A second-half penalty from Mohamad Salah was required for the Reds to salvage a draw from their visit to Craven Cottage on Sunday, as the Merseysiders failed to cement their lead on top of the Premier League standings following Tottenham Hotspurs’ draw away at Crystal Palace.
Going behind to the hosts early on in the opening 45 minutes, Liverpool FC’s attacking exploits were largely unseen in the weekend fixture as Klopp’s men settled on for a draw thanks to Salah’s terrific record from the penalty spot.
TEAM NEWS
Alisson Becker returned to the Liverpool FC goal after three games out on the sidelines, as late reports confirmed that Diogo Jota was set for a two-month-long layoff owing to a knee injury, putting the 23-year-old out of contention to feature in the Fulham clash.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
It was Scott Parker’s Fulham side that got off to a bright start against the defending champions, and a defiant save from Alisson was required to keep the scoreline level after Ivan Cavaleiro made a great run in behind the Liverpool FC backline before striking the ball at the goal.
Alisson was called into action for a second time just minutes later with Cavaleiro again being on the lurk to find the back of the net, only for the Liverpool FC No.1 to make a low block.
As VAR denied Fulham the opportunity to score from a spot-kick, it fell upon De Cordova-Reid to give his side the lead, and 27-year-old’s thumping strike in the far corner of the net had too much power on it for Alisson to turn away.
Heading into the second half, it was clearly the hosts who had dominated the proceedings at Craven Cottage, with the Reds looking largely subdued in their endeavours upfront.
An early effort by Salah following the break was denied by Alphonse Areola, as Klopp’s side looked to pile upon the pressure in the opening minutes of the second half.
Firmino’s clever pass towards Jordan Henderson could have brought Liverpool FC their equaliser, but the skipper’s effort on goal was thwarted by the Fulham goalkeeper Areola.
However, the visitors soon got their golden chance to level the game as a free-kick from Gini Wijnaldum was handled in the box by Kamara, and a spot-kick was awarded to Liverpool FC without any hesitation.
Salah stepped up and dispatched the penalty, with Areola unable to keep out the Egyptian’s effort despite his strike being far from the usual exemplary ones.
Late chances fell for both teams but none were able to capitalise as the final whistle soon sounded out to ensure that Liverpool FC took a point from their travels away from home in match week 12.
