Liverpool kept pace with title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City with a professional 3-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Winless in two league games heading into this match, their nerves were calmed by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s outstanding first-half free-kick but reappeared when Timothy Castagne levelled for Fulham in injury time before the break.
Ryan Gravenberch scored via the post after the interval to restore Liverpool’s lead, before Diogo Jota made sure of victory on what could have proven a sticky away day in a run-in where they have no more room for error.
Dom Smith was at Craven Cottage to rate the Liverpool players’ performances…
Alisson 6
Had little to do but was well beaten by Castagne’s leveller on the stroke of half-time. Did save well from Tom Cairney late on.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7
Mixed fortunes with first-time deliveries from the right. Scored a superb free-kick, arcing the ball into the top corner beautifully.
Jarell Quansah 7
Looked calm and composed on the ball and did well as Virgil van Dijk’s partner.
Virgil van Dijk 6
Passed incisively in the first half and knew to take no risks with the ball at his feet once victory began to look likely in the second half.
Andy Robertson 7
Energetic throughout. Popped up as an auxiliary striker at moments but always recovered well to reclaim his left-back position.
Wataru Endo 6
Quieter than usual but still diligent at regaining possession for the visitors.
Ryan Gravenberch 7
Can get lost in games and did here for long periods, only to redeem himself with an excellent goal which put Liverpool 2-1 up after the interval.
Harvey Elliott 6
Assisted Gravenberch with a lovely pass but could have made more of this start.
Cody Gakpo 7
Grew into the game after a slow start, picking the pass smartly to assist Jota for the third goal.
Luis Diaz 6
A couple of mazy runs are customary from Diaz. Anonymous for large periods though.
Diogo Jota 7
Scored with his final touch of a decent performance before being replaced.
Subs
Alexis Mac Allister (Gravenberch, 74’) 5
Didn’t have enough time to make much of an impact.
Mohamed Salah (Diaz, 74’) 5
Came on once the game was already won and struggled to impose himself.
Darwin Nunez (Jota, 75’) N/A
Dominik Szoboszlai (Gakpo, 87’) N/A
Not used: Kelleher, Gomez, Konate, Jones, Tsimikas
