Liverpool FC eased mounting pressure on manager Arne Slot with a composed 2-0 victory over Fulham FC at Anfield on Saturday.
Mohamed Salah found the net for the first time since confirming his impending summer exit, sealing the win shortly after teenage talent Rio Ngumoha had broken the deadlock to hand the Reds a much-needed Premier League boost.
Coming into the match on the back of just two wins in eight outings, Liverpool were under scrutiny following disappointing performances against Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
The result offers Slot temporary relief as he looks to steady the ship, with a crucial Champions League clash against PSG looming.
The atmosphere at Anfield felt unusually flat, influenced by both the team’s inconsistent form and fan protests over rising ticket prices, which also saw a noticeable absence of the Kop’s traditional displays.
Liverpool dominated early proceedings against a Fulham side lacking sharpness after a three-week break.
Andy Robertson, featuring for the first time since announcing his departure, saw an effort blocked, while Salah and Cody Gakpo both came close.
Ngumoha also had penalty appeals waved away after a challenge from Oscar Bobb.
Fulham’s first real chance came through Alex Iwobi, whose effort was comfortably saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili. Harry Wilson also threatened but failed to hit the target.
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute when Florian Wirtz surged forward before setting up Ngumoha, who calmly slotted past Timothy Castagne and into the far corner.
Liverpool doubled their lead just four minutes later, with Ngumoha again involved. Gakpo controlled his pass and teed up Salah, who finished with precision to give the hosts a firm grip on the contest.
Fulham showed more intent after the break, with Saša Lukić seeing a goal ruled out for offside, while Rodrigo Muniz and Emile Smith Rowe squandered good opportunities.
Liverpool could have extended their advantage, but Gakpo missed two clear chances and Alexis Mac Allister fired wide. Fulham’s Raúl Jiménez came close late on, but the hosts held firm to secure a vital clean sheet and three points.
