Liverpool go into half-time at Anfield 0-0 against Fulham, and it’s been a frustrating opening 45 minutes for Andoni Iraola’s side.
After the excitement of Wednesday night’s Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid, Liverpool have struggled to find the same fluency against a lively Fulham side who have caused the Reds plenty of problems.
The biggest issue has been cohesion.
Liverpool haven’t really clicked in the final third, with Florian Wirtz struggling to influence the game and both Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola largely on the periphery.
The quality we’ve seen from Liverpool’s attacking players in recent weeks simply hasn’t been there often enough.
Muñoz comes closest
Liverpool’s best opportunity came from an unlikely source.
A Dominik Szoboszlai corner found Victor Muñoz, who produced a header that was heading towards goal before Fulham managed to keep it out. Liverpool have also hit the woodwork, but the Reds haven’t created enough clear-cut chances considering the amount of possession they’ve enjoyed.
Muñoz has arguably been one of Liverpool’s more threatening players, showing plenty of energy and willingness to run at Fulham.
But overall, Liverpool need much more after the break.
Fulham causing problems
Credit has to go to Fulham.
They haven’t simply sat back and allowed Liverpool to dictate the game. They’ve been aggressive, energetic and have found ways to disrupt Liverpool’s build-up.
There was even a huge warning for Liverpool when a poor pass from Alisson was intercepted, leaving Jérémy Jacquet having to clear the danger off the line.
That’s something Iraola will certainly want to address at half-time.
Liverpool cannot afford to be so loose in possession, particularly against a Fulham side that clearly believe they can get something from this game.
Changes needed after the break?
The big question now is whether Iraola changes anything at half-time.
Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo are both sitting on the bench, while Rio Ngumoha is another attacking option.
Gakpo’s return to the squad is particularly encouraging after his recent fitness concerns, although Iraola may be reluctant to throw him straight into the action unless necessary.
But Liverpool need to find a way of getting Wirtz, Isak and Barcola into the game.
At the moment, they simply aren’t seeing enough of the ball in dangerous positions.
The good news is that it’s still 0-0.
Liverpool haven’t played well, but they remain in the game and have another 45 minutes to put things right.
Iraola needs to find a solution because Fulham are making this much harder than Liverpool would have wanted.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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