Although this Premier League loss won`t significantly impact the current season, Liverpool`s second defeat, against Fulham at Craven Cottage, raises some red flags regarding their title aspirations for the upcoming season. Despite taking an early lead, Liverpool conceded three goals in the first half and, despite a strong effort to come back, couldn`t overcome Fulham`s resilient defense led by Bernd Leno.
For nearly a decade, Liverpool`s success has been heavily reliant on their dynamic full-backs. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson have been instrumental in expanding the play and initiating attacks, becoming crucial offensive and defensive assets. Like the renowned partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, they`ve formed a formidable defensive duo in Premier League history, albeit in a very different style.
With Alexander-Arnold possibly moving to Real Madrid in the summer and currently injured, the time this partnership has left is limited. The Fulham match exposed potential vulnerabilities beyond just the right-back position. While Robertson`s attacking prowess is still evident, his defensive lapses are becoming increasingly concerning. This was highlighted when a poor pass across his own penalty area gifted Alex Iwobi an opportunity to score Fulham`s opening goal.
Liverpool`s defense was collectively at fault for Fulham`s first goal. While Robertson was slow to react to Andreas Pereira`s cross, the central defense was equally culpable. Ibrahima Konate seemed preoccupied with Curtis Jones rather than tracking the ball, resulting in him missing the cross, which then deflected off another defender to Ryan Sessegnon for an easy finish.
Even Virgil van Dijk, typically a bastion of defense, made a rare error. He failed to properly deal with a high ball, allowing Rodrigo Muniz to out-jump him and score a brilliant goal past Coimhin Kelleher.
In the second half, Liverpool showed renewed energy, particularly after Conor Bradley replaced the right back position. Bradley`s energetic play directly contributed to Luis Diaz scoring and reducing the deficit. Harvey Elliott almost equalized with a shot that hit the crossbar. However, Fulham`s defense, particularly Calvin Bassey, remained strong, securing a victory that boosts their European ambitions.
This defeat might only delay Liverpool`s inevitable season conclusion. They still need a relatively small number of points to achieve their goals, with several favorable matches remaining. However, the game does raise questions about Liverpool`s defensive readiness to compete at the highest level. If Bradley is seen as Alexander-Arnold`s successor, then a more defensively sound left-back than Robertson might be necessary. Van Dijk, despite his contract ending soon, remains a top center-back, but moments like Muniz`s goal are becoming more frequent. The question remains whether Konate is ready and willing to become the leading center-back as Van Dijk ages.
These are important considerations for Liverpool, and they have the remainder of the season to analyze them. Addressing these issues will be crucial if Liverpool aims to maintain their competitive edge next season and avoid the challenges they are facing currently.
