The Paul Gorst player ratings from Anfield as Liverpool beat Fulham 2-0 to take a big step closer to securing Champions League football
Rio Ngumoha celebrates for the TV camera after his first goal at Anfield put Liverpool in front against Fulham (Image: ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool secured their first Premier League win since February as they beat Fulham 2-0 at Anfield on Saturday.
Rio Ngumoha scored his second Premier League goal of the season on what was just second start in the top flight, whipping one part Bernd Leno after cutting inside from the left in the first half.
Mohamed Salah then double the Reds’ advantage before the break with a planted finish on what was his first Anfield appearance since the confirmed he would be leaving at the end of the campaign last month.
Here’s how the ECHO rated the players on the day as Arne Slot’s side went four points clear of Chelsea in the Champions League race ahead of the Londoners’ hosting of Manchester City on Sunday.
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GIORGI MAMARDASHVILI – 7
Made an important stop from Oscar Bobb after the half-hour mark and then another smart save later on in the first period.
JEREMIE FRIMPONG – 7
Looked to help out Salah as much as possible with overlapping and underlapping runs and didn’t do much wrong defensively. Cut-backs from wide areas were dangerous at times.
IBRAHIMA KONATE – 6
Largely untroubled at the back alongside Van Dijk and needed a quieter afternoon after a tough week.
VIRGIL VAN DIJK – 7
Handled the powerful Rodrigo Muniz really well and didn’t put a foot wrong. Important interception denied Sander Berge on the counter in the second half.
ANDY ROBERTSON – 8
Motored up and down all game and was always looking to get his colleagues away with balls in behind the Fulham defence. Even managed to have a couple of shots at Leno’s goal too.
CURTIS JONES – 6
Kept things neat and tidy as part of a two-man midfield but was forced off with an injury at half time.
DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI – 7
Much more like it from the Hungary captain who was typically energetic at both ends. Always wanted to feed the wide players in possession. Ran things at times in the second half.
MOHAMED SALAH – 7
Scored a trademark strike on his first Anfield appearance since confirming he’s leaving and was a constant threat out on that right flank. Left to a deserved standing ovation.
FLORIAN WIRTZ – 7
Started quietly but grew into the game before combining neatly with both wingers. Through ball to Frimpong early in the second half was inch perfect.
RIO NGUMOHA – 8
Fulham could do nothing about a sensational opening goal and he tormented the visitors all game with a stunning performance. A star in the making.
CODY GAKPO – 6
Did well to set up Salah for the second goal but spurned a great chance in the second half. Had another one blocked after a great Salah through ball.
Subs
RYAN GRAVENBERCH – 6
On for Curtis Jones at half time and won his duels and got his blocks in defensively. Seemed content to sit deeper with the lead at 2-0.
ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER – 6
Helped to keep things ticking over in midfield for the final 25 minutes.
ALEXANDER ISAK – 6
Was eager to get involved and always looked to run in behind but clearly still rusty after four months out with a broken leg. Bigger and better days lie in wait for £125m striker.
JOE GOMEZ – 5
Slack pass to Szoboszlai almost let Fulham in and was lucky to escape a booking.
TREY NYONI – N/A
On for Salah late on.
