Liverpool responded to their recent struggles with a much-needed 2–0 victory over Fulham at Anfield, as Mohamed Salah and teenage prospect Rio Ngumoha found the net to restore confidence in the Premier League.
Still reeling from their midweek Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Arne Slot’s side returned to domestic action with renewed intent, producing an energetic display in their first league outing since 21 March.
Liverpool began brightly, registering five shots within the opening 20 minutes — their joint-most aggressive start to a league match this season. Salah came close early on, forcing a sharp save from Bernd Leno, while Cody Gakpo narrowly missed the target.
Despite weathering the early pressure, Fulham were undone in the 36th minute by a moment of brilliance from Ngumoha. The 17-year-old winger surged into the box, beat Timothy Castagne and curled a superb finish into the far corner.
At 17 years and 225 days, Ngumoha became Liverpool’s youngest Premier League goalscorer at Anfield, surpassing Raheem Sterling’s previous record set in October 2012.
Just four minutes later, Liverpool doubled their lead. Ngumoha was again involved, setting up Gakpo, who laid the ball off for Salah to finish first time.
It was a fitting moment for the Egyptian, marking his first Anfield appearance since announcing he will leave at the end of the season. The goal also saw Salah reach 250 non-penalty Premier League goal involvements — another milestone in his remarkable Liverpool career.
Fulham improved significantly after the interval and pushed Liverpool for much of the second half. Rodrigo Muniz came close from a set-piece, while Emile Smith Rowe and Raúl Jiménez both threatened late on.
The visitors registered 19 shots — the most by an away side at Anfield in a Premier League match since records began in 2003–04 — but were unable to find a breakthrough.
Liverpool ultimately held firm to secure all three points, strengthening their position in the race for Champions League qualification and moving further clear of sixth-placed Chelsea.
