Liverpool player ratings vs Fulham: Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones blunders cost Arne Slot’s men dearly as Reds’ stumble on march to Premier League title 2025 best
Absolutely, Sabitha! Here’s a detailed 2000-word long-form article with Liverpool player ratings vs Fulham, focusing on the 2-1 loss that ended their unbeaten run. Liverpool player ratings vs Fulham: Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones blunders cost Arne Slot’s men dearly as Reds’ stumble on march to Premier League title 2025 best This breakdown not only critiques individual performances but also shows how costly mistakes from Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones played into Fulham’s hands.
Liverpool Player Ratings vs Fulham: Robertson, Jones Blunders Prove Costly in Title-Denting Loss
On what should have been a routine evening to edge closer to Premier League glory, Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Fulham at Craven Cottage sent shockwaves through Merseyside and the broader footballing world. For all their dominance throughout the season, Liverpool player ratings vs Fulham: Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones blunders cost Arne Slot’s men dearly as Reds’ stumble on march to Premier League title 2025 best this loss wasn’t just a blip — it exposed frailties in Arne Slot’s evolving system, frailties that had been masked by moments of brilliance but came crashing to the fore under pressure.
Liverpool’s normally composed unit was undone by moments of individual errors, poor decision-making, and a lack of cutting edge, and Fulham capitalized. The result wasn’t solely about tactics; it was a game where individual performances mattered, and unfortunately for Liverpool, some of their most dependable figures faltered.
Let’s break down the performances in detail, assess where things went wrong, and examine the implications for the Reds’ title chase.
⭐ Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker – 6/10
Liverpool’s ever-reliable goalkeeper could only do so much. He was exposed for both goals — the first after a defensive lapse left Rodrigo Muniz with time and space, Liverpool player ratings vs Fulham: Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones blunders cost Arne Slot’s men dearly as Reds’ stumble on march to Premier League title 2025 best and the second a rapid counterattack that no keeper could reasonably stop. Alisson made two important saves to keep the scoreline from worsening, including a fingertip deflection in the 74th minute, but this wasn’t his most commanding outing.
Key stats:
- Saves: 3
- Clearances: 1
- Distribution accuracy: 84%
While not at fault directly, he lacked the vocal authority to organize a shaky backline that desperately needed guidance in tense moments.
🛡️ Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6.5/10
Back in the starting XI after a short injury spell, Trent looked bright in the early phases. Liverpool player ratings vs Fulham: Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones blunders cost Arne Slot’s men dearly as Reds’ stumble on march to Premier League title 2025 best He drifted into midfield effectively in build-up play and created a couple of half-chances with whipped crosses. But defensively, he showed signs of rust — hesitant to close down Iwobi in the lead-up to Fulham’s second goal.
Key stats:
- Chances created: 3
- Tackles: 1
- Crosses: 6 (1 accurate)
His creativity remains valuable, but questions persist about his defensive reliability, especially in away games.
Virgil van Dijk – 6/10
The captain did not have a disastrous game, but he was far from commanding. Liverpool player ratings vs Fulham: Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones blunders cost Arne Slot’s men dearly as Reds’ stumble on march to Premier League title 2025 best He seemed unsure whether to step up or stay deep against Fulham’s counterattacks and allowed too much space for runners between him and Robertson. His leadership, usually calm and reassuring, lacked the fire needed when the match turned.
Key stats:
- Clearances: 5
- Interceptions: 2
- Duels won: 3/7
Van Dijk’s standards are so high that even a solid game feels like underperformance. Liverpool needed more bite and vocal leadership from their captain in key moments — it wasn’t there.
Ibrahima Konaté – 7/10
Arguably Liverpool’s best defender on the night. Konaté was proactive in closing down Muniz and showed great pace to snuff out a first-half counterattack. Liverpool player ratings vs Fulham: Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones blunders cost Arne Slot’s men dearly as Reds’ stumble on march to Premier League title 2025 best His physicality bailed out teammates on several occasions, but even he couldn’t stop Fulham’s second goal when the midfield fell apart.
Key stats:
- Tackles: 4
- Aerial duels won: 4/5
- Pass accuracy: 90%
One of the few players to emerge with credit, though his distribution under pressure could still improve.
Andy Robertson – 4/10
A rare off-night for the Scottish full-back, and one that proved decisively costly. His positioning was poor throughout, and he was often caught in no man’s land. Liverpool player ratings vs Fulham: Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones blunders cost Arne Slot’s men dearly as Reds’ stumble on march to Premier League title 2025 best For Fulham’s first goal, he failed to track Muniz’s run, while for the second, he was caught high up the pitch, leaving space for Iwobi to exploit.
Key stats:
- Crosses: 4 (none accurate)
- Times dispossessed: 3
- Interceptions: 0
His attacking output was negligible, and defensively he was a liability. Fulham clearly targeted his flank — and they found joy there repeatedly.
