While it may not significantly alter the current season`s standings, Liverpool`s recent Premier League defeat, their second of the campaign, sends a clear warning signal regarding their title aspirations for the upcoming season. Fulham emerged victorious at Craven Cottage, overcoming an initial setback to score three goals in the first half. They then successfully resisted pressure from Arne Slot`s team, who are currently leading the league, despite Liverpool`s persistent attacks on Bernd Leno`s goal early in the game.
Throughout their impressive eight-year period competing for major honors, Liverpool`s full-backs have been crucial in propelling the team forward. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson have consistently stretched defenses, acting as dynamic ball progressors and contributing significantly in the final third of the field. Much like the renowned pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, these full-backs have formed one of the Premier League`s most impactful defensive partnerships.
With Alexander-Arnold potentially moving to Real Madrid this summer and currently injured with an ankle issue, the time this partnership has left together is limited. The defeat in West London suggests that right-back might not be the only position needing reinforcement. Although Robertson`s attacking contributions remain strong, his defensive performances have been a growing concern. This was further emphasized by his error that led to Fulham`s go-ahead goal. A loose pass across his own penalty area found Alex Iwobi unmarked, allowing him to shoot. While the first attempt was blocked, Liverpool failed to clear the ball, and Iwobi put Fulham ahead.
Liverpool`s defense was also questionable during Fulham`s equalizing goal. Robertson was slow to close down Andreas Pereira as he delivered the cross, but the more significant issues were on the opposite side. Ibrahima Konate seemed more focused on Curtis Jones than on the ball, and his apprehension was justified when he missed the cross, which then rebounded off his teammate filling in at full-back, Ryan Sessegnon, who scored.
There was still time for another defensive lapse before halftime. Virgil van Dijk, typically dominant in the air, surprisingly lost a header duel to Rodrigo Muniz. Fulham`s number 9 controlled the high ball with an excellent first touch and then shot through Coimhin Kelleher`s legs with his third.
Liverpool showed resilience in the second half. The introduction of Conor Bradley at right-back around the midway point of the second half had an immediate positive effect. His energetic run through the midfield set up Luis Diaz for a goal that reduced the deficit. Harvey Elliott nearly equalized with a curling shot that hit the crossbar at a ground where he faces hostility due to his past departure as a young player. However, Fulham defended resolutely, with Calvin Bassey particularly impressive, as the Cottagers took a significant step towards securing European qualification.
This defeat merely delays the inevitable for Slot. They still require 11 points from their remaining seven matches, with a favorable schedule to achieve this. However, without a comfortable lead, questions arise about whether Liverpool`s defense is truly ready to be at the top of the league. If Bradley is seen as Alexander-Arnold`s successor, then a more defensively sound left-back than Robertson might be necessary. Van Dijk, whose contract expires at the end of the season, remains a world-class center-back, but this season has included moments of vulnerability, like Muniz`s goal. Is Konate prepared (and willing, considering his contract ends in 2026) to step up as the club captain`s performance potentially declines?
These are valuable challenges to consider, especially with the rest of the season available to analyze them. However, these issues must be addressed if Liverpool aims to have the same flexibility in 12 months as they currently possess.
