Liverpool were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Fulham at Anfield on Saturday as the visitors produced a disciplined defensive performance to leave the Reds searching for answers.
After Liverpool had enjoyed a memorable midweek Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid, expectations were high that Andoni Iraola’s side would carry that momentum into their Premier League meeting with Fulham.
Instead, Liverpool struggled to reproduce the intensity and attacking sharpness that had impressed in Europe.
Fulham, who arrived at Anfield without a point from their opening league matches, showed remarkable confidence from the start. Álvaro Arbeloa’s side refused to sit deep throughout the contest and repeatedly threatened Liverpool on the counterattack.
Liverpool had the first major opportunity of the afternoon when Bradley Barcola played a clever pass behind the Fulham defence for Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker reached the ball but could only send his effort narrowly wide of the far post.
The biggest Liverpool chance of the first half, however, fell to Victor Muñoz.
Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a dangerous corner into the Fulham penalty area, and Muñoz rose to meet it with a glancing header. It looked destined to find the net, but Bernd Leno produced an outstanding reaction save to claw the ball away from underneath the crossbar.
It was a moment that perfectly summed up Fulham’s afternoon.
While Liverpool continued to dominate possession, the visitors looked increasingly dangerous whenever they won the ball.
One of the biggest scares for the hosts came after a dreadful error from Alisson. The Liverpool goalkeeper attempted to play out under pressure from Sander Berge but gave the ball away dangerously close to his own penalty area.
Josh King pounced on the mistake and was brought down by Alisson, but referee Thomas Bramall allowed play to continue.
Gonzalo García inherited the opportunity and appeared to have enough time to pick his spot. However, Liverpool defender Jérémy Jacquet produced a crucial intervention, blocking the effort before it could reach the goal.
Fulham continued to find openings.
Oscar Bobb was presented with another excellent opportunity after Alex Iwobi delivered a precise ball into the area. Bobb was unmarked around 18 yards out but failed to control the delivery properly.
Jacquet again came to Liverpool’s rescue shortly afterwards, making another important challenge to prevent García from breaking through.
The visitors even threatened from the opposite flank, with Antonee Robinson heading wide before half-time.
Liverpool needed a response after the interval.
Iraola reacted by introducing Milos Kerkez for Kostas Tsimikas, while Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister were later brought on as Liverpool attempted to inject greater energy into their attack.
The changes improved Liverpool’s intensity, but Fulham remained extremely difficult to break down.
Calvin Bassey was particularly impressive at the heart of the visitors’ defence, dealing with the threat of Isak and helping Fulham maintain their shape whenever Liverpool attempted to attack through the middle.
Fulham also continued to threaten on the counter.
Josh King came close to breaking the deadlock when he cut inside Jérémy Jacquet before unleashing an effort towards the top corner. Alisson, however, recovered from his earlier mistake to make an important save and push the ball away.
Liverpool’s best late opportunity came in stoppage time when Isak finally managed to escape Bassey’s attention. The striker met another Szoboszlai corner but could only flick his header wide of the far post.
There was still time for one final Liverpool attack.
Jeremie Frimpong raced down the right and sent a dangerous cross through the Fulham penalty area. The ball struck Rio Ngumoha but sailed over the goal, bringing an increasingly frustrating afternoon to an end.
The final whistle confirmed a result that will feel like a missed opportunity for Liverpool.
The Reds had the more expensive attacking options and home advantage, but Fulham’s organisation, discipline and willingness to attack ensured that the visitors left Anfield with a deserved point.
For Arbeloa, the result was especially significant. Fulham had suffered three consecutive defeats before travelling to Merseyside, but they displayed the confidence of a side capable of competing with one of the league’s biggest clubs.
For Liverpool, meanwhile, the draw raised questions about their domestic form. The Reds have now been forced to settle for a draw in three of their first four league matches under Iraola, while their attack failed to score for the first time this season.
The Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid suddenly feels a long way away.
At Anfield, Liverpool had possession, opportunities and late pressure, but Fulham had the organisation and goalkeeper they needed.
In the end, Leno’s spectacular save from Muñoz, Jacquet’s crucial defensive interventions and Fulham’s counterattacking threat proved decisive.
Final Score: Liverpool 0-0 Fulham
No goals were scored, but the draw was anything but uneventful as Fulham frustrated Liverpool and secured their first Premier League point of the season.
