Goals: Leno OG 20′, Mac Allister 38′, Endo 87′, Alexander-Arnold 88′; Wilson 25′, Tete 45′, De Cordova-Reid 80′
Caoimhin Kelleher (out of 10) – 4
It was a big day for Kelleher, as he came in for the injured Alisson, but it’s fair to say that it was a concerning performance.
The Irishman could have done better for Harry Wilson‘s goal, and certainly needed to do more for Kenny Tete’s, and he seemed to unsettle the defence.
He is a huge step down from Alisson, but the hope is that he grows in confidence with more games under his belt.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8 (Man of the Match)
Alexander-Arnold was the hero for Liverpool in last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Man City, and his remarkable technique was out in force at Anfield.
The 25-year-old opened the scoring with an outrageous free-kick from 30 yards – officially an own goal for Bernd Leno – and he provided drive and quality in the midfield all game.
While his influence waned, including as an out-and-out No. 6 for the last quarter, the boyhood Liverpool fan fired home brilliantly to win it in the dying minutes.
Joel Matip – 6
Matip is enjoying an impressive resurgence this season, but this wasn’t his best showing, with the Reds’ defence looking shaky at times.
The veteran centre-back did make a key interception to thwart Wilson, which was a big contribution, but his lack of pace occasionally looked suspect when Fulham counter-attacked.
Had to go off injured, which is a big concern, given his history of fitness woes.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
While Van Dijk while physically dominant for much of proceedings at Anfield, it shouldn’t be ignored that he was also part of a defence that creaked.
The Liverpool skipper was strong in his all-round game, in fairness, but it could be argued that a little more organisation and focus was needed at times.
Perhaps we just expect too much sometimes, though.
Kostas Tsimikas – 6
Tsimikas has improved by the game recently, enjoying an extended run in the team, and he was solid again here.
The Greek tried to link with Luis Diaz down the left flank, providing overlapping runs, but more consistent end product was needed.
Allowed Bobby De Cordova-Reid to leap above him to head home what looked set to be the winner, but the positives outweighed the negatives for the full-back.
