Fulham 1-2 Liverpool: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | Premier League 2018-19

Liverpool edged two points clear over rivals Manchester City after a nervy 2-1 win over relegation-battling Fulham at the Craven Cottage.

James Milner struck from the spot just nine minutes from time to restore the advantage after Ryan Babel cancelled Sadio Mane's opener late on, letting Jurgen Klopp and the faithful breathe a huge sigh of relief.

Riding on the monumental victory in Munich at the midweek, the Reds were supposedly in for another stroll, but the exertions were made clear as the match wore on. However, they had to held their nerve and eked out an all-important victory to turn the tides on the Citizens.

Meanwhile, Fulham's relegation woes deepened as a seventh consecutive loss in the league left them 13 points clear of safety, making the drop all the more inevitable now.

Let's delve through some of the major talking points from the match.

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#1 Complacency nearly cost Liverpool another away tie

Liverpool struggled to replicate the attacking form of Munich

Winless in the last three consecutive away league games, Liverpool's trip to Craven Cottage was supposed to be unlike the visits to either Old Trafford or Goodison Park or even the London Stadium. This was widely touted to be a saunter in the spring sunshine given the contrasting positions as well as Liverpool's emphatic defeat of Bayern in the midweek.

But yet again, the visitors threatened to become far too complacent at various points. Having done brilliantly to take the lead, all the attacking effervescence gradually frazzled as the Reds struggled to double the advantage. Too often, the likes of Robertson and Firmino would get near the byline and lay in a cross, but Fulham's vigilant defense had no issues trying to clear the danger.

Salah's buccaneering runs and Mane's excellent positions was always a matter of concern for the hosts, but there was an uncanny lack of rustiness in the attack which could've otherwise seen Liverpool grab the game by the scruff of the neck like they did in Munich.

Perhaps the side was still recovering from the European hangover, but thanks to James Milner and his nerves of steel, the visitors walked away with all the three points they vouched for. However, such complacency is a warning sign ahead of the final stretch of the campaign as Liverpool are just seven games away from history.

#2 Anguissa proves his credentials to remain in the top flight

Anguissa can be a useful addition to some mid-table sides in EPL

As Fulham edge closer and closer to relegation, their midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa showed he is good enough to remain in the Premier League.

The Cameroon international turned in a noteworthy shift in the midfield, throwing his weight around in the center of the park and also instigating counter-attacks. Anguissa completed two successful dribbles and also showcased his excellent passing range, maintaining an 89% pass success rate.

The Cottagers spent most of the time, especially the second stanza, on the backfoot and Anguissa dropped deep to help out at the back. His strapping presence forced the visitors to move out wide, while he also completed two tackles, clearances, and interceptions each.

It wasn't the most marvelous all-round performance, but Anguissa did enough to prove his mettle. He showed he is good enough to stay in the Premier League and could be a useful addition for the mid-table sides.

#3 Salah's goal drought shouldn't eclipse his overall performance

Salah continues to be a workhorse

Mohamed Salah hasn't really been as bad as team-playing is concerned, but his goals have nonetheless dried up. Despite another active performance, the Egyptian talisman failed to strike the net as his goalless streak now stands at seven games in all competitions.

But becoming too pedantic would do great injustice to his contributions at both ends of the pitch. Salah's incredible burst of speed and ability to pick out passes held Fulham on the tenterhooks. He linked up well with Mane and Firmino whilst also testing the Fulham defense himself with efforts of his own.

In fact, Salah mustered the most number of shots in the match with five and also had an 89% pass completion. Midway through the second half, Fulham launched a counter and Ryan Babel had a clear run at goal, but Salah did incredibly well to notice the gap and tracked back to close down his options.

That pretty much summed up his importance to the side. Despite not getting on the scoresheet himself, he was crucial in the victory; turning in an encouraging show at either end of the field. His goal drought is, of course, a cause of concern, but that would come to an end sooner or later.

#4 Parker working his magic, but it's too late

Parker's arrival has coincided with a tough run of fixtures

Fulham put the kibosh on the Claudio Ranieri project earlier in the season following a catastrophic run of just three wins from 16 games in charge and 10 defeats in the process. Scott Parker was roped in as the caretaker manager, and even though there have been considerable improvements in the side, it's appointment has come a bit too late for him to prevent this team from going down.

His first three games - at home to Chelsea and Liverpool and away to Leicester City - have only yielded defeats so far, but the Cottagers have become more obdurate under their new manager - their third of the season - and don't fold so easily.

Today after conceding the first goal, Fulham closed down areas for Liverpool to exploit from the middle by forming a resilient mid-block. This forced the visitors to try their luck from out wide, while Fulham's counter-attacking moves were pretty darn threatening too. Take Babel's goal for example.

Had Parker been appointed earlier, or even instead of Ranieri, Fulham would have at least stood a slim chance of digging themselves out of the hole. But now, with games to Manchester City, Everton, Watford, and Wolves still to come, his arrival has coincided with a tough run of games.

#5 Pressure on City again, but Liverpool cannot afford to rest on laurels

Despite the international break ahead, Klopp cannot afford to rest

As Manchester City were caught up with FA Cup duties, it was a great opportunity for Liverpool to steal a march over their title rivals with a win. And even though the Reds did exactly what's written on the tin, they can hardly afford to rest on their laurels.

Liverpool have an admittedly tougher run of fixtures than City, with the visit of Tottenham and Chelsea to Anfield particularly promising to be challenging. The two-point advantage they hold after tonight is definitely a morale booster, but it's the finest of margins and Citizens can realistically reclaim top spot with a win over Fulham in the next game.

The Reds, having dropped eight points in eight games since the defeat to Manchester City, cannot afford any further slip-ups as the race to finish line is just seven rounds away. There are a few shortcomings that Klopp has to address, mainly the lack of clinicality in the attack, but time's running short.