Liverpool learned that perfection does not always require everything to go perfectly, as they maintained their flawless home record in a thrilling seven-goal match against Fulham.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alexis Mac Allister both scored impressive goals for Liverpool, with a combined distance of 55 yards, to put them in the lead twice. Despite this, Fulham continuously fought back with goals from Harry Wilson, Kenny Tete, and Bobby De Cordova-Reid from close range. In the end, Wataru Endo and Alexander-Arnold’s goals brought Anfield to a state of delirium.
Alexander-Arnold was seldom still on the field, despite being primarily positioned as the right-back. He was often seen playing as a sweeper, in the center of midfield, or on the left wing. In a rare moment of tranquility, the full-back took a free-kick from 25 yards and skillfully curved it into the net off the crossbar, although it may be slightly tarnished as it glanced off Leno’s back on its descent.
It was a positive day for Liverpool’s academy as the equaliser came from one of their graduates, too, four minutes later. It highlighted the downside to Alexander-Arnold’s free role, however, as it came down Liverpool’s right with their “right-back” in the centre of the penalty area. Joël Matip’s pass out of defence was intercepted and Fulham broke with Antonee Robinson allowed space to cross for Wilson, who jabbed the ball through Caoimhín Kelleher’s legs, the goalkeeper making his sixth Premier League appearance almost three years to the day since his first.
Mac Allister plays the role of Liverpool’s deepest-lying midfielder, but he excels in other areas as well. He is best suited for an attacking position and his coach, Jürgen Klopp, is happy to give him the freedom to move forward. During a recent match, Mac Allister was in the right place at the right time when his teammate Raúl Jiménez headed a throw-in towards him. Instead of hesitating, Mac Allister confidently struck the ball with a powerful shot that soared into the top corner of the goal. The crowd at Anfield was left in awe by his skill and there was a moment of silence before erupting into cheers. Fulham’s manager, Marco Silva, commented that even if Mac Allister tried to recreate that goal, he wouldn’t be able to do it again. However, Mac Allister is not worried and continues to focus on his game.
Leno’s previous injury resulted in an additional nine minutes being added to the first half. In the third of those minutes, Jiménez effectively used a flick-on to direct a corner to Tete, who controlled the ball and appeared to lose possession. However, Kelleher underestimated the situation and attempted to claim the ball, only to have it deflected by Tete’s outstretched leg into the goal. Initially, Liverpool believed they had been saved by the assistant referee’s flag, but VAR confirmed that there was no foul play, resulting in a delayed second celebration from the away supporters.
The bright yellow and orange squares came to Liverpool’s aid shortly after Tim Ream scored a goal off of the rebound from a save by Kelleher on João Palhinha’s header. Despite some finger-wagging, it was clear that the American defender was offside, resulting in a tied score at the end of the first half.
In the second half, Mohamed Salah made a pass to Darwin Núñez, who had a new braided hairstyle, but his powerful shot hit the crossbar and helped to clear the rain. The Uruguayan player wanted more support from the fans and gestured to the crowd. Later, Salah and Núñez worked together again as Salah set up a pass from Dominik Szoboszlai over the defense, but Núñez’s shot was not strong enough and went wide.
Due to Alexander-Arnold’s ability to pass the ball and Liverpool’s vulnerability on the right side, he was shifted to central midfield while Joe Gomez took over at full-back. Szoboszlai and Mac Allister were substituted by Klopp. Gakpo joined Alexander-Arnold in midfield, creating more opportunities in the game.
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Fulham utilized counterattacking strategies and, despite making substitutions, Liverpool’s right side continued to pose issues for the home team. Willian was unmarked as he passed the ball to Tom Cariney, who then sent a cross to the back post. Fulham’s other substitute, De Cordova-Reid, outjumped Kostas Tsimikas and scored, giving Fulham their first lead of the game.
Salah was just one goal away from reaching his 200th goal for Liverpool. However, he missed a great opportunity to level the score when a corner kick landed right in front of him. Unfortunately, he was unable to convert from six yards out, sending his volley flying over the crossbar. But Salah’s worries were put to rest when he made a pass that led to Endo scoring with a spectacular shot from the edge of the area that landed in the top corner.
It seemed only right Alexander-Arnold would have the final say. A Núñez cross was half-cleared out to the England international who fired home from 18 yards to create bedlam on the pitch and in the stands in the 88th minute. It was a glorious end to a glorious match.
Source: theguardian.com
