Early set-backs from conceding and a crimson card put Liverpool actually up in opposition to it in opposition to Fulham, however high quality and combat was on present to one way or the other grind out a 2-2 draw.
Liverpool 2-2 Fulham
Premier League (15) | AnfieldDecember 14, 2024
Targets: Gakpo 47′, Jota 85′; Pereira 11′, Muniz 76′
Purple card: Robertson 17′
Alisson – 7 (out of 10)
One routine save early after which crushed by a deflection from shut vary. Made a few huge 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 objective. Very important cease along with his toes late on from Traore.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4
A few good switches as anticipated, however nothing dramatic within the first half and in reality after the crimson card and system swap, 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 approach too typically he was caught by runs in behind and never monitoring second balls. We couldn’t afford that sort of slack positional work when right down to 10 males and it was virtually pricey greater than as soon as.
Received shouted at by Virgil van Dijk a number of instances and rightly so for being so slack. Didn’t change something as Trent was run previous approach too simply, by no means acquired into place and the second Fulham objective got here down his facet, assisted by the person who ran off him. A shocker.
Joe Gomez – 8
Not an excessive amount of involvement within the early levels and was shifted proper of three after the crimson card, however the Reds have been so disorganised in that first half spell that generally he was protecting because the left-sided one – which is the place he made a implausible sliding block from. Ended up there because the left-back after an eventual shuffle.
Made fixed barrelling runs down the left and deserves huge credit score for that too, one in every of which undoubtedly might have received a penalty as Tete took him out. Personal objective as he was attempting to dam out a cross, very unfortunate.
Virgil van Dijk – 8
Made a clearance from a goal-bound shot nevertheless it solely meant Robertson’s crimson 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.
Demise 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 crimson card for Diop, wanted therapy 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 excellent begin for him however he needn’t have anxious, he solely had six minutes extra to go – a mis-control and a stunning problem resulted in a straight crimson card for being the final man.
One other dismal sport – or 16 minutes – for our left-back.
Ryan Gravenberch – 8 (Man of the Match)
One other horrid early sort out went in on the Dutchman’s Achilles however he was fortunately effective to proceed. After Robertson’s crimson he went centre-back, surprisingly, or a model of it – at instances he was virtually a sweeper, taking part in from actually deep after which left of the three, and eventually merely centre-back subsequent to Van Dijk.
He twice received 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 sport we would have liked Szoboszlai to shine in as an attacking pressure, however the crimson card reshuffle principally denied any probability of that as he went centre mid with Jones – not essentially the most naturally defensive-minded pairing.
Nonetheless delivered a number of pretty 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 acquired 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 group.
Began the second half by offering an absolute belter of a far-post cross for Gakpo’s equaliser, however then rattled that shot broad when Szoboszlai despatched him by way of. Had a few half-sighters which he didn’t get clear pictures 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 approach into the field at each alternative and was a great outlet left facet at instances.
One header flicked over from a good place earlier than the break, one shot blocked late on. Extra business than inspiration, however tons and plenty of business and energy.
Cody Gakpo – 7
A few robust dribbles and good deliveries within the opening levels however then was compelled into auxiliary obligation as an efficient left wing-back, or generally 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 constructing up numbers in assault, from the place he scored an excellent diving header for the equaliser.
Substitutes
Jarell Quansah (on for Jones, 69′) – 5 – Couldn’t minimize out the cross which led to 2-1 and gifted a nook for no motive.
Darwin Nunez (on for Gakpo, 69′) – 7 – A few channel runs however no speedy 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 group 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 shall be attention-grabbing from this level, thoughts.
Anyway, most managers would react by bringing on a sub after a crimson 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 virtually a ‘regular’ again 4, positionally if not personnel, earlier than one other reversion to 3 late on as we chased a second objective.
Arduous 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 sport with 10 males meant some adjustments have been apparent.
Gambled later for objectives and acquired a reward.
