Liverpool 4 – 3 Fulham – PL Player Ratings

Match day fourteen began for The Reds, after a successful Thursday evening matchup, one which confirmed The Reds’ progression into the knockout stages of the Europa League as Group E winners. The resumption of the Premier League schedule had West London’s Fulham travelling to Anfield, in a contest which had Liverpool looking for a continuation of their fine home record this season.

🔴 #LFC Starting XI #LIVFUL pic.twitter.com/ip00gS02yP

— AnfieldIndex (@AnfieldIndex) December 3, 2023

Key Player Performances

Caoimhin Kelleher – Rating: 4.0

Now the starting man between the sticks, until the return of his Brazilian teammate. Had a horrible first half, as the first equaliser squirmed between his legs before the second strike trickled over the line. The loss of Alisson Becker was very much felt in that first half, which was compounded with his scramble for the third away goal. Worrying.

Trent Alexander Arnold – Rating: 8.0

Straight back into the team as the team’s flexible hybrid. The opening goal was a masterful piece of free kick play, as he thundered a strike in off the woodwork. The vice-captain worked and tried to get his side into the game and ended up scoring a superb winner. This was a game where his leadership endeavour shone.

Kostas Tsimikas – Rating: 6.0

Energetic Greek player deserved to maintain his starting role, yet was a relative passenger in an underwhelming half of football. Tried to get into proceedings in the second half, as he offered good options higher up. Should have done better for the third Fulham goal, as he could not defend the deep cross.

Joël Matip – Rating: 6.0

The Cameroonian is keeping Ibou in the midweek rotation, however, he was ragged and pulled apart a little for the first Fulham goal. The second one could have been better defended also, before leaving the pitch halfway through the second period.

Substitution: 69th Minute

Virgil van Dijk – Rating: 7.0

The captain and leader of this team, he had very little to do in the first half, as much of the away attacking was concentrated down his opposite side. The skipper ushered everything out as needed, through an annoying first half by the reds, before failing to deal with a ball to the back post. That moment which saw the visitors take an amazing lead, which made for another low point for the reds. Became a one-man defence at one point, as the reds rampaged forward to grab their rewards.

Dominik Szoboszlai – Rating: 6.0

The Hungarian skipper had a well-earned rest in the week, to fully prepare for this contest. Was rather sporadic in his opening 45 minutes of work, as he struggled to get a grip on the game. Was again a little lacklustre in the second period before leaving the pitch.

Substitution: 65th Minute

Alexis Mac Allister – Rating: 7.0

The Argentina World Cup winner also enjoyed a vital midweek rest, as this and the upcoming schedule of Premier League games took precedence. His first goal for the club was a spectacular first time hit for 25-yards, as he enjoyed a solid first half of work. Plugged away yet could not make a big enough impression.

Substitution: 65th Minute

Ryan Gravenberch – Rating: 6.0

The man that is currently competing with Curtis Jones for the first team elite, he had a quiet first half where he could not get on the ball or make any attacking contribution. Struggled again to really make something happen despite showing glimpses of what he can offer.

Substitution: 83rd Minute

Luis Díaz – Rating: 6.0

The Colombian was the smart choice to start, in the wake of Diogo Jota’s latest injury setback. Seemed anonymous in the first half, as he struggled to impact proceedings. Kept plugging away in a tough second half, as his teammates rallied.

Darwin Núñez – Rating: 6.0

The Uruguayan raging bull would have been itching to start once more, after his red card against the Cottagers last season. Struggled to control the ball at times as he looked to get things happening too quickly. Should have scored, however, his constant chaos was a plus point at times.

Mohamed Salah – Rating: 6.0

The Egyptian King is likely to start all games of importance, given his bulletproof nature and desire to increase his personal numbers. Had a goal chalked off for offside and struggled to really get into the rather poor first half. Once again could not impose his will in that second half, which posed the question as to why he played against LASK in the week.

Substitutes

Cody Gakpo – Rating: 6.0 (on 65)

Came on to offer freshness and different energy.

Joe Gomez – Rating: 6.0 (on 65)

A solid defensive piece to bring in, which allowed the shape to shift and Trent to push on.

Ibrahima Konaté – Rating: 6.0 (on 69)

An important player to be able to bring on.

Wataru Endō – Rating: 7.0 (on 83)

Came on to score a goal that got the comeback ball rolling.

Manager’s Performance

Jürgen Klopp – Rating: 8.0

The German manager went with pretty much the lineup we all expected, with Curtis Jones dropping out of the weekend eleven, as Ryan Gravenberch started the game. The hybrid endeavour probably caused the first Fulham goal, as Matip and Trent had to switch positions in transition, which led to both taking up positions that were not natural to them. The goalkeeper fears were realised in a painfully frustrating first period, as the two home goals were matched by two needless equalisers.

The second half was about impacting the game with the correct off-field decisions, which the German manager did with confidence. The alterations in personnel and shape were positive and created avenues for the home side to show their worth, which led to another famous Anfield victory and vital three points. A good day for the former Dortmund coach, where he was able to influence some rock and roll football in the closing stages.

An unbelievable show of character, that. Liverpool looked leggy and on their way to a defeat they couldn't have complained too much about with 10 minutes remaining. But we are surely seeing the emergence of another title-challenging team that simply won't accept defeat.

— David Lynch (@dmlynchlfc) December 3, 2023

Pre-Match Prediction

Liverpool 3 – 0 Fulham