SAN FRANCISCO, December 14, (THEWILL) – English Premier League champions Liverpool spurned the chance to go top of the log and they had to come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
The hosts, who had earned an uncanny reputation for slow starts so far this season, chose the visit of the champions to try out a new tactic of flying out of the traps.
It worked like a charm, with striker Ivan Cavaleiro exacting two good saves in quick succession from Liverpool goalie Alisson Becker after sneaking in behind during the early stages.
VAR examined a challenge on Cavaleiro in the visitors’ box at length by VAR shortly after and decided against a penalty. Yet, that did little to affect the hosts’ rhythm.
It came as no surprise, then, when they took the lead in the 25th minute through midfielder Bobby Decordova-Reid, who latched onto a clever Ademola Lookman pass just inside the box before lashing the ball into the far corner.
The worst part of Liverpool playing one of their poorest halves of the season was suffering yet another injury blow at half-time as a sore back for Joel Matip forced him off. Takumi Minamino took his place.
Jurgen Klopp’s decision to move Jordan Henderson into the backline did little for their organisation, with Andy Robertson almost diverting a clearance in off a Fulham player moments after the restart.
However, the improvement to their performance took off from that moment. Henderson drew a smart save from Fulham keeper Alphonse Areola at close range soon after even though Liverpool still struggled to consistently turn possession into chances of note.
It took some good fortune to get Liverpool back into the game. Left midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum’s seemingly harmless free-kick was handled by substitute forward Aboubakar Kamara in the defensive wall and the referee pointed to the spot.
Striker Mohamed Salah finished off from 12 yards, with a weak spot-kick that narrowly evaded Areola.
Scott Parker’s side saw little of the ball from that point on, but they continued to look defensively resolute to the end as they took a share of the spoils their performance doubtlessly merited.
After missing the chance to leapfrog them in the table, Liverpool host title rivals Tottenham at Anfield on Wednesday. Fulham, meanwhile, have another home game against Brighton on the same day.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
