Liverpool
0:1 Fulham
Skrtel
(OG 5’)
Fulham
visited Anfield on Wednesday in the last match before the Reds’ FA Cup Final
against Chelsea. Fulham hadn’t seen a victory at Anfield in any of the clubs’
match-ups. If Liverpool were hoping to get a boost in confidence from the clash,
they were somewhat mistaken.
Martin
Skrtel received the captain’s armband while Stevie G. was rested ahead of the
Cup Final and led a somewhat stripped down version of a Liverpool side, with
Doni replacing Reina in goal. King Kenny made a whopping nine changes to his
starting lineup versus Norwich City.
Alas, it
was at the captain’s own hand (or chest) that Fulham found themselves ahead.
Danny Murphy’s cross, intended for Alex Kacaniklic, managed to rebound off of
Skrtel’s chest, leaving us (and Skrtel) unable to do anything but watch in
horror as the ball found its way past Doni and into the corner of the netting.
Skrtel
nearly made amends moments later, though his header from Aurelio’s cross went just wide of the net. Doni made an
impressive save in the 15,’ preventing Fulham from furthering their lead. Maxi,
Carroll, and Shelvey all looked increasingly dangerous as half time approached.
The
hosts continued to apply pressure, Maxi, Carroll, and Aurelio all combining
quite well, though were not able to find the back of the net, Maxi coming the
closest and forcing a last second clearance in the 58’ before he was able to
strike.
Unsurprisingly,
it was American Wonder Forward Clint Dempsey that had Fulham’s best chance at a
goal of their own. With 12 minutes remaining, he sent an on-target strike from
inside the box, only to have Doni dive and effectively deny Dempsey.
Liverpool
played a decent game, despite falling to Fulham. Their minds appeared to be
elsewhere, however. Perhaps their looming FA Cup Final at the weekend? As much
as a defeat hurts, perhaps their distraction is excusable? Just this once.
Next
Match:
Liverpool
v Chelsea. FA Cup Final. May 5. 12:15 PM EST.
written by Yasmien Mizyed
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