Liverpool extend unbeaten home record

Liverpool saw off Fulham 2-0 at Anfield thanks to goals from Mo Salah and Xherdan Shaqiri. The club’s clean sheet also means that they have equalled a club record for the fewest goals conceded after 12 top-flight fixtures

Under Jurgen Klopp, the 'Reds' had won all eight of their Premier League home games against newly-promoted sides, scoring 25 goals and conceding just three, that record has now been bettered. Klopp’s side dominated the first half, with Fulham’s goalkeeper Sergio Rico the standout performer.

The Spaniard did well to stand up and block Xherdan Shaqiri with his feet in the opening fifteen minutes, after great interplay with the Switzerland international and Mo Salah.

He also had to be alert five minutes later, saving Mane from close range as Fulham’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed. Prior to the weekend, Fulham were one of just three teams yet to keep a clean sheet in English league football this season, along with Macclesfield and Sheffield Wednesday, they’re still searching after today. 

The deadlock game in controversial circumstances to brighten up a dull first half. Fulham had the ball in the back of the net, however the assistant referee had adjudged Mitrovic to have been in an offside position when he powered his header past Alisson. Replays are tight, however Fulham may feel aggrieved that the striker was not given the benefit of the doubt, as it appeared that Andy Robertson played him onside.

Alisson did not wait around and immediately picked the ball out of his net and played in Trent Alexander-Arnold. He had great vision to spot Salah and play in the Egyptian, who caught the Fulham defence sleeping. He had the simple task of slotting the ball home past Rico, a mere thirteen seconds since the offside goal went in. Counter-attacking football at its finest. It was Salah’s 34th goal in 36 Anfield appearances, home sweet home.

The Puskas Award winner also added to his impressive record against newly-promoted teams. The former Roma winger has averaged a Premier League goal or assist every 66 minutes against newly-promoted teams since joining Liverpool.

In a game of few clear-cut chances, Xherdan Shaqiri made the most of an accurate cross to seal Liverpool’s win. Andy Robertson floated in a lovely ball over the top, with Xherdan Shaqiri losing his marker leaving him completely unmarked from six yards out. He sidefoot-volleyed the ball into the bottom corner, a brilliant finish.

The result saw Fulham equal their club record of six consecutive Premier League defeats, set in 2001-02 and 2012-13, whereas Liverpool temporarily move up to first.