Scott Packer, the manager under lots of pressure after picking 7 points in 11 games had to come into his home league fixture against Champions Liverpool with a game plan.
Fulham currently in the button half of the EPL league log went all out to give Liverpool a fight in football after Bobby Reid opened the scoring for Fulham in the 25’ at the Craven Cottage.
Fulham played like wounded lions who had nothing to lose as they went all out against Liverpool. With many assuming they would sit back and defend after going a goal ahead, Fulham continued pressing for a cushion which could not materialize.
Liverpool although having injury challenges realized it wasn’t going to be a walk over after it ended 1-0 at the end of the first half. With in-form Diogo Jotta out with injury, it seemed the balance for Liverpool upfront had lost its balance.
Joel Matip who has taken shape in the defensive line for Jurgen Klopp looked rather too stiff in his movement as he was substituted on the 46’ with a minor injury for Takumi Minamino.
Fulham stretched the game and gave it all their all as they watched Liverpool chase for an equalizer which was forth coming.
Alphonse Areola on the night was spectacular as he pulled some saves that kept Fulham in the game.
Time run down and Klopp looked more anxious as his side were still trailing by a goal to nil in the 75’.
In the 78’ however, Liverpool were awarded a freekick right outside the box. Georginio Wijnaldum lofted the ball which couldn’t go over the Fulham wall but struck the arm of Fulham substitute Aboubakar Kamara. The referee did not hesitate and pointed to the penalty spot amidst the heavy protest by Kamara.
Mohamed Salah placed the ball and kicked it right through the gloves of Areola to pull parity for Liverpool. With plenty of chances created in the game, neither team was able to score a decisive goal and had to share the spoils at the end of the final whistle.
Liverpool now place behind Tottenham Hotspurs on goal difference.
