Goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota helped re-focus Liverpool’s title challenge, as Jurgen Klopp’s side put on a dazzling second-half display to move level on points with leaders Arsenal. The 2019/20 champions had entered the clash on the back of a difficult run of form, having won just one of their last four matches across all competitions.
A Trent Alexander-Arnold screamer gave Liverpool a lead early in the first half, before Fulham fought back and levelled through Timothy Castagne on the brink of half-time. It was a familiar story for Klopp’s men, who not for the first time this season had sloppiness in defence to blame for their deficiencies.
In the end though, Gravenberch and Jota found the target in the second period to ensure Liverpool left the capital with three points and their pursuit of a 20th Premier League title back on track.
Jota shows wasteful Liverpool stars how it’s done
Where would Liverpool be if they had Jota in the last few weeks? Perhaps still on course for a quadruple…
Wastefulness from their frontline – including Mohamed Salah, who was dropped from the XI – has plagued the Merseyside outfit’s recent form, with the six-time European champions having notched up over 75 shots in their previous four matches, while managing to score just three goals.
Jota offers a clinical edge that no other player in the Liverpool ranks can provide. His ability to convert all kind of opportunities has in the past been invaluable to Liverpool and could yet prove to be the deciding factor this season.
Trent boost arrives at vital time for under-pressure Klopp
It all looks so simple when Alexander-Arnold is whipping a free-kick into the top corner from 20 yards out. How Klopp and co. wish they could’ve called on him more often in the last month or two.
Sunday’s visit to Craven Cottage was the first time Alexander-Arnold had been named in the Liverpool starting XI since early February, with the England international having been sidelined with a knee ligament issue. But with just five games left of Liverpool’s Premier League season, Trent’s rockets have returned for the Reds.
Taking aim midway through the first half, Alexander-Arnold’s third goal of the Premier League season looked as if it would set Liverpool on their way to a comfortable win. While it was later cancelled out by Fulham’s equaliser, his quality from set pieces will be a major boost for Klopp and Liverpool during the run-in.
Unexpected guest on scene as Klopp replacement search continues
It’s less than one month until the Premier League season ends, with Liverpool’s final game of the campaign at home to Wolves. After the Reds’ Europa League exit in mid-week, that will now act as the final match of Klopp’s nine-year Liverpool career, but it’s still no clearer who will take over from the German at Anfield.
As the rumour mill rumbles on in the background, a currently unemployed manager was present to watch Sunday’s clash against Fulham. Former Manchester United and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was in the stands at Craven Cottage, with the Portuguese tactician having been out of work since January.
