Liverpool headed into the game as the clear favourites, looking to kick off their season in style as they once again fight Manchester City for the league title.
Fulham, meanwhile, are simply trying to end their cycle of being relegated and promoted every two seasons.
Marco Silva’s side began the game in much more aggressive fashion, pressing high and causing Liverpool’s backline problems.
And they would take the lead after 32 minutes via Aleksandar Mitrovic when the Serbian rose above Alexander-Arnold to head in.
Liverpool then brought on Darwin Nunez after just 50 minutes but continued to struggle to get a grip on the game.
However, Nunez was the man to bring Liverpool back on level terms. Harvey Elliott found Salah out wide who then slipped in the striker for his first Premier League goal.
Immediate impact from Darwin Núñez! 🙌
He nets his first Premier League goal on his competitive debut! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WTVMbKVNkv
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 6, 2022
Liverpool would not go down without a fight, however, with some poor communication from Fulham’s centre-backs allowing Salah an easy chance.
The game drew to a close with the score 2-2, a result that is perhaps slightly harsh on Fulham.
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📰 Table Of Contents
Fulham player ratings
Marek Rodak (6) – Good save early on to deny Andy Robertson. Didn’t do much wrong for Liverpool’s equaliser.
Kenny Tete (6.5) – Booked early for a late challenge on Diaz. Great cross to set up the opening goal.
Tosin Adarabioyo (4) – Didn’t have much to do in the first half. Nearly gifted Liverpool a goal with a poor pass after 60 minutes.
Tim Ream (5.5) – Helped reduce Salah’s threat. Cleared the ball off the line after 67 minutes but should have left the ball in the build-up to Salah’s goal.
Antonee Robinson (5.5) – Kept Mo Salah very quiet in the first half but was then dragged out of position by Elliott, which allowed Salah plenty of space to set up Nunez.
Harrison Reed (6) – Came close to scoring 30 minutes in but was denied by Robertson
Joao Palhinha (6) – Closed down Thiago well when he was on the pitch, but made a few stupid challenges.
Neeskens Kebano (6.5) – Got the pre-assist for Fulham’s opener. Hit the post from a tight angle to nearly add Fulham’s second.
Andreas Pereira (4) – Lacked any real creativity on the day but his pressing was decent.
Bobby Reid (6) – Passing was excellent. Created a few chances and caused Trent issues.
Aleksandar Mitrovic (8) – Did well to rise above Trent and head in Fulham’s opener. Then won a penalty by taking on Van Dijk, which he scored.
Substitutes
Manor Solomon (4) – Failed to have much of an impact.
Tom Cairney (4) – Was brought on to help Fulham secure the draw, which they did.
Shane Duffy (N/A)
Liverpool player ratings
Alisson (5) – Distribution was not great and his positioning was slightly off.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (5) – Was outjumped by Mitrovic for Fulham’s opener. Good cross in the build-up to Salah’s goal.
Joel Matip (6) – Excellent at bringing the ball out from the back to start attacks, solid defensively.
Virgil van Dijk (4) – Made a number of good tackles and blocks to deal with the early Fulham pressure, but gave away a penalty in the second half after being bested by Mitrovic.
Andy Robertson (6) – Came close to opening the scoring but was denied by a good save. Produced a crucial block after 30 minutes to deny a goal.
Fabinho (4.5) – Prevented Fulham from playing through the middle often but was marked out of the game when Liverpool were looking to build attacks. Was taken off after 59 minutes, showing just how much Liverpool struggled.
Thiago (5) – Made a couple of poor passes throughout the tie. Off after 50 minutes with a hamstring issue.
Jordan Henderson (4.5) – Gave the ball away a few times with some sloppy passing.
Mohamed Salah (7) – Had a very quiet first half but set up Nunez’s equaliser with a great cross. He then scored Liverpool’s second.
Luis Diaz (6) – Good finish early in the match but his attempt was rightly ruled out for offside. Hit the post late in the first half as well. Off after 77 minutes.
Roberto Firmino (3) – Very underwhelming first 45 which saw him struggle to link up well with Salah and Diaz. Off after 50 minutes.
Substitutes
Harvey Elliot (6) – Brought some much-needed life to Liverpool’s midfield, starting the move which led to Nunez’s goal.
Darwin Nunez (7) – Lost a duel in midfield which nearly led to a Fulham goal. He then tried to pass the ball when through on goal instead of shooting. Eventually got his goal after 64 minutes and did begin to cause Fulham some problems. Set up Salah’s goal after controlling a deflection.
Fabio Carvalho – Looked bright when he came on for the final 12 minutes but didn’t do much of note.
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Fan reaction
Ok @LFC play time is over, Fulham looking tasty is over, crack on with it now 😑🤣
— Mini Mino (@GerrardPaisley) August 6, 2022
Liverpool haven’t yet arrived at Craven Cottage.
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) August 6, 2022
Mitro doing Mitro stuff, no matter who the opponents are or what league he’s in. #FFC pic.twitter.com/jell7XdsBC
— Dave Kettlehake – 💻 (@DavidKettlehake) August 6, 2022
No wonder Van Dijk followed Saliba on Instagram last night, he needs some 1v1 tips
— Bhavs (@bhavss14) August 6, 2022
Liverpool’s new strike force is up and running 🤝 pic.twitter.com/W1PKqTHN8I
— Football News (@Footbal_lNews) August 6, 2022
What the experts said
Fulham have made more passes in the opposition half (16-8) and more passes in the final third (8-5) than Liverpool in the opening 10 minutes at Craven Cottage.
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) August 6, 2022
Really sloppy opening 10mins from Liverpool. Fulham have been decent – combative and forcing mistakes.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) August 6, 2022
Liverpool have been behind at HT in as many Premier League games in 2022/23 as they were in the whole of last season (1). 🙃 pic.twitter.com/3GftedBdHD
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 6, 2022
⚽️ Aleksandar Mitrovic opened the scoring against Liverpool!
🥇 He’s scored more league goals (44) than any other player in the top 4 tiers of English football since the start of last season!
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) August 6, 2022
No Liverpool player had fewer touches in the first half than Mohamed Salah (24 – level with Alisson).
The Reds need to get him move involved in the second half. pic.twitter.com/2MSB5lFgYU
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 6, 2022
Mitrovic’s stats so far vs. Liverpool:
83% ground duels won
66% aerial duels won
7 passes completed
3 shots
2 goals
1 dribble completed
1 penalty wonDominating VVD. 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/hwoY0qVjpc
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 6, 2022
Don’t understand that at all from Van Dijk. It’s minimal contact but why give the referee a decision to make when Trent is right there? Turned the game on its head again.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) August 6, 2022
