Player Ratings as Liverpool Beat Fulham to Keep Title Hopes Alive
This Super Sunday encounter came after the reds were knocked out of the Europa League quarter final stage, as Atlanta won the two-legged tie 3-1.
The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below for this visit to Fulham, where only a win would keep their Premier League hopes alive.
Alisson Becker – 7.0
The giant Brazilian was largely untested through the first half, as a good degree of control was asserted by his teammates ahead of him. That control was lost in the closing stages of the half, which saw a shot hammered beyond him to level the game. The second half was again a limitation on his services as the game management of Liverpool overcame.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 7.0
The England superstar started once more with a licence to dictate the reds patterns of offensive play. Some incisive passing and dangerous crossing were the opening standout, until the game reduced to a more patient approach through the first half.
The initial goal was a spectacular free kick which deserved the following superlatives. After the break the academy graduate was once again tasked with progressing the ball, as the reds fought to regain their lead. In defence the talented fullback was alert and disciplined.
Subbed – 80 mins
Andy Robertson – 7.0
The Scotland international skipper started with good intensity, as the must win occasion finally became apparent to this stuttering team. With a diligent manner, the entirety of his game was about being positionally correct and able to offer good coverage.
Jarell Quansah – 7.0
The England under-21 international came back into the team with a desire to eradicate that recent error at Old Trafford. The 6ft 3inch centre half was steady and efficient in the game, as the visitors controlled the possession stakes and ultimately when the goals came about.
Virgil van Dijk – 8.0
The captain and leader of this team started with a commanding demeanour to drag his team into form. Moments of concern were batted away and he installed confidence into his troops throughout.
Harvey Elliott – 6.0
The England under-21 star started in midfield, with a remit to create opportunities for those ahead of him. The former Fulham man’s involvement was sporadic if energetic in the first half, with preserving of control deemed more vital to overall success.
Wataru Endō – 7.0
The Japan captain has looked tired in the Premier League of late, therefore, the midweek rest allowed him to come into this game with some mild freshness. His alter need and combative nature was evident and was increased upon demand.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0
The underperforming former Bayern Munich player was the surprise pick, with some facets of his off-ball game coming under serious question.
The overall game was solid enough; however, the match winning goal was wonderful and must be built upon.
Subbed – 74 mins
Luis Díaz – 6.0
The Colombian flyer had a great chance to open the scoring in the opening stages, however, his header secured just wide of the Fulham goal. Much of this game was a simmering attempt to make something happen, with his movement across the front line adding to the tactics of the German manager.
Subbed – 74 mins
Diogo Jota – 7.0
The Portuguese poacher was drafted in to try and break the non-scoring deadlock. His potency and movement were a constant menace to the west London side, who could not get a true hold of the former Wolves man. The goal was clinical and representative of what he can bring over the coming weeks.
Subbed – 74 mins
Cody Gakpo – 8.0
The Dutch international forward started in the front three, after a couple of more spirited performances. The opening half was more about offering options for the advancing reds and pouncing on opportunities.
His ball carrying and assist for Jota were vital to the result and he is looking far more consistent.
Man of the match
Subbed – 86 mins
Subs
Darwin Núñez – 6.0 (on 74)
Came on to increase the unpredictability of the attack.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6.0 (on 74)
Came on to offer more control through the latter stages.
Mohamed Salah – 4.0 (on 82)
Came on to offer a last gasp chance of creation.
Joe Gomez – 4.0 (on 80)
Came on to offer more rounded defensive responsibilities.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 5.0 (on 86)
Came on to offer energy.
The Manager
Jürgen Klopp – 9.0
The German manager picked the team that raised many an eye brow, yet the starting lineup proved vital to the result. The energy of the team was increased and that allowed smart substitutes to come into the game later.
The rotation and renewed competition must now spread and starts giving the outgoing manager more confidence in those he selects.
Pre-match Prediction;
Fulham 1 – 2 Liverpool
Steven Smith
