Mo Salah scores as Liverpool edge closer to Champions League places with win over Fulham

A Mohamed Salah penalty saw Liverpool beat Fulham 1-0 and keep alive their slim hopes of Champions League qualification.

The Reds were in the ascendancy throughout the first half but looked like being frustrated, until Darwin Nunez’s pressing drew an error from Issa Diop and a penalty which Salah converted – smashing down the middle.

Despite Liverpool’s dominance it was Fulham had come closest to scoring up to that point, with Alisson tipping a Carlos Vinicius snapshot around the post.

Salah also had Liverpool’s best chance of a lacklustre second half, but shot well over, while Alisson again saved well to deny Vinicius.

Substitute Bobby Decordova-Reid did have a late chance to equalise for Fulham, but shot over when found with a low cross.

The victory takes Liverpool up to 59 points and just four off a Champions League spot, but fourth-place Manchester United have two games in hand. Liverpool stay fifth and Fulham remain 10th.

TALKING POINT – Liverpool continue to sugarcoat disappointing season

It has been a poor season for Liverpool, who failed to make a deep run in any of the cup competitions and also look likely to miss out on Champions League qualification. However, they are finishing it strongly and giving some reasons for optimism – in addition to keeping faint top-four hopes alive.

It is now five wins in a row for Jurgen Klopp’s men and the most pleasing part of this win, admittedly versus opposition weakened by key injuries and suspension, might be the contributions from players there are question marks over. Curtis Jones, often an afterthought with discussion about Liverpool’s midfield more focused on potential signings, continued his run of good form. The much-maligned Nunez won the crucial penalty and continues to be involved in goals. Luis Diaz also looked sharp as he makes his way back from a long-term injury.

Liverpool’s highs have been immense this season but the lows too frequent to maintain a Champions League spot, let alone a title challenge. This recent run of form suggests consistency is coming back to this team, but it is too late to salvage the season.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Alisson (Liverpool)

On an otherwise quiet night, Alisson made two really good saves when called upon.

PLAYER RATINGS

Liverpool: Alisson 7, Alexander-Arnold 7, Konate 6, van Dijk 6, Tsimikas 5, Fabinho 7, Henderson 6, Jones 7, Salah 6, Diaz 6, Nunez 6. Subs: Robertson 6, Gakpo 6, Jota 5, Milner 5, Elliott 5.

Fulham: Leno 6, Cedric 5, Adarabioyo 6, Diop 5, Robinson 6, Palhinha 6, Lukic 5, Cairney 5, Willian 6, Wilson 5, Vinicius 6. Subs: Reed 6, Decordova-Reid 6, Kebano 5, James 5, Solomon 5.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

ALISSON CALLED INTO ACTION 14′ – Route-one stuff from Fulham but it is effective as a direct ball splits the defence to find Vinicius. Van Dijk cannot stop Vinicius getting a shot off and Alisson makes a good save to deny his compatriot.

PENALTY TO LIVERPOOL 38′ – Fulham have possession but Diop takes too long on the ball and is closed down by Nunez, who he then kicks attempting to clear. Liverpool have a penalty seemingly out of nowhere!

SALAH SLAMS PENALTY HOME 39′ – Salah smashes down the middle, an area vacated by Leno, and Liverpool have the lead.

SALAH SKIES 50′ – Diaz runs past two Fulham players and plays an unselfish pass to Salah, but the Egyptian leans back and shoots well over.

FULHAM COUNTER-ATTACK 77′ – Willian and Vinicus combine on the left as Fulham counter and the move culminates with Willian teeing up Vinicius, who takes the ball in his stride, but Alisson dives at the striker’s feet to make a crucial save.

KEY STAT

Salah now has 185 Liverpool goals – one shy of Steven Gerrard who is fifth on the all-time list.