Perfection can be achieved even if things do not go perfectly, as Liverpool demonstrated by maintaining their flawless home record in an exciting seven-goal match against Fulham.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alexis Mac Allister each scored impressive goals, one off of Bernd Leno’s back, from a total distance of 55 yards to give Liverpool the lead twice. Despite this, Fulham continuously fought back with goals from Harry Wilson, Kenny Tete, and Bobby De Cordova-Reid, all from close range. In the end, Wataru Endo and Alexander-Arnold brought Anfield to a state of wild excitement.
It was uncommon for Alexander-Arnold to stay in one place on the field. Although he was technically playing as a right-back, he could often be seen acting as a sweeper, playing in central midfield, or even on the left wing. During a brief break in the action, the full-back took a free-kick from 25 yards and skillfully curled it into the goal off the crossbar. However, his goal may not be seen as completely pure as it deflected off of Leno’s back on its way in.
Liverpool’s academy had a successful day as their equalizing goal was scored by one of their former players just four minutes later. This incident also brought attention to the potential disadvantage of Alexander-Arnold’s free position, as the goal was conceded from the right side where he was positioned in the center of the penalty area. Joël Matip’s attempt to pass out of defense was intercepted, leading to a breakaway for Fulham. Antonee Robinson had enough space to make a cross for Wilson, who was able to push the ball through goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher’s legs. This was Kelleher’s sixth appearance in the Premier League, almost three years after his debut.
In theory, Mac Allister is the deepest midfielder for Liverpool but his role goes beyond that of other players in the league. He is better suited for an attacking position and Jürgen Klopp is happy to see him move forward. During a throw-in, Raúl Jiménez headed the ball into Mac Allister’s path and instead of hesitating, he confidently unleashed a powerful shot that soared into the top corner. The crowd at Anfield was stunned by the impressive display. Fulham’s manager, Marco Silva, commented that it would be unlikely for Mac Allister to replicate such a feat if given another chance, but Mac Allister himself is not worried.
Leno’s previous injury resulted in a nine-minute extension of the first half. In the third minute of added time, Jiménez effectively used a flick-on to direct a corner to Tete, who was able to control the ball despite it initially seeming out of reach. Kelleher believed he could grab the ball, but Tete’s extended right leg redirected it into the goal. Initially, Liverpool thought they had been saved by the assistant referee’s offside call, but VAR proved otherwise, resulting in a delayed second celebration from the visiting supporters.
The bright yellow and orange squares were able to save Liverpool after Tim Ream scored on the rebound from a save by Kelleher on João Palhinha’s header. Despite the American defender’s protests, it was clear he was offside and the first half ended in a tie.
In the second half of the match, Mohamed Salah made a clever pass to Darwin Núñez, who had a new braided hairstyle. Núñez took a powerful shot, but unfortunately, it hit the crossbar and the rain stopped. The striker from Uruguay expressed his desire for more support from the fans by raising his hands towards the Kop. Later on, Salah and Núñez worked together again, with Salah delicately passing the ball over the defense to Núñez, but he missed the target with a weak shot.
Alexander-Arnold’s passing range and the fact Liverpool looked susceptible down the right resulted in him being moved into central midfield and Joe Gomez coming on at full-back as Klopp withdrew Szoboszlai and Mac Allister. Cody Gakpo joined the architect of chaos Alexander-Arnold in midfield and the game opened up.
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Fulham utilized a counterattack and once more, despite any adjustments, it was Liverpool’s right side that troubled the home team. Willian was unmarked as he passed the ball back to Tom Cariney, who then delivered a cross to the back post where fellow substitute De Cordova-Reid outjumped Kostas Tsimikas to score and give Fulham their first lead of the game.
Salah is close to scoring his 200th goal for Liverpool. He had a chance to tie the game when a corner kick came his way, but he missed from six yards away, sending his shot far above the goal. However, Salah’s concern was unnecessary as Endo received a pass from him and successfully scored from outside the box, placing the ball in the top corner.
The outcome of the match was fittingly determined by Alexander-Arnold. After a cross from Núñez was partially cleared, the English player took advantage and scored from a distance of 18 yards, causing chaos on the field and in the crowd in the 88th minute. It was a spectacular conclusion to an outstanding game.
Source: theguardian.com
