Liverpool’s impressive 26-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League was shattered by Fulham at Craven Cottage, where Marco Silva’s side secured a dramatic 3-1 victory.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool took the lead through a stunning 25-yard strike from Alexis Mac Allister. However, Fulham responded with three quick-fire goals in the first half to take control of the match.

Ryan Sessegnon equalized with a clinical first-time finish after Andreas Pereira’s cross found him in the box. Just nine minutes later, Alex Iwobi put Fulham ahead after intercepting a poor cross-field pass from Liverpool’s Andy Robertson. Despite his first attempt being blocked, Iwobi’s second shot deflected off Robertson and found the back of the net.

Fulham’s third came from a corner that was cleared poorly by Liverpool. Rodrigo Muniz kept the play alive, controlling a loose ball with a brilliant touch before calmly finishing past Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

Luis Diaz pulled one back for Liverpool in the 72nd minute, converting a cross from Conor Bradley into the bottom corner. Despite some late pressure, Liverpool couldn’t force an equalizer, with Harvey Elliott coming closest when his curling shot bounced off the crossbar.

Despite the loss, Liverpool remains 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League, with seven games left. They only need a maximum of 11 more points to clinch a record-tying 20th league title. Meanwhile, Fulham’s win boosted their hopes for European qualification, moving up to 8th place, just five points behind Chelsea in 4th.

Liverpool’s Performance: A Wake-Up Call

While Liverpool’s lead at the top remains significant, this result serves as a reminder that the job isn’t done yet. Four more wins from their final seven matches will likely secure the title, but their performance in west London highlighted areas for improvement.

Despite Mac Allister’s early goal, Liverpool was outplayed in the first half. Their sloppy play led to all three Fulham goals. Curtis Jones failed to track Pereira’s cross for the first goal, Robertson’s poor pass led to the second, and Virgil van Dijk was beaten by Muniz for the third.

In the second half, Liverpool displayed more urgency, but they left themselves with too much to do. A missed chance from Diogo Jota early in the second half, when he was denied by Fulham’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno, could have changed the course of the match.

Although the loss doesn’t significantly affect Liverpool’s title charge, it serves as a reminder that the Premier League is never easy, and every match requires full focus and determination.

Fulham’s European Dreams Live On

After a disappointing FA Cup exit against Crystal Palace, Fulham bounced back in style with a hard-fought win over the Premier League leaders. With seven matches remaining, Fulham remains in the hunt for European football, especially with the fifth-place spot likely securing a Champions League berth.

Their resilient performance against Liverpool, particularly in the first half, demonstrated their potential. The team pressed aggressively and efficiently won back possession in Liverpool’s half. Muniz was a constant threat, while Fulham’s fluid build-up play led to their goals.

Though European qualification is still a long shot, especially with games in hand for teams like Newcastle and Manchester City, Fulham’s performance against Liverpool shows they’re capable of causing more upsets. A top-six finish, or even a place in the Europa or Conference League, would be a fantastic achievement for Fulham this season.

Player of the Match: Rodrigo Muniz

Muniz earned the player of the match honor, scoring one goal and playing a crucial role in Fulham’s attacking play. His work ethic and technical ability were evident throughout the match, with an average rating of 7.86.

Final Thoughts on the Match:

Fulham’s victory ended Liverpool’s unbeaten run, but more importantly, it highlighted the competitive nature of the Premier League. While Liverpool’s lead at the top is comfortable, this match proves that complacency can’t set in. Meanwhile, Fulham’s performance keeps their European dreams alive, proving they are a team to watch as the season progresses.