Liverpool beat Fulham 3-1 at Craven Cottage to keep themselves in contention for the Premier League title.
Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a sumptuous free-kick after 30 minutes before the home side equalised with Timothy Castagne slotting home with Liverpool failing to clear the ball from their penalty area.
Jurgen Klopp’s side took control in the second half, with Ryan Gravenberch — one of five changes to the starting XI — scoring a well-placed shot from the edge of the box and Diogo Jota scoring from a fast break with 20 minutes remaining.
The three points put Liverpool level on 74 with Arsenal, just one ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
Here, Andy Jones breaks down the key talking points of the match.
Klopp’s surprise selection
Gravenberch found himself in a pocket of space and received a pass from Harvey Elliott.
He turned towards Fulham’s goal, took one touch and fired an inch-perfect strike past Leno which hit the inside of the post on its way in.
The Gravenberch-Elliott combination was the first time Liverpool had a Premier League goal both scored and assisted by players aged 21 or younger since November 2014 against Chelsea when Emre Can set up Raheem Sterling.
21 – Ryan Gravenberch’s goal, assisted by Harvey Elliott, was the first time Liverpool had a Premier League goal both scored and assisted by players aged 21 or younger since November 2014 v Chelsea (Emre Can assisted by Raheem Sterling). Future. pic.twitter.com/P1eiN7DSvG
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 21, 2024
The pair were part of a surprising starting XI from Jurgen Klopp who decided to bench some of his stars including Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konate and Curtis Jones.
Some of Liverpool’s players have looked tired in recent weeks with injuries and a flurry of fixtures hitting them hard. Those returning from the treatment table have struggled for form and rhythm.
Gravenberch and Elliott were two of five changes with Wataru Endo, Diogo Jota and Jarell Quansah also coming in. In a must-win game it was a risk, but it paid off for Klopp.
The new-look midfield was effective with Endo providing a protective shield in front of the defence and Elliott and Gravenberch influencing proceedings in possession.
It was fitting that the pair combined for the crucial goal.
Trent on target again
You would think Fulham may have learned the lesson about giving Liverpool, and specifically Trent Alexander-Arnold, a free-kick within shooting distance.
December 2023: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick hits Bernd Leno and goes in. He celebrates by shushing the Fulham supporters.
April 2024: Trent Alexander-Arnold scores a sublime free-kick at Craven Cottage. He celebrates by shushing the Fulham supporters.#LFC | #FFC pic.twitter.com/XwCCEzC5nR
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) April 21, 2024
Joao Palhinha must have missed the memo as he made two fouls on Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota just outside his own penalty area in quick succession. It was the second which was used to punish Fulham by Liverpool’s vice-captain.
From the left side of the area, Alexander-Arnold effortlessly curled his free-kick over the wall and beyond the reach of Bernd Leno to give Liverpool the lead.
The previous free-kick had been struck by Elliott who tried to trick Fulham’s wall by going underneath it. But the wall was well constructed.
Tosin Adarabioyo, Fulham’s tall centre-back was in the first wall set-up but was absent as Alexander-Arnold lined up. The 25-year-old took full advantage with another moment of brilliance, curling his shot over the Tosin-less wall.
So sure was he that the ball would find the back of the net, he wheeled off in celebration before it had nestled in the top corner. As he did in December, he put his finger to his lips in celebration.
It was Alexander-Arnold’s sixth goal direct from a free-kick in the Premier League. Only Steven Gerrard (8) and Jamie Redknapp (7) have more although with his quality it is unlikely to be long before the defender surpasses them. He might even overtake Ian Harte’s mark as the most prolific defender from free-kicks, too.
Defensive issues still a worry
Until Liverpool sort their defensive discipline and concentration out they will need to score at least two goals to win Premier League games.
The clean sheet against Atalanta was welcome as it ended a run of nine consecutive games without a clean sheet but Jurgen Klopp’s side were unable to transfer it to domestic competition. It is now six games without a defensive blank in the Premier League.
Once again Liverpool conceded a preventable goal — following recent errors against Atalanta and Manchester United — by failing to clear their lines. With time ticking down at the end of the first half, Alisson’s quick goal-kick resulted in a long aimless pass into the centre of the pitch. Diaz failed to challenge for the header and Fulham were on the front foot.
A ball to the back post was allowed to travel to Alexander Iwobi with Andy Robertson occupied by Rodrigo Muniz. Muniz still found himself free to head Iwobi’s cross goalwards although Jarell Quansah made a crucial block.
Fulham reacted quicker again as Castagne was first to the loose ball. His shot was close to Alisson but the Brazilian could only deflect it into the corner with Wataru Endo on the line left wrong-footed.
Liverpool had been comfortable for the majority of the first half but once again allowed their opponents to score with little difficulty. It has to improve.
What did Klopp say?
We will bring his press conference quotes as soon as they are available.
What next for Liverpool?
Wednesday, April 24: Everton (A), Premier League, 8pm UK, 3pm ET
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(Top photo: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images))
