Núñez and Jota on fire. Liverpool player ratings for the match against Fulham

Liverpool may sit atop the Premier League table, but the competition is heating up. Arsenal is maintaining their pace, and Chelsea, after last season’s struggles, is back in form, emerging as Liverpool’s main rival. In a league where every point counts, a single slip-up could cost the title.

The game against Fulham started poorly for Liverpool when Andy Robertson received a red card early in the match.

Fulham, a side that had already caused trouble for Arsenal and Tottenham earlier in the season, proved a tough opponent. Despite sitting mid-table, their resilience made them a formidable challenge, and now they’ve added Liverpool to their list of scalps.

Here’s a breakdown of the standout performers in this tense clash:

• Cody Gakpo

Over his 70 minutes on the pitch, Gakpo was a constant threat to Fulham's defense. Besides scoring a goal, he managed three shots on target (out of Liverpool’s total of four, including Jota’s goal), won five duels, completed two dribbles, and contributed defensively. Gakpo’s presence was pivotal in Liverpool's attack, especially with Luis Díaz struggling to make an impact. Remarkably, Gakpo also tracked back to help in defense, highlighting his all-around contribution.

• Dominik Szoboszlai

Szoboszlai’s performance was a testament to his work ethic and versatility. His heat map covered nearly the entire pitch, making him the most visible player for Liverpool. While he didn’t contribute directly to the goals, his role as a link between defense and attack was crucial. Szoboszlai spearheaded several counterattacks and frequently pressed high, disrupting Fulham’s buildup.

• The dynamic duo of Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota

The late-game heroes were substitutes Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota. Núñez came on in the 70th minute for Gakpo, and Jota replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 79th minute.

Núñez, originally signed from Benfica for his goal-scoring prowess, has adapted to a more creative role as a false nine. His assist for the equalizer was a prime example of this evolution, as he dropped deep to link play and found the perfect pass.

Jota, on the other hand, was relentless in the opposition box. Despite being under heavy defensive pressure, his quick footwork and precise strike delivered the crucial equalizing goal. His technical ability and composure were vital in salvaging a point for Liverpool.

Honorable Mention: Arne Slot

Liverpool’s head coach showed immense composure and tactical awareness. Despite Robertson’s dismissal in the 17th minute, Slot stuck to his game plan and only made substitutions late in the match. His decision to maintain Liverpool’s attacking intent paid off, showcasing his belief in the team’s resilience.

Player Ratings:

• Alexander-Arnold T. – 7
• Becker A. – 6
• Van Dijk V. – 7
• Gakpo C. – 8
• Gravenberch R. – 8
• Gomez J. – 7
• Díaz L. – 6
• Jones C. – 7
• Elliott H. – 6
• Jota D. – 8
• Quansah J. – 6
• Núñez D. – 8
• Robertson A. – 4
• Salah M. – 8
• Szoboszlai D. – 8