disciplined. He was quiet for the most part whilst still finding good movement in the opposition box. Was able to create the foul which led to the opening penalty, with a solid burst of pace. Struggled to really adapt against an organized back line, but kept running through the second half.
Subbed – 83 mins
Luis Díaz – 7.0
It’s great to see his doggedness and determination on that flank, with a couple of wonderful moments in the first half. Petered out a little in the second half as neither team wanted to overextend. Still building back up.
Subbed – 63 mins
Mohamed Salah – 7.0
Was clinical from the spot (for the opening goal) and was always a willing outlet for Trent to find. Was probing away through the opening half with a menacing nature just waiting for explode. Continued to be a constant threat as the reds hinted that second goal.
Subbed – 83 mins
Subs;
Andy Robertson – 6.0 (on 63)
Came on to add a little more drive.
Cody Gakpo – 6.0 (on 63)
Becoming an important player that links that middle area.
Harvey Elliott – 6.0 (on 83)
Was bright and lively.
Diogo Jota – 5.0 (on 83)
More minutes in his recovery.
James Milner – 5.0 (on 83)
Came on.
The Manager;
Jürgen Klopp – 8.0
A couple of changes aside, this is now a familiar and exciting new formation to build through.
The coverage and desire of his players was there for the most part, despite Fulham having a couple of early moments. His trust to maintain the Egyptian King as his penalty taker is paying off and would have been happy with that opening period.
The second half was simmering without much end product, with the home side looking to maintain solidity. He will be very happy with how controlled his team looked, though still needs a little more solidity against teams that are keen to break away.
Another three points are won, with the faint hope of Champions League qualification lingering.
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Pre-match Prediction;
Liverpool 2 – 0 Fulham
