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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jacob Leeks

Mo Salah on target as Liverpool lead Europa League race with Fulham win - 5 talking points

Mohamed Salah buried his penalty demons once and for all to put Liverpool in firm control of the race to claim fifth place and with it Europa League football.

The Egyptian stepped up to convert a first-half penalty, his second spot-kick in as many games after also scoring against Tottenham, to claim all three points against a stubborn Fulham side. The high-flying Cottagers proved to be tough to break down for Jurgen Klopp's men.

But Issa Diop's clumsy tackle on Darwin Nunez allowed Salah to step up from 12 yards and secure all three points for the Reds. Here, Mirror Football looks at five of the biggest talking points as Liverpool moved five points clear of Tottenham.

1. Liverpool in pole position for Europe

Liverpool's win on Wednesday night has put them firmly in control of the race for the sole Europa League qualifying spot in the Premier League. They are now five points ahead of Tottenham and Aston Villa as they look to end a disappointing campaign on a high.

While they have likely left it too late to secure a Champions League place, the Reds are edging closer to securing European football next term. It is not the competition boss Jurgen Klopp wants to be in, but they will at least have the chance to win silverware in Europe.

With only four games to go for Liverpool, Villa and Spurs, it is Klopp's men who have put themselves in control. The win over Tottenham was crucial, but the boost from beating the impressive Cottagers will go a long way.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Who was man of the match in Liverpool's clash with Fulham? Comment below.

2. Salah buries penalty demons... again

Mohamed Salah scored his second penalty in as many games (John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Mohamed Salah has endured a difficult campaign this term, highlighted by his string of misses from the penalty spot. At one point, Reds boss Klopp was thought to be considering making a change with his taker.

But Salah has firmly buried the demons which saw him miss against Bournemouth and Arsenal in the past two months. He stepped up to score Liverpool's opening goal against Fulham after Darwin Nunez had been brought down.

The Egyptian kept his cool to fire straight down the middle, with Bernd Leno diving off to his left. The strike set Liverpool on their way to a win, with Salah firmly cementing his place as their penalty taker, having also scored a penalty against Tottenham.

3. Nunez stakes starting spot claim

Darwin Nunez was handed his first Premier League start in seven games at Anfield on Wednesday. And he showed impressive flashes to state his candidacy to be handed a regular starting role.

The Portuguese attacker was lively throughout, creating two chances for his teammates. Nunez also provided a regular outlet for his teammates, with Salah in particular frequently looking for the 23-year-old's run.

He played a crucial role in Liverpool's opening goal, showing quick thinking to win the penalty Salah scored from. As Issa Diop dallied on the ball, Nunez nicked the ball away from the Fulham defender before being brought down.

4. Fulham lacking Mitrovic spark

Carlos Vinicius struggled up front for Fulham (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Whatever happens in their final four games, it is fair to say Fulham can celebrate a successful season. The Cottagers are likely to secure a top-half finish in the Premier League for the first time since 2012.

But they are badly lacking in the attacking department since Aleksandr Mitrovic's suspension. Carlos Vinicius has stepped up to become the Cottagers' first-choice striker with Mitrovic banned.

But the Brazilian struggled against the Reds, having just 12 touches in the first half. He failed to make an impact against Liverpool's defence, despite the hosts frequently looking open at the back.

5. Klopp has defensive blocks to build on

Liverpool finally secured their first clean sheet in six games, and boss Klopp will hope that is something his side can build on. They were far from convincing and were left indebted to goalkeeper Alisson in the second half, who made a huge save to deny Vinicius.

But it was much more solid from the hosts compared to their recent outings, with improved hope that they can turn a corner for the run-in. While better finishing may have given Fulham at least a point, Klopp can be happy his side secured a rare clean sheet.

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