Player ratings, winners and losers between Liverpool and Fulham as Trent Alexander-Arnold saves Caoimhin Kelleher and Darwin Nunes in an epic match.
WINNERS
Alexander-Arnold scored a stunning free-kick for New Trent as Liverpool beat Fulham 4-3 in a thriller at Anfield. After Alexander-Arnold had given the Reds the lead, Fulham equalized five minutes from time through former Reds player Harry Wilson.
Alexis McAllister restored the lead with the opening goal of the season before the Cottagers struck again through Kenny Tete. Fulham took their first lead through Bobby DeCordova-Reid and were chasing the famous three points.
But Liverpool restored parity before substitute Wataru Endo Alexander-Arnold rounded off a surprisingly quick turn. The result moved Jurgen Klopp’s side into second place in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Arsenal, as Manchester City face Spurs on Sunday night.
LOSERS
Of course, the same goes for Trent Alexander-Arnold. If he looked like Steven Gerrard when he scored a late equalizer at the Etihad last week, it was a fine impression from the famous captain who prides himself on his first-half free-kick. The Kop winner will surely be one of the best moments of the season. Wataru Endo was also the unlikeliest hero off the bench, but he got a lot of credit for finishing well outside the box.
Caoimhin Kelleher, making his first Premier League start of the season in Alisson’s absence, had a day to remember as he attempted to score Fulham’s second goal.
On the other hand, two big mistakes by Darwin Nunes were crucial.
PLAYER RATINGS
Caoimhin Kelleher – 4/10
It’s hard to criticize Kelleher too much for the first goal as the ball came from close range, but he was completely confused for Fulham’s second goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 9/10
Alexander-Arnold gave Liverpool the lead with an absolutely unstoppable free-kick, one of his best goals of all time, and he once again shone as a deep-lying playmaker with a commendable long pass. But alongside Mc Allister, he could have done more to contain Wilson before Fulham’s first equaliser.
In the middle of the second half, he took over the permanent position of midfielder, and scored the winning goal with skills worthy of a no. 9
Joel Matip — 5/10 (from 68′)
Matip inadvertently gave the ball away, leading to Wilson’s goal. With a quarter left in the game, he was taken out with an injury.
Virgil van Dijk – 6/10
Van Dijk saw the rebound from Tsimikas’ corner. Liverpool were shaky in defence, but that wasn’t the Dutchman’s fault.
Kostas Tsimikas – 5/10
They scored a decent goal in the first half, but Fulham’s third goal put them ahead through Decordova-Reid.
Dominic Szoboslai — 6/10 (from 65′)
Leno spilled the ball, Salah scored and Szoboszlai almost scored, but the flag was raised. However, he later won a free-kick which led to an Alexander-Arnold effort. In the second half, he added two more goals from distance before being substituted.
Alexis McAllister — 8/10 (from 65′)
Mc Allister opened his club account for 2023/2024 with one of the cleanest goals you’ll ever see. It was a goal that could be repeated endlessly. Just before Fulham, he made a decisive clearance and tackle to stop Fulham’s dangerous attack.
Ryan Gravenburch — 5/10 (83′)
Gravenbirch played with his usual intent from the start. He made a cutting pass to Liverpool’s forwards and pushed forward when space opened up. However, he struggled in the second half and was taken off in the final 10 minutes.
Mohamed Salah – 7/10
Salah came closest in the first half, forcing Leno to block from a tight angle, but Díaz had the chance to touch him for a shot. He created two good chances in the second game that could have led to assists for Nunez, but Liverpool missed the equalizer as they pressed for an equaliser. He finally succeeded not long after that by putting the ball in the endo.
Darwin Nunes – 3/10
Nunes committed several turnovers and lost possessions in the first half and struggled to capitalize on opportunities. This was in part because he seemed more inclined to pass the ball than shoot it quickly and boldly.
Shot as usual. There were chances in the second half, but no clear goals were scored, one ball and another hitting the crossbar.
Luis Diaz – 6/10
Most shots on goal were easily blocked by Leno, but another corner kick was well saved and Salah should have won the rebound.spare part.
Joe Gomez – 6/10 ( 65)
Wataru Endo – 9/10 (83′)
Liverpool’s equalizer was a great goal. Ibrahima – 6/10 (op 68′)
Cody – 6/10 (op 65′)
