Fulham and Liverpool played out an entertaining 2-2 draw under perfectly sunny conditions at Craven Cottage, which saw the Reds come from behind twice. Despite several injuries, the Cottagers put in an impressive performance which neutralised the Reds for much of the first half.
Story of the Match
Fulham applied pressure from the off
Fulham started proceedings with aggressive pressing, taking the game to Liverpool for the first 10 minutes.
New signing Joao Palhinha and Harrison Reed were quick to close-down Thiago and Fabinho in the middle of the park, forcing Liverpool to primarily attack from wide positions. Luis Diaz had a goal disallowed for offside in the 14th minute, which was the first chance created by the Reds.
Fulham take the lead
Despite having 70% of the possession after 30 minutes, Liverpool only had one chance to show for it compared to Fulham’s three. Andreas Pereira offered quality service from a couple of corners and free kicks won by Fulham during the first half.
Aleksander Mitrovic converted an excellent cross from Kenny Tete in the 32nd minute, out-muscling Trent Alexander-Arnold at the back post to put the Cottagers 1-0 ahead after a well-worked counter attack.
Luis Diaz clipped the crossbar in the 38th minute after silky build up from the Reds as they looked for an equaliser. The Brazilian then had a tame header saved by Marek Rodak during first-half stoppage time as Fulham went into the break with their lead still intact.
The second half was action packed
Fulham got the second half underway looking to maintain their high-pressing, energetic game-plan, as Liverpool sent out Darwin Nunez to begin warming up to potentially play a part in bringing them back into the game.
Following an injury to Thiago in the 49th minute, Harvey Elliot was brought on as his replacement, whilst Nunez replaced Roberto Firmino.
Neeskens Kebano struck the post with an effort that had Alisson beaten as the Cottagers came narrowly close to doubling their lead. James Milner replaced Fabinho in a bid to add some composure to Liverpool’s midfield.
Nunez opens his account in the Premier League
Darwin Nunez scored his first Premier League goal in the 64th minute to level proceedings with an audacious backheel finish following a fantastic cross from Mohamed Salah.
Tim Ream cleared another attempt from Nunez off the line as Fulham looked to regain some sort of composure as Liverpool’s confidence seemingly skyrocketed following their equaliser.
Harrison Reed produced another goal-saving intervention after blocking an effort from Luis Diaz at point-blank range in front of Fulham’s goal.
Fulham take the lead only for Liverpool to equalise soon after
VAR ruled referee Andy Madley’s decision to award Aleksander Mitrovic a penalty correct after being clipped in the penalty area by Virgil Van Dijk in the 70th minute. The Serbian stepped up and emphatically slotted home the resulting penalty to put the Cottagers 2-1 up.
Another former Lilywhites player was introduced by the reds in Fabio Carvalho, who replaced Luis Diaz in the 77th minute. Fulham’s lead lasted 10 minutes as Mohamed Salah pounced on a loose touch from Nunez to level proceedings yet again in the 80th minute.
Jordan Henderson nearly scored a stoppage time winner after thumping the crossbar with a first-time effort from outside the box, but Fulham managed to see out the game to claim with what could prove to be a valuable point in their bid to stay in the Premier League this season.
3 Takeaways from the match
1- Aleksander Mitrovic will be key to keeping Fulham up this season. His physical presence and poacher-like instinct were the difference makers to earn his side a well-deserved point
2- Darwin Nunez made an instant impact with a goal on his Premier League debut, which will give Jurgen Klopp food for thought to include the Uruguayan over Roberto Firmino from match-week 2.
3 – Fulham are a well-drilled team who will constantly look to stop teams building up in the middle of the park through exceptional closing down and admirable work rates from the squad.
Stand out players – Aleksander Mitrovic & Darwin Nunez
Aleksander Mitrovic and Darwin Nunez are two forwards to definitely keep an eye out for this season as one fights for survival whilst the latter fights for the title. Premier League defences will no doubt be on high alert when facing the two strikers in the upcoming match-weeks.
