In what many thought would be a difficult game, Liverpool eased through without ever really pushing themselves. For a side that is battling against relegation, Fulham did very little and once it became clear that Plan A – launching high balls in the direction of Brian McBride – was going to be easily snuffed out by Skrtel and Hyppia, then they just seemed to give up.

A point of mention must go to the Liverpool fans who made the trip to London: throughout the ninety minutes they were the ones whose singing was heard for the whole game and the extended ovation for Danny Murphy a nice touch.


Good Game
He’s been criticized in recent weeks, yet Pepe Reina seemed back to his best against Fulham. He decision making at crosses was excellent, with Reina catching most of them and opting to punch on few occasions. Given Fulham’s game-plan, it was crucial for Liverpool that he did so.

Equally brilliant were the central defenders with Sami Hyppia and Martin Skrtel both easily dealing with what Fulham managed to throw at them. Steve Finnan was just as solid and when he started to push forward more late in the second half, he started causing Fulham problems.

Intelligent running and sharp passing under pressure marked Lucas’ game, one where he set up the first goal and played a part in the second. He isn’t the finished product yet but he’s developing nicely. My man of the match.

That is saying something given that Javier Mascherano gave another immense display in the centre of the pitch. He covering and link up play was simply something else. It is equally harsh on Jermaine Pennant who scored a good goal and set up the second. Having disappointed when handed a chance against Arsenal, the winger had a lot to prove and he did so against Fulham.

I’m struggling to get over his recent comments about the city but have to admit that Andriy Voronin played the link player role well. Still think he should go in the summer especially if that helps keep Peter Crouch at Anfield. Another good goal yesterday proves just how valuable he can be.

Bad Game
Liverpool were weak on the left hand side with both John Arne Riise and Yossi Benayoun playing well below their abilities.

Substitutes
Jamie Carragher came on for Hyppia at half-time and picked up where the Finn left off. Xabi Alonso struggled to maintain Mascherano’s tempo but his job was simply to see that no stupid mistakes were made late on. Fabio Aurelio was put on simply to eat up some seconds late in the game.