Rio Ngumoha dazzled the Anfield crowd on Saturday evening (Image: Getty)
Arne Slot’s Liverpool ended a run of three consecutive defeats and secured their first Premier League three points since February at home to Fulham on Saturday evening. It keeps Liverpool in fifth place, as they continue their search for a spot in next season’s Champions League.
On the same day the Grand National was taking place just down the road at Aintree, it was Rio Ngumoha who galloped his way through the Fulham defence and curled home a stunner to open the scoring. In sharp contrast to the youthful Ngumoha, it was a player coming towards the end of their Liverpool career who netted the second. Ngumoha was once again involved, clipping a ball to the back post, with Cody Gakpo laying it off for Mohamed Salah, who started his farewell tour with a trademark left-footed finish.
Fulham’s threat did increase somewhat in the second half, and if Emile Smith-Rowe had converted from close range late on it might’ve turned into a different contest. Slot would’ve wanted to have seen more from his players, however, it’s a crucial three points in pursuit of a top-five finish. Express Sport hands out player ratings from Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Fulham.
Didn’t really have much to do as Liverpool thwarted any sustained spells of Fulham pressure. Dealt with anything that came his way when called upon and commanded his area well.
Enjoyed himself from an offensive point of view and was threatening when he picked up the ball in advanced areas. Struggled at times defensively, and was bailed out by his team-mates on occasion.
With his future hanging in the lurch, the Frenchman has had some stinkers in recent weeks. Today wasn’t one of those, but it could’ve got messy had Fulham halved the deficit. The bigger concern was his wastefulness in possession.
Chipped in with a couple of important blocks and was the most alert of the Liverpool defenders.
Another Liverpool legend on his way out, and on the most part it was a solid showing from the Scot.
Risked the wrath of the Reds faithful with his reaction after the full-time whistle during last week’s FA Cup thumping away to Manchester City. Responded with a solid performance against Fulham.
Hooked at half-time but had pulled up with a suspected injury just before the break.
Mohamed Salah returned to scoring form against Fulham (Image: Getty)
The star of the show and by far and away the best player on the pitch. Lifted the roof off with his stunning opener and was influential in the Liverpool seconds minutes later. The teenager has put a spanner in the works for Tuesday night’s team selection, given the hosts looked much less threatening with him off the pitch.
Another underwhelming showing from the German. For the most part, Liverpool’s attack was incredibly fluid, but that often broke down when the ball fell to the £116million man.
Led the line in the absence of both Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak in the starting XI, but wouldn’t have done much to stake a claim for Tuesday’s crunch clash against Paris Saint-Germain. Flashed a shot wide midway through the second half, but that was about it.
Looked emotional before kick-off as he soaked up what will be one of his final renditions of You’ll Never Walk Alone as a Liverpool player. Responded to the crowd’s adoration with a stylish strike to end a wait of five months without a Premier League goal at Anfield.
Replaced the injured Curtis Jones at half-time and offered the usual protection in front of the back four.
Did his usual trusty thing off the bench.
It’s all about building up match fitness following the Swede’s recent return from injury. Could have a part ot play in mid-week.
Has been on the receiving end of some hefty criticisms this season, but didn’t do too much wrong when called upon. Ought to have done better with a stinging shot from the edge of the box.