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Liverpool vs Fulham result: Player ratings as Mario Lemina inflicts another home defeat on the Reds

Visitors secured a massive win in their relegation battle as Klopp’s players suffered again

Karl Matchett
Sunday 07 March 2021 16:02 GMT
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Fulham goalscorer Mario Lemina is surrounded by Liverpool players
Fulham goalscorer Mario Lemina is surrounded by Liverpool players (Getty Images)

Liverpool suffered yet another home defeat, losing 1-0 to Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday.

Josh Maja and Mohamed Salah both had openings in the early stages, but failed to really get a meaningful shot on target. James Milner and Naby Keita also had efforts from distance, but neither unduly troubled Alphonse Areola.

The away side had been the better team in the first half and got their reward right before the break, Mario Lemina robbing Salah on the edge of the box and lashing in a fine low finish.

READ MORE: Premier League fixtures and table - all matches by date and kick-off time

Diogo Jota was denied right after half-time by a great save from Areola and the Reds certainly did take a more offensive stance after the break, but few chances were clear-cut and even when Sadio Mane hit the woodwork with a header, there was no finishing touch on the rebound as Jurgen Klopp’s side fell to an incredible sixth straight league loss at Anfield.

Here are the player ratings from the game on Sunday.

Liverpool

Alisson Becker - 7. A brave block on Maja to deny a certain goal, but could do nothing about Lemina’s hit. Was constantly directing and berating those in front of him.

Neco Williams - 5. Had a torrid first half getting beaten for pace non-stop and was unable to prevent crosses or low passes coming into the box. Sent over a few crosses after the break in a marginal improvement.

Nat Phillips - 7. The most accomplished member of another chopped and changed back line.

Rhys Williams - 5. Did well clearing a series of aerial balls but caught out of position in the centre a number of times.

Andy Robertson - 6. Spent as much time racing back into a messy defensive line to stop counters as he did trying to provide an outlet in attack.

Gini Wijnaldum - 6. Tried to push the team on but was often bypassed by the away side attacking wide.

James Milner - 5. Never really got into the game and was often easily outrun.

Naby Keita - 7. Looked good in possession, carved a few openings but certainly didn’t control the game.

Xherdan Shaqiri - 6. A few good moments of build-up play but ultimately no cutting edge.

Mohaed Salah - 6. Looked sharp playing at centre-forward early on, but made a costly error in losing the ball for the opening goal.

Diogo Jota - 6. A few early flashes of speed but quickly faded on his first start after injury. One shot saved after the restart.

Lemina celebrates with his Fulham team-mates (Getty Images)

Fulham

Alphonse Areola - 7. Two good saves and a commanding aerial presence.

Kenny Tete - 7. Solid in one-on-ones and an outlet when required.

Joachim Andersen - 8. Continued his recent excellent form with an assured performance.

Tosin Adarabioyo - 7. One or two shaky moments but largely shut out the spaces for the home side to attack in.

Ola Aina - 7. Another good showing, this time at left-back. Tucked in well, got out to stop crosses and supported play from deep.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid - 7. Played some good crossfield passes and worked hard throughout.

Harrison Reed - 7. Neat on the ball and protected the defence well.

Mario Lemina - 7. Tremendous strike for the opener. Kept offering support with runs from deep.

Ademola Lookman - 7. Threatened Liverpool non-stop in the first half with speed and dribbling, though should have scored or created a scoring chance given the positions he got into.

Ivan Cavaleiro - 6. Showed pace on the attack at times but more of a support act to Lookman and Maja for the most part.

Josh Maja - 6. Great movement throughout but denied by both Alisson and a poor final pass from his team-mates.

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