Liverpool Seek Complete Performance Against Fulham
Liverpool still don’t look like Liverpool for 90 minutes, but they finally have a win on the board. Fulham arrive at Anfield on Saturday knowing that, for all the noise around the hosts, there’s still vulnerability to exploit.
Liverpool searching for a full performance
Andoni Iraola’s first Premier League victory with the Reds came last weekend, yet it never felt like a statement of control. It felt like a fast start and a comfortable coast.
Alexander Isak did the early damage at newly promoted Ipswich Town, striking twice inside the opening 10 minutes and silencing the home crowd before the contest had really settled. Once the Reds were 2-0 up, they never needed to grab the game by the throat. They didn’t have to dominate possession or territory. They just managed the afternoon and walked away with three points.
After back-to-back 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest to open the campaign, that was enough for most supporters. They wanted to see Isak firing, and he delivered. Early. Often. Ruthlessly.
But Iraola knows what the table doesn’t show: Liverpool are still chasing their first complete performance of the season. The intensity has come in bursts, not in waves. Anfield will demand more than a fast start this time.
The squad issues don’t help. Hugo Ekitike (achilles), Conor Bradley (torn ACL), Federico Chiesa (back), Joe Gomez (undisclosed) and Giovanni Lenoi (torn ACL) are all out. That’s depth stripped from both ends of the pitch and from the flanks, where Iraola’s pressing game usually breathes.
Fulham dangerous but pointless
Across the technical area, Álvaro Arbeloa brings a Fulham side that has nothing to show for its effort so far – but has still carried a real attacking punch.
Three games. Zero points. Yet multiple goals scored in two of those matches. It’s a strange balance sheet.
Chelsea and Sunderland handled the Cottagers comfortably in weeks one and two, exposing defensive gaps and punishing lapses. Those defeats stung, but the 3-2 loss to Crystal Palace last weekend cut deeper. Fulham were lively, aggressive and arguably deserved more than a long, empty trip home.
That’s the paradox Arbeloa must solve: his team can hurt opponents, but it keeps paying for mistakes at the other end. One slip at Anfield, one missed runner, and the scoreboard can spiral quickly.
Tom Cairney’s absence through a knee injury strips Fulham of experience and composure in midfield. Without him, others will have to take responsibility in the tightest moments, when Liverpool’s press closes in and Anfield roars.
Anfield stage, high stakes
Kickoff is set for 10 am ET on Saturday, September 12, under the familiar red glare of Anfield. The game will be shown on Peacock in the U.S., with streaming also available on the same platform.
The setting is perfect for a response. For Liverpool, it’s about turning flashes into a full performance. For Fulham, it’s about proving that their attacking promise can finally translate into points.
Prediction? Liverpool’s firepower, especially with Isak in stride, should be too much at home. Fulham will threaten, as they have all season, but the gaps they’ve shown against Chelsea, Sunderland and Palace look made for Iraola’s front line.
Liverpool to win, and this time, they might be forced to show exactly who they are over the full 90.
