Liverpool snapped a three-match losing streak, and they did so with a much-needed 2-0 win over Fulham. Rio Ngumoha scored his first Anfield goal while Mohamed Salah added another to kick off his Anfield swansong in fine fashion. Here are the Top 3 takeaways from the massive result.
The Past & The Future
With both Ngumoha and Salah scoring today, it was the opposite ends of the spectrum for Liverpool. One is just starting his career, the other is finishing his. In fact, OptaStats, only Wayne Rooney (17y 51d v Blackburn Rovers) and Cesc Fabregas (17y 113d v Blackburn Rovers) have started a Premier League game and scored at a younger age than Ngumoha (17y 225d). Meanwhile, for Mo Salah, Only Alan Shearer (204), Andrew Cole (186), Rooney (185), and Harry Kane (180) have scored more non-penalty goals in the Premier League than Salah (157), going level with Sergio Aguero.
"I think coming back to Anfield and getting the three points, it's a great feeling,” Ngumoha said. “The atmosphere was great again. So, a positive day. It was a special goal. Robbo (Andy Robertson) made the overlap and created space for me. Then I just cut inside, and I just aimed for the corner."
A Look At The Table
Just how big were the three points? A quick look at the table will tell you. Liverpool (52 points) now sit four points clear of Chelsea for the fifth and final Champions League spot. With Chelsea hosting Man City at Stamford Bridge on April 12th, Liverpool have a good chance to maintain that advantage
An Anfield Milestone
Not only was this victory Liverpool’s first in EPL play since February, but it was also the first clean sheet in the EPL since New Year’s Day in a 0-0 draw vs. Leeds. The win also marked the 1,500th top-flight victory for the Reds at Anfield. The first came with an 8-0 win over now-disolved Higher Walton on September 3rd, 1892.
Injury Update
The victory comes at a cost, though, as Slot has confirmed that Curtis Jones will miss the PSG tie with a groin issue and Alisson will also be absent due to a lingering injury.
LFC Globe Verdict
As soon as I saw the Starting XI drop, I got excited. Szoboszlai and Robertson were on the backline. I had been asking for this for weeks. Though Ngumoha’s inclusion was a bit of a surprise, it worked well and resulted in a goal. I would not be shocked if the youngster also got the start on April 14th vs. PSG. This is likely why he was subbed off, and Isak came on for the final 20 minutes or so.
Have Your Say
Are you as excited for the win as I am? Or are you more skeptical that it’s too little too late to save the season? Let us know below