In the end, Liverpool were too good for a Fulham side that turned up for the clash at Anfield. The Reds had to put up a quality performance after their 2-0 loss at Red Star Belgrade, but it was the away side that started better.
Fulham even had the ball in the back of the net but the goal was ruled offside. Liverpool didn’t waste time and quickly sprung an attack with Mohamed Salah scoring just before half-time.
Nerves were calmed in the second half when Xherdan Shaqiri scored a sumptuous volley from an Andy Robertson cross. The Reds moved to the top of the Premier League before the games for Chelsea and Manchester City.
This was a decent performance before the international break, and here are the player ratings.
Alisson Becker – 6/10
Alisson did not look comfortable between the sticks and needed Virgil van Dijk to sweep clear after a poor save. However, the Brazilian’s quick thinking allowed Trent Alexander-Arnold to assist Salah for the opener.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6.5/10
The Englishman struggled initially but it was his assist that ensured we went into half-time with an important lead.
Virgil van Dijk – 7/10
Didn’t really have much to do at the back and even tried to take a free-kick for the Reds in the second half.
Joe Gomez – 7/10
The Englishman was alright at the back but picked up a booking for tugging back Fulham players twice.
Andy Robertson – 8/10
Possibly the best player on the park, Robertson was a machine going up and down and picked out Shaqiri with a fantastic ball in the second half.
Fabinho – 7/10
The Brazilian had a decent game with his passing but still seemed to make a few mistakes.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 6.5/10
Wijnaldum didn’t do much wrong and did his job in the midfield well without any special moments.
Roberto Firmino – 6.5/10
We don’t seem to be seeing the best of Firmino this season, and it is more difficult for him in a withdrawn role.
Sadio Mane – 6.5/10
Mane started brightly but again, something is missing in the play of the Senegalese.
Xherdan Shaqiri – 8/10
The one player who seemed to be up for the game in our attack. Shaqiri was rewarded with a goal but it was a great finish from the Swiss in the second half.
Mohamed Salah – 7/10
Another goal for the Egyptian in a game where he didn’t play to his best. The goal gave him confidence as he looked sharper.
Substitutes
Jordan Henderson – 6/10
The captain got a few important minutes from the bench ahead of the international break.
James Milner – NA
The Englishman came on but didn’t have time to do much.
Read more: Out-of-favour Liverpool star on Ligue 1 outfit’s radar for the winter
Naby Keita – NA
Was a late sub into the game and didn’t have time to make an impact.
