Liverpool arrived at Craven Cottage with the opportunity to take a firmer grip on the Premier League title race. Things began promisingly as Alexis Mac Allister produced a moment of brilliance to put the Reds in front. The Argentine midfielder collected the ball near the halfway line, drove forward with intent, and unleashed a thunderous long-range strike that gave Fulham keeper Bernd Leno no chance.
Despite the early lead, Liverpool’s defensive frailties began to surface almost immediately. Just nine minutes later, a seemingly routine cross into the box ricocheted off Curtis Jones and fell kindly to Ryan Sessegnon. The Fulham winger didn’t hesitate, rifling a first-time finish into the net to bring the hosts level and spark a chaotic spell for the visitors.
Disastrous Defending Gifts Fulham the Lead
The Reds’ woes deepened as defensive lapses handed Fulham two more goals in quick succession. Andy Robertson, returning from injury, had a moment to forget when he attempted a careless pass across his own penalty area. The ball landed at the feet of Alex Iwobi, whose initial pass to Rodrigo Muniz was blocked. But Liverpool failed to clear their lines, and another failed clearance from Robertson allowed Iwobi a second chance to score, which he gladly took.
The home side’s third goal arrived just minutes later. This time it was captain Virgil van Dijk who was out-muscled by Muniz. The Brazilian striker turned sharply and smashed a powerful finish past Caoimhin Kelleher. The goal marked the first time Liverpool had conceded three in the first half of a Premier League game since their infamous 7-2 loss to Aston Villa in 2020.
Second-Half Revival Falls Short
With Liverpool trailing 3-1 at the break, Arne Slot’s halftime talk appeared to inspire a renewed sense of urgency. The visitors came out with more purpose, and eventually found a way back into the contest. Substitute Conor Bradley played a key role, setting up Luis Diaz for a clinical finish to reduce the deficit.
Harvey Elliott came agonisingly close to leveling the scores with a powerful strike from a tight angle that rattled the crossbar. But despite their increased possession and attacking thrust, the Reds couldn’t find the equaliser. Fulham’s disciplined shape and resolute defending saw them through the final stages to claim all three points.
Calamitous Moments Define Liverpool’s Defensive Frailties
This was a match Liverpool will want to quickly forget, particularly their defensive unit. Robertson’s error leading to the second goal and Van Dijk’s failure to deal with Muniz for the third were emblematic of a team that looked unusually disorganised at the back. Commentators described the defending as “calamitous,” and rightly so.
Arne Slot will take some comfort in the second-half response, but the overall performance exposed clear vulnerabilities. Liverpool’s inability to deal with basic defensive responsibilities may come back to haunt them in the closing weeks of the season. The manager admitted afterward that his side remains “a work in progress,” and this performance served as a stark reminder of that reality.
Title Race Still in Liverpool’s Hands Despite Setback
Despite the loss, Liverpool remain top of the Premier League with 73 points from 31 matches, maintaining an 11-point lead over second-placed Arsenal. With just seven games remaining, the Reds still need only 11 points to secure the title. However, this defeat offers a timely warning that the job is far from done.
Meanwhile, Fulham’s victory boosts their European ambitions. The Cottagers moved up to eighth place with 48 points, just three behind Manchester City in fifth, a position that may be sufficient to clinch Champions League qualification. Marco Silva’s men were energetic, clinical, and well-organised—everything Liverpool lacked in the opening 45 minutes. Their performance was a statement of intent and could prove pivotal as they chase continental football next season
