Two points lost, but one test of character passed. Which will matter more in the end remains unclear, but Liverpool showed remarkable resolve here.
Twice trailing by a goal and reduced to ten men, they fought back with two equalizers, showcasing their determination and Arne Slot’s tactical ingenuity. Known for his emphasis on control, Slot found himself overseeing a chaotic encounter reminiscent of the 3-3 draw at Newcastle. Usually the embodiment of composure, he became emotionally invested, earning a yellow card and moments of visible frustration.
Still, his clear-headed adjustments extended Liverpool’s unbeaten streak to 19 matches, aided by Diogo Jota’s sharp return. Seven minutes into his first game after over seven weeks out, the substitute coolly delivered the equalizer. Ultimately, Liverpool missed the chance for victory in a second consecutive league game, while Fulham, having frustrated Arsenal earlier, again disrupted the title race. Across 107 minutes with 28 shots, seven yellows (including one for Slot), and one red, Fulham held firm.
The story of the game also hinged on the performances of the two left-backs. Antonee Robinson was outstanding, creating both of Fulham’s goals, while Andy Robertson endured a nightmare outing. Robertson left early after completing an unfortunate trifecta: injured by a studs-up Issa Diop challenge, deflecting Fulham’s opening goal, and then seeing red for a reckless challenge.
Liverpool played nearly 90 minutes with 10 men, considering stoppage time. Slot, a problem-solving maestro in his tenure, initially struggled before making effective adjustments to prevent the game from slipping away.
Fulham dominated the first half. However, while Slot may lack Jurgen Klopp’s charisma, he has shown an ability to inspire at halftime. When Jota scored, 22 of Liverpool’s last 25 goals had come after the interval.
Diogo Jota was Liverpool’s hero late on (EPA)
But Andy Robertson had left them a big task with his sending off (Reuters)
His capacity to work with and, at times, reinvent, Klopp’s players was given a further examination when Robertson departed which, with Kostas Tsimikas injured, left Liverpool without a natural left-back. Slot got creative; sadly for him, his team did not before the break.
A second piece of managerial intervention revived his side. His immediate rejig was to 3-4-2 with Ryan Gravenberch dropping into a back three. It gave Fulham plenty of space on the flanks with Robinson and Harry Wilson, in particular, threatened to exploit. His second-half switch was to a back four with Gravenberch in the middle, but stepping into midfield when Liverpool had possession. Then came more changes: Gravenberch into midfield when Curtis Jones went off, a front four by the end with Darwin Nunez and Jota both on.
His substitutes did the trick. Nunez, criticised for his lack of goals, instead made one, finding Jota, who marked his first appearance since October by turning past the excellent Jorge Cuenca and beating Bernd Leno.
Yet the first managerial switch to pay dividends came when Marco Silva recalled Andreas Pereira, marginalised since suggesting he wanted to join Marseille, for Emile Smith Rowe. Fulham have a potency, as they showed by scoring for a 15th consecutive league game, and Liverpool conceded for the first time in 447 minutes at Anfield, Fulham succeeding where the champions of England, Spain and Germany had failed by breaching their defence. Pereira volleyed in Robinson’s deep cross, though it may have required the deflection off Robertson’s thigh to defeat Alisson.
Gakpo’s diving header had brought Liverpool level early in the second half (AFP via Getty Images)
Fulham impressed and were well worth their point (REUTERS)
The Scot’s afternoon was to deteriorate further. Robertson’s poor touch came at a sizeable cost, allowing Wilson to scurry on to it and behind the Liverpool defence. When Robertson tripped him, the second red card of his Liverpool career followed.
Cody Gakpo initially assumed some of his duties, going to left wing-back. But Slot’s switch at half time restored his compatriot to the wing and Gakpo surged into the box to meet Mohamed Salah’s curling cross with a diving header. It was a seventh goal in his last 10 games for the Dutchman. Even as Salah’s scoring run ended after seven straight league games, he had an assist.
And Liverpool were vibrant, powered by the running of the indefatigable Dominik Szoboszlai. Joe Gomez turned the clock back to last season as he surged forward from left-back. He was denied a penalty even though Kenny Tete blocked him in a manner seemingly more suited to various oval-ball sports. Tete hobbled off injured himself soon after.
Fulham, though, had the mettle to regain the lead, again looking on course for just a third win in 39 trips to Anfield. Silva was the first manager to introduce a scoring substitute. After a second surge deep into Liverpool territory by Robinson, he crossed and Rodrigo Muniz’s low finish went in off Gomez. Advantage Fulham but Liverpool were not finished.
Their response bodes well for their title chances. But, amid a frantic finale, they could not claim the extra two points.