Despite struggling this season, Liverpool have found their form as of late as they try to fight for the final Champions League spot. They’ve gone 6 games without losing – picking up 4 straight wins. Meanwhile, Fulham have overperformed this season and are sitting in the top half with a few matches remaining in the season. However, their defence has been rocky – and they haven’t kept a clean sheet since February.
LIV: Becker; Tsimikas, van Dijk, Konaté, Alexander-Arnold; Jones, Fabinho, Henderson; Diaz, Nunez, Salah
FUL: Leno; Robinson, Diop, Adarabioyo, Soares; Palhinha, Cairney, Lucic; Willian, Vinicius, Wilson
Liverpool got their first chance of the game just 9 minutes in, when Luis Diaz found Mo Salah on the right wing, who passed it to Trent Alexander-Arnold just outside the box. Alexander-Arnold sent a low shot at goal that just whistled just wide of the left post.
Fulham had a chance minutes later, when Adarabioyo caught the two Liverpool centre-backs off guard and sent it right through the middle for Vinicius, who turned and dashed into the box. He fired it at goal, but Alisson was able to get back and make the save.
Both attacks struggled to create chances after that, but Liverpool were awarded a chance to take the lead from the penalty spot as Diop put in a late challenge on Nunez. Salah converted the chance with a calm strike right down the middle that easily found a way past Bernd Leno, giving Liverpool a 1-0 lead.
Both teams continued to struggle offensively, with no shots on target until the 77th minute. Following a throw-in, Willian charged up the left wing before sending a beautiful flick pass to Vinicius, who in turn sent a through ball right back at Willian. The pair found each other in the box with a low cross, but Vinicius’ shot was saved by Alisson for a corner.
Liverpool wanted a second goal though – and Henderson looked to bag it as he ran up and sent a low strike from way outside the box, but that curled wide of the left post for a goal kick.
Fulham began desperately fighting for an equaliser, and found themselves with the ball in Liverpool territory late in stoppage time. Manor Soloman found Daniel James on the left wing, who sent in a quick cross at Reid in the center of the box – but his attempt went over the bar thanks to strong block from Van Dijk.
This result takes Liverpool within four points of Manchester United – and Champions League qualification – with 4 matches left to go. However, United boast 2 games in hand. This extends Liverpool’s winning streak to five matches at this late stage of the season. Liverpool can continue their charge for Europe’s elite competition on Saturday as they face Brentford.
On the other hand, Fulham continue to sit in tenth – 5 points from 9th place Brentford and 11th place Crystal Palace. They’ll look to pick up another three points against relegation candidates Leicester on Monday.
