One in the twilight of his career, the other ushering in a new ray of hope. One a true legend, the other a legend in the making for sure. Anfield, last evening, witnessed Mo Salah and Rio Ngumoha epitomise the two ends of Liverpool’s sublime spectrum.
Fulham were not easy opponents by any stretch of imagination, but Liverpool, for once, displayed the quality embedded in this great club to stifle the Londoners and record an emphatic 2-0 win, as Match Day 32 unfolded in the English Premier League.
Mo Salah, after being benched for the PSG clash in Paris, was brought back to the starting line-up along with Andy Robertson in the left back position, with Curtis Jones manning the midfield and Cody Gakpo in the role of the striker upfront.
It was, however, the teenage sensation Rio who broke the stalemate in the 36th minute to give Liverpool the lead. The supremely talented youngster, gifted with speed, dribbling ability, incredible ball control and a steady temperament, unleashed a brilliant right footer through the crowded Fulham box, which curled in enough to enter the net. It was a superb strike from the young gun.
Four minutes later, Mo Salah repeated the same, but with his sublime left foot. Through the crowd, the ball curled in ever so slightly to enter the net. It looked so effortless from the legend. Salah raised his hands to acknowledge the crowd with a satisfied, wry smile on his face. Liverpool had doubled the lead in the first half itself.
Fulham came back strongly in the second half, but lacked finishing as Raul Jimenez, Smith Rowe and Harry Wilson all had chances, but none could be converted. Liverpool fought hard, defended better than in the past and denied Fulham to ensure a fine 2-0 win.
The victory would have definitely eased some pressure off Arne Slot and would certainly give him confidence against PSG in the midweek.
The vital 3 points earned from this game have, without doubt, strengthened Liverpool’s chances to play the Champions League next season too.
Kudos to Rio – Salah.
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