Van Dijk and Fabinho issue reminder
It seems barely a week goes by now without someone having a prod at Virgil van Dijk. Such have been the high standards set by Liverpool’s talismanic centre-back that any drop-off was always going to be noticed.
Nevertheless, the constant sniping towards the Holland international has at times seemed unnecessarily unfair, especially with the player the first to admit his own travails this season.
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Van Dijk, though, was impressive in helping Liverpool keep only their second clean sheet in 10 games since the 7-0 romp over Manchester United two months ago.
While not without some issues, the centre-back was undeterred, producing a fine clearance from in front of his own goal to divert a dangerous Harry Wilson cross, while his aerial prowess and reading of the game came to the fore as Fulham pressed for an equaliser second half.
Ahead of him, another much-criticised player, Fabinho, backed up his display against Tottenham Hotspur with another quietly efficient display, demonstrating his clever positioning and quick mind when often pressured by multiple opponents.
The efforts of the duo, though, would have meant little but for two fine saves from Alisson Becker to deny Carlos Vinicius, the second a brave stop from close range. Not for nothing is the goalkeeper Liverpool’s player of the season.
Salah spot on as Trent move justified
So continue the record-breaking exploits of Mohamed Salah. By slotting home from the spot – as on Sunday, thrashing straight down the centre as the goalkeeper dived left – the Egyptian became the first Liverpool player in history to score in eight successive home games.
Certainly, Salah loves Anfield, now only one away from a century of goals for the club on home turf having moving into fifth place outright in the Reds’ all-time league scorers list with 136.
Salah, whose late-season form has been impressive, now has four games in which to net again to ensure a fourth 30-goal season at Liverpool, which would also move him level with Steven Gerrard in the list of overall top marksmen.
While by no means a classic, the Reds’ fifth consecutive Premier League win – their first such sequence in more than a year – has strengthened their grip on a Europa League place, with realistically seven points required from the available 12 to seal their berth.
And the evening was another showcase for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new role, the 24-year-old dictating play from both the right wing and central areas and close to notching a goal to go with his myriad recent assists.
He had by far more touches than any other player. And that the England international won the ball back twice as many times as the next Liverpool player underlines his appetite for pressing and defending has been renewed.
Transfer change fuelled
The identity of those not in the matchday squad has perhaps offered more of a pointer than those who have made cut for Liverpool in recent weeks.
Once again there was no Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Adrian, all three perhaps having played their last games for the club. Roberto Firmino, also out of contract in the summer, should be available for an emotional farewell over the closing games, while James Milner – heavily linked with Brighton – enjoyed a late cameo.
Thiago Alcantara, struck by a long-standing hip issue, won’t be seen again until next season, and while there is no suggestion of an imminent exit, the absence was a reminder of how the Spaniard has spent far too much of his Anfield career on the sidelines.
There will, though, be question marks over certain players. Kostas Tsimikas made only his fourth Premier League start since the World Cup here before making way for Andy Robertson, while Joel Matip remained on the bench for the 10th time in the last 13 top-flight matches.
They can’t all leave. But it’s clear the summer will see a far greater upheaval than had previously been expected. Times are changing at Anfield.
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