With an unchallenged 2-0 home win against Fulham, the Reds halted their negative run of three consecutive defeats and boosted their confidence ahead of the CL second leg against Paris. Ngumoha and Salah paved the way with impressive strikes.
After the quarter-final first leg (0:2) in Paris and with an eye on the second leg, Reds coach Arne Slot rotated a few positions: Robertson, who will leave the club in the summer after nine years, moved into the left-back position for Kerkez (bench). Gomez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Ekitiké were also given a break. They were replaced by Jones, Salah, Ngumoha and Gakpo from the start.
Ngumoha opens the scoring, Wirtz leads the way
In the opening minutes, LFC pressed Fulham deep into their half – without really making a compelling impression at first. When it was dangerous, it was mostly through the 17-year-old Ngumoha, who whirled down the right flank and made his mark on the game. It was therefore hardly surprising that the youngster gave the Reds the lead: After a pass from Wirtz, Ngumoha flicked a shot into the right corner with pinpoint accuracy after a wobble (36′).
Liverpool kept their foot on the gas pedal and added to their tally just four minutes later: This time Ngumoha initiated and lifted the ball into the middle to Gakpo, who passed the ball on to Salah. The Egyptian flicked the ball precisely into the left corner with his first touch to make it 2:0 at half-time (40′).
The Reds began the second half with as much pressure as they had ended the first. However, they left a lot to be desired in terms of chances: first Gakpo missed after a strong Frimpong cross (51′), then Wirtz put the ball well over the crossbar from an acute angle (53′).
Low-event second period
After that, LFC became increasingly passive and restricted themselves to defending. However, the visitors were unable to capitalize on this. Their own possession did not result in any dangerous finishes from the Cottagers. The Reds only became dangerous again in the closing stages: first Gakpo was blocked in a promising position (75′), then Mac Allister’s shot from the back was too imprecise (82′). Smith Rowe missed the visitors’ only high-calibre chance when his direct shot flew narrowly past the right-hand post (82′).
The result was a lacklustre but never threatening 2-0 home win that ended the Reds’ run of three consecutive defeats. It was also a successful dress rehearsal for the second leg at Anfield against PSG in the Champions League.
The only downer for LFC: Jones remained injured in the dressing room at half-time. The midfielder held his right thigh. Possibly without Jones, the slotted eleven will look to make up for a 2-0 defeat to PSG on Tuesday (9pm). Fulham then have to play at Brentford on Saturday (1.30pm).
