Liverpool were unable to break the deadlock at Anfield, settling for a 0-0 draw that handed Fulham their inaugural point of the Premier League campaign. The home side, who handed a maiden top‑flight start to Bradley Barcola, appeared a touch lethargic from the kickoff, a likely after‑effect of their demanding clash with Atletico Madrid just days earlier. An early mistake from goalkeeper Alisson was narrowly averted when Gonçalo Garcia saw his chance denied by a timely clearance from Jeremy Jacquet. The Reds did flirt with a breakthrough when Victor Muñoz rose to meet a corner from Kostas Tsimikas, only to see his header smash against the crossbar midway through the first half.
Despite a shaky start, Fulham managed to dominate possession for large spells, even though they entered the match on the back of three consecutive defeats under the stewardship of Alvaro Arbeloa. The second half offered Fulham the more compelling opportunities.
Josh King unleashed a long‑range effort that forced Alisson into a reflex save, while Rodrigo Muniz, after being introduced as a substitute, should have finished a promising move when Kevin supplied a low cross, but he failed to control the ball cleanly. In added time, Alexander Isak rose to meet a corner from Dominik Szoboszlai, only to glance his header wide of the far post. The stalemate leaves Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola still searching for his first league victory at Anfield. To date, he has drawn three of his opening four Premier League fixtures, a record that reflects an unbeaten yet unsatisfying start.
The positives, according to many observers, have come from former Liverpool player‑turned‑coach Arbeloa, whose side showed resilience despite recent poor form. Key moments of the match: - 12' – Alisson’s mis‑control leads to a Gonzalo Garcia chance, saved by Jeremy Jacquet’s clearance.
- 22' – Victor Muñoz heads Tsimikas’ corner onto the crossbar. - 76' – Josh King attempts a long‑range strike, Alisson tips the ball over the bar.
- 79' – Kevin delivers a cross, Muniz fails to settle the ball for a finish. - 90+1' – Alexander Isak’s header from a Szoboszlai corner sails wide. Post‑match, Iraola addressed the media, acknowledging the fatigue evident in his squad: "In the end, this is the easier one for me, for you, for everyone – our players were tired. I think there is a lack of freshness, definitely.
We cannot hide it." He reflected on the compressed schedule, noting the "worst turnaround" of just over 60 hours between games after a high‑intensity European fixture. Iraola stressed the need for adaptability, saying that victories often come from set‑pieces, long‑range efforts, or moments of individual brilliance – all of which were missing on the day. He admitted Liverpool were not as incisive in attack as they have been in previous outings.
Regarding midfield control, Iraola observed that his side arrived late to press in the first half but improved noticeably after the interval: "I think we improved this part a lot in the second half. We were better structured and controlled the game better, even without scoring." When asked whether playing at home was a factor, he replied: "I didn't feel it three days ago against Atletico Madrid.
Is it because we haven't won? I prefer to play at home, definitely.
We cannot find reasons outside; we have to find them on the pitch." Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa also spoke, emphasizing the challenge of maintaining belief when results are not forthcoming: "When you are not winning games, it's not easy for your players to believe in your ideas. I know everything is easy when you win, but they trust the way we have been working and I showed them the things we were doing so well." He highlighted the importance of balance and transition, especially against English sides known for rapid play. Arbeloa noted that after a difficult encounter with Crystal Palace, his team focused heavily on mastering the transition phase, a lesson that paid dividends against Liverpool.
Sky Sports correspondent Adam Bate provided context, recalling the celebratory mood at Anfield when Iraola secured his first Champions League win against Atletico Madrid only weeks earlier. However, that triumph was always expected to be followed by a test of depth and stamina as the season progressed. Bate argued that the real question for the Basque manager is how he will cope with a congested calendar, having impressed at Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth without the added pressure of European commitments. This fixture proved to be his first real test on that front, and Liverpool fell short, unable to match the tempo Iraola typically demands.
Fulham, bolstered by energetic substitutes, appeared equally capable of snatching a win. Iraola's unbeaten run as Liverpool's manager continues – a streak that dates back to his early days with Bournemouth – yet his home record remains modest, with only two points collected from matches against Nottingham Forest and Fulham. The club and its supporters will be looking for a more decisive response in the upcoming fixtures. Overall, the match was a tactical chess game with both managers making adjustments, but the lack of a clear cutting edge meant the point was shared.
Liverpool will need to rediscover their attacking sharpness and improve their pressing intensity if they hope to convert draws into victories as the season unfolds.