Liverpool have taken a big step towards qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next season by beating Fulham 2-0 in the Premier League clash at Anfield on Saturday, April 11 with first half goals from Rio Ngumoha and Mohamed Salah.
The Reds took the lead just after the half-hour mark, thanks to a stunning goal from youngster Rio Ngumoha. The teenager latched on to a pass from Florian Wirtz on the counter, drifted into the box, and curled the ball past a diving Bernd Leno.
The winger played a crucial role four minutes later to double the lead, after chipping the ball to Cody Gakpo inside the box. The Dutchman controlled the ball well before finding an unmarked Salah, who slotted the ball into the far post and made it 2-0.
The Cottagers started the second half well and scored just seconds after the restart. However, Sasa Lukic was offside, and the goal was ruled out after the linesman put his flag up.
The London side kept knocking on the door, but the Reds held on for a 2-0 win. An interesting stat came out during the match after Ngumoha and Salah got on the scoresheet.
Michael Reid posted that the age difference between the two scorers, 16 years and 75 days, is the biggest age gap between two scorers for Liverpool in the same match in the club’s top-flight history. The previous record was 15 years 157 days, when McAllister & Gerrard against Coventry in 2000.
Here are the ReadLiverpoolFC full-time ratings, as Slot side sealed their spot in fifth place for at least another week:
Giorgi Mamardashvili – 7
Made four saves in the match and was hardly troubled by any of the shots from the Fulham players today. He had to stay alert in the second half as the away side kept attacking, but he managed to keep his first clean sheet for the Reds since November 2025.
Jeremie Frimpong – 8
The right-back is getting into the groove at the right time and was more involved in attack than defense today. He was creating chances and linking up well, while also keeping Oscar Bobb quiet today.
Came off in the 70th minute today for Joe Gomez, and it would not be a surprise if he is back playing in the backline against PSG instead of the attack next week.
Virgil van Dijk – 8
Contrasting halves for the Liverpool captain, as he had a lot more to do than expected in the second 45. He had to remain alert as the Fulham players kept coming in waves, but managed to win all his ground duels and tackles.
Ibrahima Konate – 7.5
Struggled a little against Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz in the second half, but overall, had a quiet game. Did not put in a single tackle in the entire game, nor did he have to block a shot from the Cottagers.
Andy Robertson – 7
The Scotsman did not make the best case for himself, and Milos Kerkez is likely to be back in the starting XI for the PSG game next week. The left-back did not do much in attack or defence today, and looked a bit rusty in the first 45.
Curtis Jones – 7
Played just the first 45 and Liverpool will be hoping that his injury issue is not a serious one. He was not expected to start against PSG, but has always proved to be an important player off the bench.
The Englishman misplaced just one pass in the 45 minutes on the pitch, and was a key reason why the Reds had complete control of the game in the first half.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8
It was a surprise that the Hungarian played the entire match, as many expected him to get some rest today. Arne Slot opted to leave him out for the whole 90 minutes, and he impressed throughout.
Mohamed Salah – 9
A sloppy start was followed by a classic Salah performance. He was keen to show that he still has a lot to offer before leaving the club this summer.
He could not add to his tally after scoring in the first half, but was always looking to get a shot away at every chance. He came close once in the second half, but it was blocked easily.
However, the goal scored today added him to an elite list as he became just the fifth player in Premier League history and the first Liverpool player to have 250+ non-penalty goal involvements.
Florian Wirtz – 8
A quiet second half after managing to get an assist in the first half for Rio Ngumoha’s goal. He played just over 20 minutes after the restart as he made way for Alexis Mac Allister.
The German is laying the foundation after a slow start to his Liverpool career, and his confidence on and off the ball is increasing every game.
Rio Ngumoha – 9
The teenager created history today, becoming the youngest goalscorer for Liverpool at Anfield. At 17 years and 225 days, he beat Raheem Sterling’s record of 17 years and 317 days, when the Englishman scored against Reading in 2012.
He offered a lot more on the wing than Gakpo has done in a lot of games this season. The former Chelsea academy star has made a case for himself to be starting against PSG next week.
Cody Gakpo – 7
A poor first half was followed by a similar second half. He got an assist for the goal scored by Salah, but that was the only positive impact he had on the pitch today, as he looked off pace in the final third and hardly managed to get in behind the Fulham backline.
Substitutes
Ryan Gravenberch – 7
Came off the bench at half time after Curtis Jones went off injured. He continued from where the Englishman left and controlled the midfield with ease.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7
Came on for Florian Wirtz after the hour mark and did not have a lot to do. Had one shot in the game, and was just wide of the goal.
Joe Gomez – 7
Slotted in well in the backline after coming on for Jeremie Frimpong. He was not troubled much in the final minutes.
Alexander Isak – 6
A good start to his return to the pitch, but he did not get any shots away. He touched the ball just 12 times after coming on in the 70th minute and completed one pass.
Trey Nyoni – N/A
Came on for Mohamed Salah in the 90th minute, and the final whistle blew even before he could complete a pass.
