Liverpool Held 0-0 by Fulham as Iraola Cites Fatigue

Liverpool’s unbeaten start survived, but Andoni Iraola admitted his side lacked sharpness after Fulham left Anfield with a 0-0 Premier League draw on Saturday.

The Liverpool manager pointed to a demanding turnaround following the midweek Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid, while insisting fatigue could not become an excuse. His team had only around 60 to 70 hours to recover before facing Fulham.

Quick facts

Liverpool drew 0-0 with Fulham at Anfield.
Iraola remains unbeaten as Liverpool manager this season.
Fulham collected their first Premier League point after losing their opening three matches.
Víctor Muñoz and Alexander Isak had Liverpool’s best chances.
Jérémy Jacquet cleared Gonzalo García’s effort off the Liverpool line.

Iraola said Liverpool had encountered their first real problems in creating scoring opportunities since his arrival. He accepted there was “a lack of freshness” in the side, but said the squad must learn to cope with such schedules over the campaign.

“It was obvious what we were missing,” Iraola said. “For the first time since I arrived, we struggled to make chances and create a difference in attack.

“Everyone can say the players were tired, and there was certainly less freshness. But this kind of turnaround will happen during the season, so we have to deal with it.”

Liverpool could not find the same intensity they showed against Atlético. Muñoz tested Bernd Leno with a header, while Isak worked his way into the penalty area before firing straight at the Fulham goalkeeper.

Fulham, coached by former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa, were the more lively side for long spells and could have taken the lead after confusion in the home box. Jacquet intervened with a vital goal-line clearance to deny García.

Iraola felt Liverpool improved after the interval, particularly in their pressing and defensive organisation. He said the side controlled more of the second half, even though the decisive attacking moment never arrived.

“These are matches you sometimes win from a set piece or a bit of individual quality,” he said. “We were not at our best going forward.

“We arrived too late when we pressed in the first half, but that was much better later. We had stronger structure and defended well. The only major danger came from our own mistake playing out from a goal kick.”

The point was Fulham’s first under Arbeloa, the former Real Madrid manager, and came after three league defeats to begin their season.

Arbeloa praised his players’ character in a difficult away fixture and believes their performance can be the platform for results. “This is a very hard stadium to come to,” he said. “I am pleased with the point, but especially with the personality, ambition and character the players showed.

“Football is judged by points, not by what you deserve. We did not have much luck, but if we keep performing like that, victories will come.”