Relegation candidates Fulham managed to hand Liverpool their sixth straight loss at Anfield as they won 1-0. The Cottagers were visibly better than their opponents for the day and thoroughly deserved the three points much more than Liverpool.
Scott Parker’s team did their homework for the match and displayed a perfect combination of compactness in shape, good work rate and willingness to go the distance to win the match. All these factors made Liverpool seem more like relegation candidates than Fulham. And this is a very important victory for the London club, who could be on the verge of avoiding relegation thanks to the victory at Anfield.
As for their opposition, Jürgen Klopp made seven changes to the lineup against Fulham, along with a change in formation. Diogo Jota returned to the starting lineup and was paired upfront alongside an in-form Mo Salah, who could not find the back of the net on the day to salvage at least a point for the hosts.
The Liverpool team that were on display last season have evaporated into thin air, and there is a sheer lack of hunger and determination in the team that was one of their most unique qualities and led them to win the Champions League and Premier League trophies in subsequent seasons.
However, a severe slump in form for Sadio Mane and Bobby Firmino along with the almost cursed injury record for the Merseysiders has prevented them from defending the title as they hoped they would. The absence of Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez has surely left a hole in Liverpool’s foundation as a unit.
But that is what the big clubs have over the others. The extra funds enable them to find replacements for their big players in case of injuries, and none of their plan Bs have worked out well.
