Fulham 1-1 Liverpool: Player Ratings as Salah Penalty Earns Point for Lacklustre Reds

13 December 2020 09:37

A second-half Mohamed Salah penalty was enough to spare a lacklustre Liverpool's blushes and earn them a 1-1 draw against struggling Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday evening.

Fulham started the game brilliantly, threatening on the counter and forcing two saves out of Alisson inside 15 minutes. Soon after they were ahead with Bobby Decordova-Reid lashing home from just inside the box.

Liverpool improved somewhat after the break with Jordan Henderson being denied by a stupendous Alphonse Areola save on the hour mark.

Just over 10 minutes from time, the Reds did score from the penalty spot. Substitute Aboubakar Kamara was penalised for a handball and Mohamed Salah just managed to squeeze it past Areola.

Here are your player rating for both teams.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Adarabioyo showed his quality | NEIL HALL/Getty Images

Alphonse Areola (GK) - 7/10 - Made a big, big, big save from Henderson in the second half. Will be disappointed not to have stopped Salah's spot kick.

Ola Aina (CB) - 8/10 - As well as defending very well, he also stepped into midfield at times to help his side in possession.

Joachim Andersen (CB) - 7/10 - The least eye-catching of Fulham's defenders, although he still played his part.

Tosin Adarabioyo (CB) - 8/10 - Racked up a game high nine clearances. A stat that summed up his fine performance.

2. Wing Backs & Midfielders

What a hit son! | Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Bobby Decordova-Reid (RWB) - 8/10 - Once again looked comfortable in an unfamiliar wing-back role. His finish was of the very highest quality.

Mario Lemina (CM) - 8/10 - Read the game very well, making three interceptions.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (CM) - 8/10 - Did a superb job of nullifying Roberto Firmino, tracking him with discipline. Also did well in possession, driving forward with authority.

Antonee Robinson (LWB) - 8/10 - Great energy down the left and also defended stoically against Salah, making four tackles overall.

3. Forwards

Lookman was never shy to take the opposition on | Pool/Getty Images

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (RW) - 6/10 - An all-action performance in the first half and helped his side defend in the second.

Ivan Cavaleiro (CF) - 6/10 - His runs in behind were intelligent but he let two early half-chances go begging. Struggled to make the ball stick, surrendering possession 10 times.

Ademola Lookman (LW) - 8/10 - A real live-wire. His direct dribbling caused Liverpool all manner of problems.

4. Substitutes

Kamara was penalised for handball | Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Aboubakar Kamara - 4/10 - Came on, gave away a penalty, went home. Just another day in the life of football's most notorious self saboteur.

Harrison Reed - N/A

Joe Bryan - N/A

5. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Alisson made several important saves on his return | Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Alisson (GK) - 7/10 - Did not have a straightforward return. Forced into making a string of good saves in the first half to keep the score down.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB) - 5/10 - Pretty pedestrian. He played just under 70 minutes and barely influenced the game.

Fabinho (CB) - 7/10 - If not for him, his side would have likely been more than one goal down at the break.

Joel Matip (CB) - 5/10 - Struggled to keep the Fulham barrage at bay before being withdrawn at half time with a back problem.

Andrew Robertson (LB) - 6/10 - Could not continue his exemplary start to the season. Struggled making any inroads down the left.

6. Midfielders

Henderson spurned a great chance in the second half | Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Jordan Henderson (CM) - 5/10 - Dropped into defence after Matip's injury. Missed a one-on-on that he should have converted.

Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) - 5/10 - Not his best game. Struggled to assert himself in the middle of the park thanks to fine displays from Lemina and
Zambo Anguissa.

Curtis Jones (CM) - 7/10 - A few spritely moments, particularly in the second half. Might've scored a goal of the season contender after a mazy run but for a weak finish.

7. Forwards

Salah endured a frustrating afternoon | Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Mohamed Salah (RW) - 7/10 - Should have stood his ground in the run-up to Fulham's goal. Did not create much but at least he scored his penalty.

Roberto Firmino (ST) - 5/10 - Struggled to get space between the lines all game. Lost possession frequently as well.

Sadio Mane (LW) - 5/10 - A rare quiet display. Only managed to fire off one shot during the entire 90 minutes.

8. Substitutes

Minamino was afforded some rare Premier League minutes | Pool/Getty Images

Takumi Minamino - 4/10 - Had next to no impact after coming on at the break. His best attributes and role remain a bit of a mystery.

Neco Williams - 6/10 - Added energy and intent after replacing Alexander-Arnold.

Divock Origi - N/A

Source: 90min