Liverpool clinched a 2-1 victory against Fulham in the Premier League, thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo and a controversial strike by Florian Wirtz, but the match highlighted ongoing fitness and defensive issues under manager Arne Slot. A late equalizer from Fulham exposed Liverpool's vulnerabilities, as their high press faded and players struggled with stamina. The result keeps Liverpool in the top four, but injuries to key players like Hugo Ekitike and Wirtz's hamstring problem raise concerns ahead of their clash with Arsenal.
The match at Craven Cottage saw Liverpool disrupted by soft tissue injuries from the outset, with Hugo Ekitike sidelined and Florian Wirtz nursing a hamstring issue that visibly hampered his performance. Despite these setbacks, Liverpool took the lead through Gakpo after spurning earlier chances, though his play appeared sluggish overall. Wirtz added a second goal, but it sparked controversy as he was flagged offside; the semi-automated system failed to overturn the on-field decision, leaving Fulham aggrieved and insisting the goal should not have stood.
Liverpool's early intensity, including a pressing game in the first 10 minutes, quickly dissipated into lethargy, a pattern repeated in the second half. The team struggled to maintain tempo, reverting to slow sideways passing and lacking forward runs, which isolated players like Milos Kerkez and left Wirtz searching for options. Defensively, the Reds were disorganized, with Virgil van Dijk often left isolated against multiple attackers and Ibrahima Konate continuing to struggle with positioning and physical battles.
Fulham capitalized late, equalizing when a shot went unchallenged as Liverpool's players stood watching, despite leading by a goal. Substitutions aimed to inject pace: Jeremie Frimpong replaced Wirtz in the 76th minute and provided a key cross for Liverpool's second, while Federico Chiesa entered late for Curtis Jones in the 85th. However, Slot's decision to shut down the game with Joe Gomez on in stoppage time nearly backfired against a side lacking defensive solidity.
Fulham, described as solid but not spectacular, deserved at least a draw for their quick breaks and resilience, sitting back to frustrate Liverpool. Alisson showed signs of returning to form with better distribution, but the overall display lacked the heart and desire that propelled last season's title win. This survival-oriented approach under Slot prioritizes avoiding errors over flair, amid a traumatic run that has dialed down the team's strengths.
