Liverpool vs Fulham player ratings: 3/10 man lets team-mates down as 8/10 duo rescue Reds | Football | Sport
Liverpool scrambled home a late equaliser to ensure their unbeaten streak stretched to 20 matches across all competitions.
Diogo Jota proved the saviour for the Reds as he came off the bench to score five minutes from time, steering home a right-footed strike after being played in behind.
Liverpool‘s afternoon had been thrown into jeopardy early doors when Andreas Pereira opened the scoring for the visitors, but it was Andrew Robertson’s early red card that caused the most chaos.
The left-back was caught out with a dodgy touch and can’t have had any complaints with the dismissal, which looked like it might’ve cost his team their lengthy unbeaten record.
His blushes were spared initially by Cody Gakpo’s tidy back-post header, but the Dutchman’s leveller was rendered meaningless itself when Rodrigo Muniz fired Fulham back into the lead with 15 minutes to play.
In the end, a point proved the fairest of results, as Liverpool showed incredible desire to avoid defeat and maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Express Sport hand out the player ratings after Liverpool 2-2 Fulham…
Alisson Becker – 6
Was kept quiet for most of the afternoon until he popped up with a crucial save in added time. Saving with his feet to deny Adama Traore, the Brazil international sent a timely reminder as to why he’s Liverpool‘s No.1 pick.
Operated in midfield for most of the period that Liverpool had 10 men, but wasn’t able to provide a magic moment.
Joe Gomez – 5
Couldn’t sort his feet out for the Fulham second and didn’t provide the typical steeliness Virgil Van Dijk is used to at the heart of defence.
Virgil Van Dijk – 6
Couldn’t have done much about either of the goals and even chipped in with attacking endeavours of his own.
Andrew Robertson – 3
Made his own bed for the red card after taking a heavy touch before hacking Harry Wilson down to the ground as the last man in Liverpool‘s defence.
Ryan Gravenberch – 8
Bossed the contest throughout, even after being asked to drop into defence following Robertson’s red card. Slowly emerging as one of the Player of the Season contenders, for both club and the wider league’s award.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6
Provided legs in midfield but lacked quality at times. Had a hefty job glueing defence and attack for the 10 men, but Liverpool improved when changes were made and the Hungarian was taken off the pitch.
Curtis Jones – 5
Looked lost at times in the heart of midfield. Booked for a clumsy tackle midway through the second half and was hooked when the scores were level. Missed his chance to shine during Alexis Mac Allister’s absence.
Cody Gakpo – 7
Lively enough in the first, both before and after the red card. Deservedly found the net to make it 1-1 with a delightful diving header from Mohamed Salah‘s inswinging cross.
Mohamed Salah – 6
Missed a couple of chances that a player of his quality ought to have done better with. Provided a stylish assist for Gakpo’s header, but would’ve been kicking himself not to have impacted the game even more.
Luis Diaz – 5
Missed a chance that ought to have finished in a goal during the first half and failed to look comfortable at the tip of Liverpool‘s attack. Was still lively throughout, but it wasn’t his finest day at the office.
Darwin Nunez (sub) – 6
Liverpool might as well have been playing with nine men for most of the time the Uruguayan was on the pitch, but he did provide the assist for Jota’s equaliser.
Jarell Quansah (sub) – 4
Blindsided by Rodrigo Muniz for the second Fulham goal just moments after coming off the substitute’s bench.
Diogo Jota (sub) – 8
Kept his composure in front of goal to net the equaliser. Having been missing in action since mid-October with an injury, his return ahead of the hectic festive period could prove pivotal for the six-time European champions.
Harvey Elliot (sub) – 6
Added a bright spark off the bench but some disappointing deliveries. He’s another who will be welcomed back warmly following a lengthy injury.
