Fulham 1-3 Liverpool: Trent Alexander-Arnold sets Reds on way to reigniting Premier League title bid

Liverpool put a irritating fortnight behind them to reignite their Premier League title bid with a welcome win at Fulham.

Timothy Castagne steered Fulham stage earlier than the break however Ryan Gravenberch’s perfectly-measured 20-yard effort flew in off the submit to revive the Reds’ benefit.

Diogo Jota sealed the factors with an correct low end previous Bernd Leno from Cody Gakpo’s by means of ball and the margin of victory might arguably have been larger.

Regardless, it was an achieved and largely trouble-free show from Liverpool that may reassure boss Jurgen Klopp they may but finish his nine-year reign with a second Premier League crown.

Dropped factors in a draw at Manchester United and a shock Anfield defeat by Crystal Palace – with a disappointing Europa League exit to Atalanta sandwiched in between – had threatened to derail hopes of additional trophies so as to add to the Carabao Cup they’ve already collected this season.

However victory at Craven Cottage lifts Liverpool again as much as second within the desk, stage on factors with leaders Arsenal – however behind the Gunners on aim distinction – and some extent above third-placed Manchester Metropolis, who’ve a recreation in hand.

“For 80 minutes we performed a extremely good recreation,” Klopp informed BBC Match of the Day.

“I did not just like the final 10 minutes of the primary half and so they bought the aim. However that is all proper as a result of I liked the second half.

“We need to keep in that race, that is clear. Arsenal gained yesterday, Manchester Metropolis will win their recreation in hand, so we’ve to win video games and that is what we’ll strive [to do].”

Reds move tough take a look at on Thames

Klopp’s trademark post-match fist-pumping celebration with the travelling supporters appeared to have much more oomph than typical after his facet navigated a tough take a look at they merely couldn’t afford to fail.

Fulham have claimed a string of notable scalps on the Cottage this season, upsetting Arsenal there in December, whereas European hopefuls Tottenham, Brighton and West Ham have all been soundly crushed too.

Liverpool had been absolutely conscious of their credentials, having been taken to the restrict by Marco Silva’s facet in an exhilarating 4-3 win earlier this season in addition to edging their Carabao Cup semi-final over two legs.

This was much more routine than these prior conferences however it wanted Alexander-Arnold – who hit Liverpool’s dramatic late winner to down Fulham at Anfield in December – to mild the contact paper.

He had already whipped in a advantageous cross for Luis Diaz to look a header vast earlier than netting his sixth direct free-kick Premier League for Liverpool with an unstoppable strike that left Leno greedy at skinny air.

Gakpo would have situated the exact same high nook quickly after if not for Leno’s fingertips however Fulham’s greatest spell of the sport resulted in them drawing stage in first-half stoppage time.

Not lengthy after Andreas Pereira’s try to emulate Alexander-Arnold’s set-piece magic skimmed the bar, Castagne guided a unfastened ball within the field into the underside nook for his first aim since becoming a member of Fulham from Leicester final summer time.

However the hosts had been profligate in possession after the break and Liverpool punished them, first with Gravenberch’s beautiful roller after which Jota’s composure to wrap up the factors.

Fulham, safely ensconced in twelfth place within the desk, had little by means of response as Liverpool eased off the gasoline within the closing levels, maybe with Wednesday evening’s Merseyside derby at Everton in thoughts.

Participant of the match

Alexander-ArnoldTrent Alexander-Arnold

Fulham

1. Squad quantity21Participant identifyCastagne

2. Squad quantity17Participant identifyLeno

3. Squad quantity26Participant identifyJoão Palhinha

4. Squad quantity22Participant identifyIwobi

5. Squad quantity33Participant identifyRobinson

6. Squad quantity19Participant identifyRodrigo Muniz

7. Squad quantity4Participant identifyTosin

8. Squad quantity18Participant identifyAndreas Pereira

9. Squad quantity14Participant identifyDe Cordova-Reid

10. Squad quantity28Participant identifyLukic

11. Squad quantity3Participant identifyBassey

12. Squad quantity8Participant identifyWilson

13. Squad quantity11Participant identifyTraoré

14. Squad quantity10Participant identifyCairney