Fulham left Anfield with their first Premier League point of the season after a disciplined 0-0 draw that gave Álvaro Arbeloa a calmer return to the ground where he once played. Liverpool, managed by Andoni Iraola, could not find a way through and remain sixth on six points, while Fulham sit 17th.
Fulham stand firm as Liverpool misfire at Anfield
The match briefly threatened to open up early. Alexander Isak drove a low effort across goal in the ninth minute after Barcola threaded a pass into his path, but it proved a false start rather than the beginning of sustained Liverpool pressure.
Two minutes later, Alisson’s mistake while playing out from the back handed Fulham a far better opening. Gonzalo García got his shot away, only for Jacquet to clear off the line. It was a warning that Arbeloa’s side had come to do more than merely sit behind the ball.
Fulham played with considerable composure, even enjoying spells in which they held as much as 73 per cent of possession. Clear chances were scarce, but their control of the ball and their willingness to play through Anfield kept the home side from finding any rhythm.
Liverpool’s best moment before the interval came from a Szoboszlai corner. Víctor Muñoz rose to meet it, with Leno and the crossbar combining to keep the header out. Otherwise, Fulham’s goalkeeper had little serious work before half-time.
Iraola introduced Affengruber, formerly of Elche, but the home side still lacked the incision required to unsettle Fulham. Isak’s individual run and shot in the 52nd minute was held by Leno, as was Szoboszlai’s effort 15 minutes later.
Kerkez arrived at the break, followed by Gakpo and Mac Allister on the hour, then Frimpong and Ngumoha in the 72nd minute. None of the changes altered the pattern enough. Fulham remained comfortable, with Arbeloa’s side looking increasingly assured as the afternoon wore on.
They nearly took all three points in the final quarter. King struck from the edge of the area in the 76th minute and Alisson turned it behind, while Kevin fired wide three minutes later after Gonzalo had been withdrawn.
Liverpool had two final attempts to rescue the fixture. Isak headed a Szoboszlai corner off target in the 92nd minute, then Ngumoha sent Frimpong’s cross high over in the 94th. The whistle brought relief for Fulham and frustration for Liverpool: a first point for the visitors, and another reminder that possession alone does not move a side up the table.
SEO title: Fulham earn first Premier League point in Liverpool draw
SEO description: Fulham held Liverpool to a goalless draw at Anfield as Álvaro Arbeloa’s side claimed their first Premier League point of the season.
