4 things we learned from Fulham 2-2 Liverpool

Read the key takeaways as the Cottagers share the points with the Reds in their opening Premier League game.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Players of Fulham help Aleksandar Mitrovic to their feet as Jordan Henderson and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool protest to Referee Andy Madley during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage on August 06, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

By Kenneth Andersen6 August 2022 16:07 BST

It was a bittersweet start to the new Premier League season for both Fulham and Liverpool.

Fulham are ecstatic to gain a point against one of the best teams in the world over the past five years or so but equally disappointed as they lead the game twice.

Liverpool on the other hand will be furious with their first half performance and the result but relieved to save a point.

Fulham can be a real threat this season

The Cottagers went toe-to-toe with Liverpool and dominated the game by doing what the visitors are so famous for: being hyper aggressive.

Fulham's midfield ran tirelessly and did not give an inch to the likes of Thiago, Jordan Henderson, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino and the home team deservedly took the lead in the first half.

But Marco Silva's men could not sustain the intensity for the full 90 minutes, which gave Liverpool a way back into the game in the second half.

If Fulham can replay the first half throughout the season they will be a tough side to beat.

Look out for Mitrovic

The Serbian talisman continues his ridiculous goal scoring form with two nettings in his first game back in the Premier League – a soaring header and a penalty kick.

Aleksandar Mitrovic comes from a productive pre season and a 43 goal scoring campaign in the Championship last year. All evidence indicate that he will have another great season for Fulham.

A slight concern, however, is that he looked to be cramping up at the end of the game. Mitrovic has to stay fit at all costs for Fulham.

Liverpool not close to their best

Fulham deserves credit for their impressive performance but the Reds were not nearly as dominating as we are used to seeing them.

Inaccurate passes, being strong-armed by their opposition time and time again, cohesion among the players seemed off, Salah and Firmino were anonymous for almost an hour.

Liverpool looked another pre season game or two away from being ready.

However, the second half was better. The rust seemed to smooth out and they pinned Fulham back activating their brilliant high press, which left Fulham playing an uphill battle.

Once Liverpool get that kind of game state Salah and co thrive and the Egyptian, like he so often does, scored when his team needed a goal.

BT Sport's graphics showed that Liverpool only lost twice on twelve occurrences in the Premier League last season when conceding the first goal. Klopp's team does not give up.

Nunez will score lots

It was their new marquee signing, Darwin Nunez, who brought them back into the game with the 1-1 equaliser and an assist on the 2-2 goal.

The £67.5 million striker was subbed on in the second half and could have had three goals on his debut.

Nunez does not look completely settled, a bit flimsy at times, but was still Liverpool's most threatening player with his bolting runs in the box or behind the defensive line, or as the receiver of long balls over the top.

A goal and an assist in 40 minutes of play is a promising sign of what to come from the 23-year-old.