At the end of a stormy week for Arne Slot there was respite in the form of a morale-boosting display from Rio Ngumoha. Liverpool’s 17-year-old winger marked only his second start in the Premier League with a goal and a key part in the second for Mohamed Salah as the faltering champions recorded a first league win since February.
Liverpool appeared vulnerable after painful cup quarter-final defeats at Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain but Fulham never put that theory to the test. Marco Silva’s side were passive throughout as Liverpool, re-energised by Ngumoha, found the energy and finishing to reach the landmark of 1,500 league wins at Anfield. It was only their second win in six league games after a Champions League away fixture this season and should repair confidence ahead of a daunting assignment against PSG on Tuesday.
Liverpool reaction
Rio Ngumoha
Coming back to Anfield and getting the three points, it’s a great feeling. It was a special goal for me, Robbo made the overlap and I cut inside and just aimed for the corner.
To me, Liverpool is the biggest club in the world, and for the manager to have faith in me when I’m so young is great. I have to keep pushing and keep working hard.
Andy Robertson
[On Ngumoha] He was unbelievable. It shows you, sometimes don’t listen to the experienced players – I was screaming at him for the ball! It was a great finish by him and a great performance. He’s such a good kid, a pleasure to work with, and he’s got a big future ahead.
I knew my song would be sung a couple of times! This club means everything to me, I’ve been here nine years and I became a man here. This club has made me who I am today.
