Fulham suffered a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in another game this season which showed a lack of ambition, right when they had the chance to further cement their place as contenders for a European spot - but did anyone catch the eye or was it a poor afternoon all round?
Fulham’s European hopes took a major hit as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Anfield.
After almost a month since their last match, a 3-1 win over Burnley which put them in a strong position to qualify for Europe, they were unable to back that up with a second straight win.
Heading to Anfield, a ground in which Fulham have won only twice in their entire history and expecting victory could perhaps be considered over-confident or even arrogant.
But this was not a normal situation between Fulham and Liverpool, Fulham are pushing for Europe, Liverpool are desperately clinging on for dear life.
And yet, Marco Silva’s men barely through a punch in the first half.
By the time they did in the second, it was already too late as Liverpool led 2-0.
There were some chances to at least reduce the deficit in the second half, but it was too little, too late and with other results going the way of Fulham’s rivals for Europe, it was an altogether bad day.
But did anyone impress or was it all doom and gloom?
Bernd Leno - 6
Made a sharp save from Mo Salah early in the first half and could not do much about either goal.
Made three saves in total and none of the blame can be attributed to him for this defeat.
Antonee Robinson - 5
A host of wayward passes just about summed up his performance but it was the lack of closing down Salah for his goal that was really costly.
Robinson is a hugely important player for Fulham but he has not got back to his brilliant best yet and the sooner he does the better for Silva and European qualification.
Calvin Bassey - 6
Battled hard for 90 minutes and made no notable errors, both goals came from wingers cutting in, for which he possibly could have assisted Robinson better with for the first but could do nothing about the second.
Joachin Andersen - 6
Similarly to Bassey, by no means his best performance but not his worst either.
Potentially could have closed down Nguhoma quicker for the opener but can’t be blamed.
Timothy Castagne - 6
You feel he has to do better for the first goal and close down Nguhoma more effectively.
But as Fulham were trying to get back into the game in the second half, he was a hugely important part of that and created three chances.
Alex Iwobi - 6
Only Sander Berge ran more than him and he was busy on both sides of the ball.
Created one big chance which on another day could have changed the game.
Sander Berge - 7
One of the only Fulham players who can hold their heads high.
Was effective on both sides of the ball and could also have walked away with an assist.
Oscar Bobb - 4
A very worrying performance.
Fulham would have wanted the Norwegian to hit the ground running but right now it is clear why Manchester City were so willing to let him go.
Hooked at half-time after a largely anonymous first half.
Josh King - 4
Another who was almost totally anonymous in the first half and who was also withdrawn at half-time.
After the highs of the win against Burnley, this was a harsh step back to reality.
Harry Wilson - 6
We all know what Harry Wilso can do.
Unfortunately, so did the Liverpool defenders and when not given much support, he found himself struggling to make his usual impact.
Rodrigo Muniz - 4
In the week, Muniz had spoken about his goal coming.
Well, at Anfield he had one glaring chance from a corner when left unmarked, as well as two further opportunities.
His disappointing season continued at Anfield sadly.
Substitutes:
Sasa Lukic - 6
Replaced Oscar Bobb at half-time and provided a certain level of stability on both sides of the ball.
Completed 100% of his passes and created two chances in a productive but ultimately fruitless 45 minutes.
Emile Smith Rowe - 5
His overall game was better than King’s on the day and he was involved but he will not have slept well at his glaring missed chance.
Ryan Sessegnon - 5
Replaced Robinson and failed to make any notable impact.
Raul Jimenez - 6
Looked dangerous and maybe should have been given longer than 10 minutes to change the course of the game.
Samuel Chukwueze - 6
Another who brought energy but could not ultimately change the tide of the game after only being given 10 minutes.