After a bruising week that saw us pick up three consecutive away defeats, including that frustrating result at PSG and a humbling at Man City, it felt good to be back on the hallowed turf of Anfield.
We needed a response, not just for the league table, but to build some momentum before we try to overturn the Champions League deficit on Tuesday.
Thankfully, Arne Slot’s Reds delivered exactly what was required: a professional, clean-sheet performance powered by a glimpse into the future and a reminder of our legendary present.
A Heartfelt Farewell and a Bright Beginning
The atmosphere was electric from the off, though tinged with a bit of sadness. The Kop was in full voice for Andy Robertson, singing his name relentlessly from kick-off, following the announcement that our legendary Scotsman will be moving on at the end of the season.
He almost marked the occasion early on, forcing Bernd Leno into a smart save after some brilliant industrious play from Jeremie Frimpong.
While we dominated possession, it took until the 36th minute to truly break the deadlock. And what a goal it was.
Florian Wirtz, who is becoming the creative heartbeat of this side, fed the ball out to Rio Ngumoha on the left. The youngster, making a huge statement for a starting spot against PSG, dazzled the Fulham defence with a series of step-overs before arcing a sublime curler into the far corner.
It was his first competitive goal at Anfield, and if that strike is anything to go by, it certainly won’t be his last.
The Egyptian King Doubles Up
Before Fulham could even catch their breath, we had two. Just four minutes after the opener, Ngumoha was involved again, twisting his marker inside out before sending a cross into the box.
Cody Gakpo showed great strength to shield the ball and lay it off to Mo Salah. In a mirror image of the first goal, Mo opened his body and curled a trademark precise strike into the opposite corner.
Two goals in four minutes, and suddenly the nerves that had been lingering after our recent form completely evaporated.
Seeing it Through
The second half was more about game management. Fulham did have their moments, and truth be told, we got a bit lucky when Rodrigo Muniz was left unmarked from a corner, only to see his header deflected wide.
There was also a late scare when Emile Smith Rowe went close, but Giorgi Mamardashvili looked composed throughout, securing a vital clean sheet.
Slot used the final 20 minutes to rotate, handing minutes to Alexander Isak, Alexis Mac Allister, and Joe Gomez. It was particularly encouraging to see Isak back on the pitch after his injury lay-off, adding another vital weapon to our arsenal for the run-in, as long as he is fit enough.
Looking Ahead
This was the perfect tonic. We were balanced, clinical in the first half, and showed the grit needed to see out a win when the legs got a bit heavy in the latter stages. The three points keep us right in the mix, but more importantly, it restores the belief that Virgil van Dijk had been calling for ahead of the game.
If Ngumoha can play with that much fearlessness on Tuesday night, and Salah keeps clinical, there is no reason we can’t turn things around against PSG.
