Analysis from Ian Doyle after Liverpool came from behind Fulham 2-1 at Anfield in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg
Nunez issues response
Darwin Nunez will never gain marks for artistic merit. But when it comes to effectiveness, the Liverpool forward continues to prosper this season.
And how the Reds needed the unique contribution of their maverick Uruguayan here.
Approaching the hour, Jurgen Klopp’s side appeared shorn of one player too many as they floundered against a well-drilled and motivated Fulham who, thanks to defensive indecision, found themselves ahead through Willian’s individual first-half opener.
The comfort with which the visitors were resisting the Reds and hitting on the break suggested they were the more likely to score again and take a healthy lead into the second leg of this League Cup semi-final in a fortnight. Anfield was agitated.
Enter Nunez who, alongside fellow substitute Cody Gakpo and another Klopp tactical tweak, helped to change the pattern of the game.
Within 12 minutes of being introduced, Nunez laid the ball off for Curtis Jones to equalise with a strike that deflected in off Tosin Adarabioyo. And three minutes later, after being fed by Diogo Jota, his forceful run down the inside left channel ended with a cut-back for Gakpo to expertly finish first time beyond Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Nunez could perhaps count himself unfortunate to be benched after an impressive showing when moved to the left flank in the weekend FA Cup victory over Arsenal. Certainly, his was a cameo of serious intent. And it continued the trend of substitutes making a difference for Liverpool this season, moving the bench on to 30 goal contributions for the season.
But that Nunez and Gakpo were the only replacements used by Klopp underlined the paucity of senior options available. While the Reds boss deserved credit for the changes that helped see off Arsenal, this wasn’t quite as considered an overhaul. Indeed, in the period when Liverpool scored their goals, it was difficult to work out what formation they were playing as they chucked everything forward.
To be fair, it paid off. And when the team finally settled, Nunez was denied three times by fine saves from Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Despite only coming on after 56 minutes, the forward had the most touches in the opposing box during the match, the most completed take-ons and nobody had more shots on target.
Having been so poor for so long, Liverpool will hope they don’t end up regretting those late missed chances. Nunez, though, took the opportunity to stake his claim for more regular minutes.
Elliott question remains
Harvey Elliott may have only made three appearances for Fulham’s first team, but that was enough to be targeted for jeers from the away fans whenever in possession. That, though, wasn’t sufficient reason for the Liverpool man to be overlooked by his team-mates time and again during a frustrating first half.
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With Mohamed Salah spending his immediate future at the Africa Cup of Nations, the Reds are searching for the best alternative on the right flank. But, for the second game running, the experiment of Elliott as the wide man was abandoned long before the final whistle.
The 20-year-old wasn’t helped by a fitful performance on his inside by Ryan Gravenberch, and only truly shone when invited to drift inside for a brief period before the duo were hauled off.
Rather than Luis Diaz swapping flanks as at the Emirates, Gakpo was introduced on to the right of what ultimately was something approaching a 4-4-2. And even without his winning goal, the Dutchman was a greater threat from wider areas.
Elliott has started all 11 cup games this season but only two in the Premier League, evidence he perhaps is still searching for his best position. The fact is, however, the Reds once again found a way without Salah.
Patient Bradley delivers
No player is irreplaceable. Some, though, are less easy to follow than others, and few have quite the skillset and overarching influence as Trent Alexander-Arnold on this Liverpool team.
Big shoes, then, for Conor Bradley to fill, with Alexander-Arnold absent for most likely the next three weeks with a knee problem.
It could have been an onerous task. Instead, the 20-year-old, after an impressive cameo at Arsenal, underlined why he has long been held in high regard by the Liverpool coaching staff, a belief strengthened by his development when shining on loan at League One side Bolton Wanderers last season.
Bradley is, in some ways, making up for lost time, having started pre-season in the inverted right-back role before losing several months to a back injury. And early tackles on dangerous Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson – who caused havoc against the Reds here in December – and the wily Willian ensured the crowd were very much onside and settled any nerves.
