Liverpool were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Fulham at Anfield on an afternoon to forget for Andoni Iraola’s side.
Víctor Muñoz came closest for the hosts with a first-half header that struck the crossbar, while center back Jérémy Jacquet produced a crucial goal-line clearance after an Alisson error at the other end.
The home side increased the pressure after the break, but could not find a breakthrough as Fulham collected a richly deserved point — their first in the Premier League this season.
Positives
Jacquet made some vital interventions at the back, cementing his status as one of the most exciting young defenders in the Premier League. For Liverpool, that’s now two league clean sheets in a row. On the offensive end, Alexander Isak continues to look more and more like his old self with each passing week, as his movement was especially dialled in.
Negatives
Liverpool struggled to turn possession into sustained pressure, with too little attacking cohesion and several careless moments in the final third. Just one shot on target approaching half time underlined their struggles — and that didn’t improve much in the second-half either.
Manager rating (1-10; 10 = best)
– He made three changes following the midweek Champions League win, but his side’s performance offered little evidence that the rotation had refreshed Liverpool. His changes improved things somewhat late on, but not enough to secure the three points.
Player ratings
– An early error almost handed Gonzalo García the opener. Liverpool escaped, but it was an unnecessary scare from a player normally relied upon to settle those around him. Though he made some big stops in the second period to atone for the mistake.
– Struggled early on, with Fulham’s runs in behind causing the Barcelona loanee problems. While tidy in possession, Araújo’s delivery in the final third was fairly unconvincing.
– Produced the crucial goal-line clearance that spared Alisson’s blushes. Liverpool’s outstanding defensive moment, and a significant contribution in such a tight contest.
– Tried to advance Liverpool’s attacks with his distribution from defense. In addition, he was generally mistake-free as Fulham put the Reds under some pressure.
– Pressed very well in the opening phases, showing good aggression and willingness to instigate attackers. On the defensive side, he was generally second-best up against the likes of Oscar Bobb and Kevin.
– Created some of Liverpool’s best chances, the most notable of which being his first-half corner, which Víctor Muñoz headed onto the crossbar. Once again, he was Liverpool’s biggest offensive threat.
– His return to the starting XI failed to transform Liverpool’s midfield performance. Replaced around the hour as Iraola looked for a different approach.
– Was typically lively down the right flank, beating his marker on several occasions. For all of his good initial work, his end product proved to be an issue, although he did go closest to scoring with a header that crashed off the crossbar.
– Very little the Germany international attempted came off. Despite his best efforts, especially in regard to pressing, pass after pass was overhit, while his two best efforts on goal both whizzed wide. An afternoon to forget overall.
– Started the game brightly, picking out Alexander Isak with a beautifully weighted through ball. As the game progressed, his influence from the left side waned, leading to the summer signing being replaced with 20 minutes to go.
– Picking up from where he left off against Ipswich Town, the forward’s movement was terrific at times. He stretched the Fulham back line several times, shooting just wide early on from a tight angle after a well-timed run.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)
– While he failed to make a difference offensively, the Hungary international did make some crucial defensive interventions to keep the scoreline at 0-0.
– Injected a bit of much-needed urgency into the Liverpool attack after coming on. Couldn’t quite work a good shooting opportunity for himself on this occasion.
– Linked up nicely with his teammates in and around the Fulham area.
– Had a late opportunity to win the game after the ball fell to him inside the box, but the youngster couldn’t keep his effort down.
– Made a big difference down the right channel after coming on. It was the Dutchman’s whipped cross that picked out Ngumoha for his late scoring opportunity.
