Fortress Anfield breached again
LIVERPOOL 0 vs FULHAM 1
LIVERPOOL’S preparations for Saturday’s FA Cup final took a blow as their poor home form continued to allow Fulham to win their first game at Anfield and draw level with them in the Premier League.
“I don’t think it can be described as a performance,” said unhappy Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, whose side are eighth. “They had the chance to press [for Saturday] but the performance was poor.”
Dalglish had made nine changes from the side that won 3-0 at Norwich on Saturday to keep his squad fresh for the biggest game of their season. The Scot would have hoped for hungry performances from those aiming to start Wembley’s showpiece but his side made the worst-possible start when defender Martin Skrtel scored an own goal by deflecting John Arne Riise’s low cross past Doni.
The goal was emblematic of Liverpool’s fortunes at Anfield, but if Dalglish expected change then only his optimism can be admired.
At half-time, Stewart Downing replaced Jordan Henderson but the reality was that Liverpool remained as likely to score as Newcastle are to return the £35m pocketed from the transfer of Andy Carroll. Of 18 shots, only five were on target, and though Fulham offered little in return, their goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will have rarely felt so untroubled. Shots flew over the bar and crosses were cleared, but true signs of a goal remained elusive.