Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has called for an immediate improvement in his team's mentality following their goalless draw with Fulham. The Brazilian international made the admission after a frustrating Saturday evening at Anfield where the newly-promoted visitors fully merited their point. The result means Liverpool have now drawn three of their opening four matches, leaving them with just 5 points and in 12th place in the Premier League table.
Fulham arrived at Anfield without a point from their opening three Premier League games but were the livelier team for large periods. The result leaves Andoni Iraola's side 18th in the table with just one point from their first four matches, a position they will look to improve when they host Manchester United next weekend.
Alisson's self-criticism
Speaking to Liverpool's official club website, Alisson did not shy away from criticising his own performance and the collective display. "We are not happy at all with a draw, that’s not something that should happen with Liverpool," the goalkeeper said. He acknowledged the physical challenge of a congested schedule but insisted it was no excuse for the level of energy shown, especially given the team's recent form of three draws in four games.
"Obviously, it’s a big challenge to play Wednesday night and Saturday evening, and you have another game Tuesday," Alisson noted. However, he stressed that the team's mindset was the primary issue, stating they needed to put more on the pitch. The keeper said being unbeaten with three draws was nothing to celebrate for a club of Liverpool's stature, adding they must aim for bigger things despite taking a clean sheet from the game. He pointed to the team's current average of just 1.25 points per game as evidence that their mentality must change quickly.
Fulham's resilient display
The point was hard-earned by Fulham, who defended resolutely and created chances of their own. Their resistance was typified by a key goal-line clearance from defender Jeremy Jacquet in the second half, which came after a scramble involving Gonzalo Garcia and an error from Alisson. This resilient performance under new manager Iraola, whose methods are still bedding in, provided a much-needed boost after a difficult start to the campaign.
For Fulham, the draw follows a 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend, a match in which Joshua King and Cristian Palacios were on the scoresheet. The squad, currently without the injured Tom Cairney, will now prepare for the visit of 13th-placed Manchester United to Craven Cottage on 20 September. Fans can check the latest team news and the full squad list ahead of that match.
Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa said he was proud of his players' character and ambition after the draw at Anfield. "I am happy with a point but more with the performance of my players, with their character, their personality and their ambition," Arbeloa told reporters. The point leaves Fulham 18th in the Premier League with one point from four games. They host Manchester United next on September 20.
