Full Time: Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
The Reds came from behind once again to get the win and take a one goal advantage to Craven Cottage in a hard fought battle against the Londoners.
First Half
If you can win when you play bad then you will always win trophies.. We could not get anything going in the first half. Passes were going wayward.. It was a bit slow and lethargic but we kept going. Its all you can do..
After a bit of pinball defending the ball fell to Willian who jinked through a lopsided defence and scored easily past Kelleher. It was such poor play all around. Something we aren't used to but again it was one of them halves. Nothing was coming off.
We had probably one serious shot which came from some uncontrolled passes. Jota firing across goal. It just needed a good run for a simple tap in. So when the half time whistle it was a welcome relief. Klopp could get them in and fire them up a bit and make a few tactical changes..
Second Half
The second half started pretty much the same but we had a bit more energy. Bradley was outstanding and Mac Allister was starting dominate the midfield and we were pressing and probing. Subs were needed and they arrived in the shape of Gakpo & Nunez who came on and really took the game to Fulham..
If ever there was a turning point in the game it was when Fulham broke free down their right and the winger shot rather than passing a ball into an unmarked team mate who was there to tap home.. We've seen it time and again at Anfield these teams just don't choose the right ball. Thankfully..
As a few minutes later Curtis Jones found himself free on the edge of the box and he unleashed a shot that was deflected into the top right hand corner.. It was all we needed to get out of first gear and quickly went through the other ones lifted by the leveller.
Nunez was everywhere and he broke down the left and squared to Gakpo who slotted home at the near left post with ease. Shots were raining in now and Fulham were holding on.. Nunez is just so unlucky in terms of goals at the minute. He latched on to a Bradley cross. The keeper was gone and stuck out a big toe which saved a certain goal for our number nine.
Summary
Fulham could have put this to bed but shot themselves in the foot.. We showed our professionalism and togetherness to battle through and get a hard fought victory. Not that Fulham played well.. When you have such world class talent available they will always show that bit of class to get you out of these situations.
We were probably a bit disjointed because of all the changes. It's always hard to find a rhythm but we certainly looked the part after the equaliser. No more injuries please.. and it will be a welcome sight to get a few back.. Robbo in particular.. Thiago will look great in the midfield too alongside A Mac & Szoboszlai..
Hopefully we will be a bit more settled by the second leg cos it will be tough.. But this forward line should fire us through..
OurLFC is not here for clickbate.. Enjoy the content.. Be cool if you signed up and got involved in discussions..