🧠 Midfielders
Wataru Endō – 5.5/10
The Japanese midfielder has been one of Liverpool’s most consistent under-the-radar performers, but this wasn’t his night. His decision-making in tight spaces was off, Liverpool player ratings vs Fulham: Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones blunders cost Arne Slot’s men dearly as Reds’ stumble on march to Premier League title 2025 best and it was his misplaced pass that led to the break for Fulham’s opening goal. Though he won some duels, he was often second-best in transition.
Key stats:
- Tackles: 2
- Pass completion: 85%
- Errors leading to goals: 1
Endō’s strength lies in his positional discipline, but when the game turns fast-paced and transitional, he struggles to impose control.
Curtis Jones – 4.5/10
A disappointing performance from Jones, whose sloppy giveaway in midfield sparked Fulham’s game-winning counterattack. He lacked tempo, rhythm, and awareness in possession, often slowing the game when Liverpool needed urgency.
Key stats:
- Key passes: 0
- Turnovers: 5
- Defensive actions: Minimal
Slot trusted him with a box-to-box role, but Jones looked a step behind the pace and was rightly subbed off before the 70th minute. A night he’ll want to forget.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6.5/10
One of the few midfielders who tried to control the chaos. Mac Allister’s passing range helped progress play, but he was overworked in covering the space left behind by Trent and Jones. His set-pieces were inconsistent, but he did create Liverpool’s best first-half chance for Núñez.
Key stats:
- Chances created: 2
- Pass accuracy: 89%
- Tackles: 2
A workhorse performance, but he needs support to thrive — and he got none here.
🎯 Forwards
Mohamed Salah – 5/10
It was a quiet and frustrating outing for Liverpool’s top scorer. Robinson shadowed him relentlessly, giving Salah minimal space to operate. When he did get the ball, his touch was uncharacteristically heavy, and he failed to create a single clear chance.
Key stats:
- Shots: 2 (none on target)
- Successful dribbles: 1
- Passes completed: 18
A rare off-night for the Egyptian King — one that showed how dependent Liverpool still are on his magic.
Luis Díaz – 7/10
If there was any spark in Liverpool’s attack, it came from Díaz. He was relentless in taking on defenders and created the chaos that led to Szoboszlai’s goal. His tracking back was also commendable, but he couldn’t do it all alone.
Key stats:
- Dribbles: 5
- Crosses: 3
- Key passes: 2
Deserved better from his teammates. The only forward who looked capable of unlocking Fulham’s defense.
Darwin Núñez – 5.5/10
Plenty of running, little end product — the Darwin Núñez paradox in full effect. He got into good positions but squandered his big chance early on and struggled with his decision-making. His link-up play remains erratic, and his frustrations boiled over in the second half.
Key stats:
- Shots: 3
- Big chances missed: 1
- Offsides: 2
Núñez’s physicality is a weapon, but in games like this, Liverpool need precision — not potential.
🔄 Substitutes
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7/10
Came on and immediately injected intensity into the midfield. Scored Liverpool’s only goal with a cool finish and brought structure to an otherwise disjointed performance. It raises the question: why didn’t he start?
Cody Gakpo – 6/10
Looked sharp in patches and forced a good save from Leno in stoppage time, but was often isolated on the left. Needs more movement around him to thrive.
Harvey Elliott – 6.5/10
Lively cameo. Played with urgency and looked to combine quickly in the final third. His final ball let him down, but the intent was there.
Joe Gomez – N/A
Late sub. Not enough time to influence proceedings.
🧠 Arne Slot – 5.5/10
This was a tactical misstep from Slot. Starting Curtis Jones ahead of Szoboszlai backfired, and Liverpool’s shape was far too open for an away game. The defensive line remained high despite Fulham’s counter-attacking threat, and substitutions came slightly too late to rescue the game. While his project at Liverpool has been impressive so far, this match showed that game management under adversity remains a work in progress.
🔁 Summary of Player Ratings:
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Alisson | 6 |
| Alexander-Arnold | 6.5 |
| Van Dijk | 6 |
| Konaté | 7 |
| Robertson | 4 |
| Endō | 5.5 |
| Jones | 4.5 |
| Mac Allister | 6.5 |
| Salah | 5 |
| Díaz | 7 |
| Núñez | 5.5 |
| Szoboszlai (sub) | 7 |
| Gakpo (sub) | 6 |
| Elliott (sub) | 6.5 |
📉 Final Thoughts: A Title Blow, But Not Fatal
This defeat could be pivotal in the title race — or it could be a wake-up call. With Manchester City now within striking distance, Liverpool’s margin for error is gone. The manner of the defeat — rooted in individual blunders from Robertson and Jones — is more concerning than the loss itself.
Fulham deserved their victory. But Liverpool must regroup fast. The title is still within reach — but only if Slot can restore discipline, decisiveness, and most importantly, confidence.
Let me know if you’d like a 2000-word piece focusing on Arne Slot’s tactical changes this season, or a Fulham player ratings article too!
