Liverpool had no luck going *through* Fulham’s determined defence, so in the end they went over it. Fernando Torres read Reina’s punt perfectly, chested down, glided into the box, jinked back and forth, then rolled the ball inside Niemi’s near post. That was that.
It had been a fine effort until then. There was no attacking intent at all, so it was very much a case of whether the boys at the back could do their bit. They did, for the most part. Niemi made a string of routine but important saves, Baird made a fighting and impressive return to the side, and the Hughes and Stefanovic pairing continued to get the job done. Bocanegra completed an experienced, if one-paced back four, and did his bit too. All will be pleased with their efforts.
If the defence was always busy the forwards were isolated and ineffective. Healy played as though something was on his mind and Kuqi looked out of his depth. The big man lacked last week’s energy and found Sami Hyppia in giant form. The Liverpool defender was terrific; every time we tried to attack – by air or by land – he stopped us with headmasterly authority.
The game was decided by the first goal so the second, a penalty awarded for Bocanegra’s trip on Crouch, really made no difference. Gerrard scored confidently, sending Niemi the wrong way. Perhaps harsh on the Fulham defence but a fair result in the end. Sanchez will be upset that more late goals have cost us more points, but can you realistically expect anything from a trip to Anfield, against a team that can bring a £25 million forward off the bench? The game did open up as it progressed, which favoured Liverpool, but this was more a reflection on the ultra-talented Torres and Babel joining in than on any deficiency in Fulham’s play. Sometimes you just need to tip your hat and move on.
A good effort.
