Liverpool assessments: 17-year-old Ngumoha’s 9/10 display presents a challenge for Slot
Liverpool concluded their three-match losing streak across all competitions by defeating Fulham, 2-0, at Anfield on Saturday.
The first goal arrived in the 36th minute when Rio Ngumoha received a pass from Florian Wirtz and skillfully maneuvered into space past Timothy Castagne, then smoothly curled his shot inside the far post.
A glimpse into Liverpool’s potential future was quickly followed by a familiar sight just four minutes later, as Mohamed Salah executed a precise finish to a well-coordinated move, extending the hosts’ advantage.
The second half did not deliver the same excitement for the home supporters, yet their victory guarantees that the Reds will remain in fifth place in the Premier League by the end of this weekend, while they currently trail Aston Villa by two points.
Positives
We will begin with the most evident positive: Ngumoha. He was lively throughout and provided the spark Liverpool required to score first. It will be intriguing to see if the 17-year-old’s performance convinces manager Arne Slot to include him in the starting lineup against Paris Saint-Germain.
As for the rest of the team, they maintained control of the ball for significant stretches of the first half and appeared comfortable for much of the time. Although the Reds were not as effective in the second half as they had been earlier, Giorgi Mamardashvili was not overly tested.
Negatives
Considering the Reds’ dominance, they might have anticipated testing Bernd Leno more prior to Ngumoha’s goal. There were also some worrying chances that Fulham could have capitalized on had they been more precise, with Harry Wilson, Rodrigo Muniz, and Emile Smith Rowe all failing to hit the target from promising positions. It was disappointing to see Curtis Jones exit due to injury at halftime.
Manager rating (1-10; 10 = best)
Arne Slot, 8 — Slot’s significant decision was to field Ngumoha, and stating that it paid off would be an understatement. His team exhibited control for extended periods and appeared well-organized, but he will likely be dissatisfied with his side’s performance in the closing stages.
Player ratings
GK Giorgi Mamardashvili, 6 — Made several saves appear routine and did well to deflect a shot from Josh King.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 7 —Displayed commanding presence and effectively cleared a potentially dangerous free-kick, before positioning himself in front of Emile Smith Rowe’s attempt. Successfully intercepted Sander Berge’s pass following a careless pass from Joe Gomez.
DF Ibrahima KonatΓ©, 7 —Was generally at ease and brushed off King when it seemed there might be a chance for Fulham to break through.
DF Andrew Robertson, 7 — In his first match since the announcement of his departure at the end of the season, Robertson found himself in promising positions but had one shot blocked by Wilson before sending off a weak attempt. Defended well when necessary.
DF Jeremie Frimpong, 8 — Provided a genuine threat going forward and delivered quality crosses for Andrew Robertson, Salah, and Cody Gakpo. Demonstrated persistence to keep the ball in play despite Antonee Robinson’s presence.
MF Dominik Szoboszlai, 8 — Consistently brought a blend of energy and quality but had a shot blocked after initiating a move. Delivered a corner that posed significant difficulty for Leno.
MF Curtis Jones, 7 —Effectively disrupted play at times and was tidy on the ball but had to leave the match due to injury at halftime.
FW Florian Wirtz, 7 —Executed some lovely passes and contributed to the build-up for both of Liverpool’s goals, but there were instances where the Germany international could have done better to keep his shots down.
FW Rio Ngumoha, 9 —Displayed fearlessness and skillfully created space from Timothy Castagne, bending the ball inside the far post for his first-ever goal at Anfield. Maneuvered inside again and provided the assist leading to Salah’s goal.
FW Mohamed Salah, 8 —Had one shot saved by Leno and another blocked by Sander Berge, but he ultimately found the net with a well-executed finish. Was substituted to warm applause following a strong performance.
FW Cody Gakpo, 7 — Had difficulty testing Leno with his own shots but effectively controlled Ngumoha’s pass and set up Salah for the Reds’ second goal. Will feel he should have capitalized more on Frimpong’s cross.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)
Ryan Gravenberch (Jones, 45′), 6 — Executed the basic tasks well while also assisting his defense at times. However, one clearance appeared quite frantic.
Alexis Mac Allister (Wirtz, 69′), 6 — Sent a shot agonizingly past the post from a promising position.
Alexander Isak (Ngumoha, 69′), 6 — Might have believed he had a chance until Calvin Bassey intercepted Robertson’s cross. Had a few other balls frustratingly evade him but worked hard for the team.
Joe Gomez (Frimpong, 69′), 4 — Was rescued by Van Dijk after his careless pass was intercepted by Berge. Also had moments of struggle defensively, including a poor tackle on Alex Iwobi.
