Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Liverpool Stunned by Fulham in Premier League Encounter: Player Ratings
In a surprising Premier League upset, Liverpool missed an opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table, succumbing to a 3-2 defeat against a determined Fulham side. Despite a stunning long-range strike from Alexis Mac Allister, Fulham capitalized on defensive errors to secure victory at Craven Cottage. Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz were among the goalscorers for the home side, leaving Liverpool to ponder a disappointing result. Here’s a detailed assessment of Liverpool’s individual performances in this unexpected loss.
Liverpool Player Ratings vs Fulham (4-3-3 Formation)
Goalkeeper
Caoimhin Kelleher – 6
The goalkeeper could do little to prevent Fulham’s opening goal from Ryan Sessegnon. However, he might have positioned himself better to save efforts from Rodrigo Muniz and Alex Iwobi.
Defence
Curtis Jones – 5
Deployed in an unfamiliar right-back position, Jones appeared to be a target for Fulham’s attack, particularly Alex Iwobi. His defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in the lead-up to Fulham’s first goal when a cross deflected off him to Sessegnon. He showed improvement when shifted to midfield in the second half.
Ibrahima Konate – 4
Konate committed an early error that could have resulted in a goal. He also conceded an unnecessary corner, adding to the pressure on Liverpool’s defense. For Fulham’s equalizer, Konate was out of position, failing to intercept the cross that ultimately fell to Sessegnon. His disappointing performance led to his substitution in the 67th minute.
Virgil van Dijk – 4
The captain was also culpable of a defensive lapse when Rodrigo Muniz outmuscled him to score Fulham’s third goal. Van Dijk’s appeals for a foul were dismissed by the referee and VAR.
Andy Robertson – 4
Robertson’s glaring mistake gifted possession directly to Alex Iwobi near Liverpool’s penalty area, allowing Fulham to score their second goal. This performance may intensify calls for Liverpool to strengthen their left-back options in the upcoming transfer window.
Midfield
Dominik Szoboszlai – 5
Despite showing effort, Szoboszlai had minimal impact on the midfield battle. He was substituted in the 55th minute.
Ryan Gravenberch – 5
Gravenberch endured a rare subpar display, struggling against Fulham’s midfield and committing several errors.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7
Mac Allister scored Liverpool’s opening goal with an impressive long-distance strike. He evaded challenges from Alex Iwobi and Sander Berge before unleashing a powerful shot. However, even he contributed to Liverpool’s overall sloppiness outside of this individual highlight.
Attack
Mohamed Salah – 6
Salah displayed visible frustration throughout the match. He created a significant opportunity for Diogo Jota after halftime but Jota failed to convert. Salah himself missed a chance to score from close range later in the game.
Diogo Jota – 5
Jota missed a crucial chance, continuing a trend of missed opportunities for Liverpool’s forwards, with the exception of Salah. His inability to convert clear chances may fuel discussions about Liverpool needing to bolster their attacking options.
Cody Gakpo – 5
Returning to the starting lineup, Gakpo struggled to influence the game as much as he would have liked. He was replaced by Luis Diaz shortly after halftime.
Substitutes
Harvey Elliott (55′) – 7
Returning to his former club, Elliott faced jeers from the Fulham supporters. He struck the crossbar in the 78th minute and forced a late save in stoppage time.
Luis Diaz (55′) – 8
Diaz made an immediate impact as a substitute, scoring Liverpool’s second goal after a run from Conor Bradley. His lively performance suggests he could have been impactful from the start.
Conor Bradley (67′) – 7
Bradley made a comeback from injury and facilitated Jones’ return to midfield. He contributed to Diaz’s goal, highlighting his potential as a long-term option.
Darwin Nunez (67′) – 6
Nunez had limited impact after coming on as a substitute.
Federico Chiesa (82′) – 6
Introduced late in the match, Chiesa was unable to replicate his previous Carabao Cup final heroics.