Liverpool’s 26-match unbeaten run in the Premier League came to a dramatic conclusion on Sunday at Craven Cottage as Fulham annihilated the 2024/25 would-be champion.
The Reds weren’t at their best in midweek against Everton, but at Fulham this was a display more akin to the hapless showing at Wembley three weeks ago as Liverpool was outfought in the first half and failed to stage a comeback in the second period.
Arne Slot’s side did get the opening goal of the game when Alexis Mac Allister struck hard and low past Bernd Leno from distance, after holding off Sander Berge. But then Fulham took over.
Ryan Sessegnon blasted the ball in following disjointed Fulham defending, before three Andy Robertson errors within seconds of each other presented Alex Iwobi with the opportunity to put the host into the lead. Incredibly, for a side that hasn’t lost on the road all season, it was 3-1 by the break as Rodrigo Muniz turned Virgil van Dijk and lashed the ball past Caoimhin Kelleher.
The Reds did push for a way back into the game and, helped by four second-half changes, gave themselves a chance when Conor Bradley and Luis Diaz combined at the edge of the box, and the latter converted to make it 2-1. But despite a late Liverpool push, Fulham held on to take all three points. Here’s how we rated the players.
Caoimhin Kelleher (4) — Could have done better for Muniz’s strike and also had a few nervous kicks and touches of the ball on an underperforming day for Liverpool.
Curtis Jones (4)— Torn apart for long spells by Robinson and Iwobi, although he wasn’t helped by a lack of tracking back from Mohamed Salah. Jones’ slow reactions gifted Fulham its opening goal, when he threw a half-hearted leg at the ball and it fell invitingly for Sessegnon. Was much more effective after moving into midfield in the second half.
Ibrahima Konate (3)— For the second game in a row he started slowly, a worrying return from a disappointing international break with France. Konate nearly gifted Fulham a goal after four minutes and didn’t look comfortable when the cross was sent in for Sessegnon’s opener.
Virgil van Dijk (4)— Similar to Konate, although the Dutchman wasn’t quite as poor as his teammate. Van Dijk, who was outmuscled for Muniz’s goal, slammed the ball to the ground in frustration towards the end of the first half in a moment that summed up Liverpool’s frustrations.
Andy Robertson (5)— Made three individual errors for the second goal, which is as impressive as it is remarkably poor. However, apart from that Robertson was probably the Reds’ best performer at the back.
Ryan Gravenberch (5)— Didn’t control the game and gave the ball away too often. Like a few in red, he struggled to deal with the intensity of the Fulham midfield.
Alexis Mac Allister (6)— Had some good moments on the ball but was lightweight against Fulham’s strong midfield. Mac Allister’s sublime strike after 14 minutes will go largely forgotten given the scoreline, but it was among Liverpool’s best of the season to date.
Dominik Szoboszlai (5)— Replaced within 10 minutes of the start of the second period. The Hungarian was another who was well below his usual standards and failed to create many openings in the offensive areas.
Mohamed Salah (3)— Slot said the winger would play with a smile on his face at Craven Cottage – that couldn’t have been further from the truth. The winger’s goalless streak now stretches to four in all competitions and that’s now seven games without a goal from open play.
Diogo Jota (5)— Started the game well and looked lively, but that waned as the game went on. He was denied a goal early in the second half by Leno’s excellent low save and he was replaced by Darwin Nunez as Liverpool searched for a way back into the game.
Cody Gakpo (5)— Had a few bright moments in the wide areas but didn’t carry a consistent threat throughout the game. Making his first league start since February, the Dutchman will be disappointed with his contribution and was withdrawn in the 55th minute.
Harvey Elliott (5) — Hit the crossbar with a curling effort but had little impact other than that. The ex-Fulham man was booed as he entered the pitch at Craven Cottage.
Luis Diaz (7) — Excellent after his introduction. The winger brought real dynamism in the wide areas and provided several dangerous crosses before he grabbed the goal to get Liverpool back into the game.
Conor Bradley (6)— Liverpool looked much more balanced after he came onto the pitch and the right-back set up Diaz’s goal to give a glimmer of late hope.
Darwin Nunez (5)—Didn’t see much of the ball after his substitution, but did occupy the Fulham center-backs and provide more space for teammates.
Federico Chiesa (N/A)— Came on with less 10 minutes remaining.
