Liverpool arrested a woeful run of form as they earned a 2-0 Premier League victory over Fulham at Anfield.
A first home Premier League goal for 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha and a strike from Mo Salah - making his first appearance at L4 since announcing he will leave at the end of the season - boosted the Reds’ chances of securing Champions League qualification.
After a sobering 4-0 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals and a comprehensive 2-0 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, it was the tonic under-pressure head coach Arne Slot and his troops needed ahead of Tuesday’s return clash against the European Cup holders.
Match report
Liverpool were the better side in the first half, with Andy Robertson - who confirmed ahead of the game that he will leave the club at the end of the campaign - having an effort blocked in the 11th minute, Salah seeing a shot saved two minutes later and Cody Gakpo firing not too far wide on 20 minutes.
Reds goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was forced into action when he made a decent stop from Fulham winger Oscar Bobb in the 32nd minute, while Harry Wilson flashed over for the visitors a minute later.
But at a crucial juncture of the encounter, Liverpool took the lead through a piece of individual quality. On 36 minutes, Ngumoha burst into the Fulham box before curling a right-footed shot into the far corner.
And in the 40th minute, the Reds doubled their advantage through another clinical finish. Gakpo laid the ball off to Salah, who swept home beyond Fulham keeper Bernd Leno.
Liverpool should have wrapped up the game five minutes into the second half when Jeremie Frimpong’s cross picked out Gakpo, but he was caught in two minds and the opportunity was spurned.
And as the game wore on, nerves around Anfield started to become palpable as Fulham probed. With 12 minutes remaining, the Cottagers went agonisingly close to reducing the deficit when Emile Smith Rowe’s deft volley went narrowly the wrong side of the far post.
However, Liverpool managed to see the game out, ensuring they will remain in the Premier League top five at the end of the weekend, having moved four points above Chelsea. Now attention turns to PSG - as Liverpool aim to pull off their latest European miracle.
Liverpool player ratings vs Fulham.
1. Giorgi Mamardashvili - 7
Made one decent save when the game was goalless in the first half. Barely had anything to do in the second half despite Fulham's late pressure. | Getty Images
2. Jeremie Frimpong - 7
Put in a couple of good balls in the first half after using his pace. Should have had an assist when picking out Gakpo after the break before being subbed in the 69th minute. | Getty Images
3. Ibrahima Konate - 7
Fairly comfortable in the first half. Did what was needed in the second period. | Getty Images
4. Virgil van Dijk - 7
Won everything in the air in the first half. Similar after the break and made one big block. | Getty Images