On November 9, 2013, Liverpool hosted Fulham at Anfield in a Premier League fixture. Liverpool delivered a commanding performance, securing a dominant 4-0 victory, with Luis Suárez and Steven Gerrard playing key roles in dismantling Fulham’s defense.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Liverpool: 4 (Fernando Amorebieta OG 23′, Martin Skrtel 26′, Luis Suárez 36′, 54′)
- Fulham: 0
- Possession:
- Liverpool dominated possession with 67%, while Fulham had 33%. Liverpool’s control of the ball allowed them to dictate the pace of the game, continually pressuring Fulham and limiting their attacking opportunities.
- Shots:
- Liverpool registered 32 shots, with 16 on target, showcasing their relentless attacking play. Fulham managed just 4 shots, with 1 on target, struggling to create any clear-cut chances.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Liverpool had a passing accuracy of 87%, completing 679 passes out of 781 attempts. Fulham had a passing accuracy of 74%, completing 256 passes out of 344 attempts. Liverpool’s superior passing and control in midfield allowed them to build sustained attacks, while Fulham were often pinned back in their own half.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Liverpool made 14 tackles compared to Fulham’s 17. Fulham’s defense was constantly under pressure from Liverpool’s forward line, with Amorebieta and Philippe Senderos struggling to cope with the movement of Luis Suárez and Daniel Sturridge.
- Set Pieces:
- Liverpool’s first goal came from a set piece in the 23rd minute when Steven Gerrard’s corner led to Fernando Amorebieta heading into his own net under pressure. Three minutes later, Gerrard delivered another excellent corner, and Martin Skrtel headed in Liverpool’s second goal. Luis Suárez added two more goals, the first in the 36th minute after a fine pass from Jordan Henderson, and the second in the 54th minute following a slick buildup involving Gerrard.
- Individual Performances:
- Luis Suárez was the standout performer, scoring twice and constantly troubling Fulham’s defense with his movement and finishing. Steven Gerrard had a significant influence in midfield, providing two assists from set pieces and controlling the tempo of the game. For Fulham, goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg made several saves to keep the scoreline from becoming even more lopsided, but he was left exposed by his defense.
- Tactical Overview:
- Liverpool, under Brendan Rodgers, used a 3-4-1-2 formation, focusing on high pressing and using the pace of Suárez and Sturridge to stretch Fulham’s defense. Their wing-backs, Glen Johnson and Aly Cissokho, provided width, while Gerrard dictated play from midfield. Fulham, managed by Martin Jol, employed a 4-4-1-1 formation but were overwhelmed by Liverpool’s intensity and struggled to get out of their own half.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw only one yellow card, issued to Fulham’s Scott Parker in the 39th minute for a late tackle on Gerrard. The game was otherwise played in a fair manner, with Liverpool in full control.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Liverpool won 11 corners compared to Fulham’s 1, reflecting their sustained pressure in the final third. Fulham were caught offside once, while Liverpool were caught offside twice as they looked to get in behind Fulham’s defense.
Summary
Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Fulham was a comprehensive display of attacking football, with Luis Suárez leading the charge. Fulham had no answer to Liverpool’s pressing, movement, and creativity, as the home side dominated from start to finish. Steven Gerrard’s set-piece deliveries were crucial in breaking the deadlock, while Suárez’s clinical finishing ensured Liverpool were in full control.
Fulham, despite having some defensive organization early on, quickly unraveled after conceding the first goal. They struggled to mount any serious attacking threat, and their defense was constantly under pressure from Liverpool’s dynamic front line.
This victory kept Liverpool in the hunt for a top-four finish and solidified their status as one of the Premier League’s most potent attacking teams that season. For Fulham, the loss highlighted their defensive frailties and left them deeper in the relegation battle.
