JURGEN KLOPP will not remember his penultimate month as manager of Liverpool with much fondness,

It has actually been a bit of a stinker.

8Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stunning free-kick sent Liverpool on their wayCredit: Rex

8Ryan Gravenberch netted Liverpool’s second at Craven CottageCredit: EPA

Alexander-Arnold’s free kick was Beckham-like in its delivery

 

But despite the unattractive conditions here at Craven Cottage, his squad survived a rough few weeks to defeat Fulham with a fair amount of ease and maintain pressure at the top.

Following Timothy Castagne’s equalizer in first-half stoppage time to cancel out Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free kick, Klopp’s squad won the match thanks to goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota in the second half.

Even though Alexand-Arnold’s thunderous free kick was the finest of the match, Gravenberch will always remember scoring his first Premier League goal. Jota scored his 15th goal of the year in his first start in more than two months. He seems to be able to score even when he plays poorly.

Liverpool appeared prepared to let Manchester City and Arsenal continue their title challenge after losing to Crystal Palace and drawing at Manchester United.

However, Liverpool at least took a chance after being eliminated by Atalanta from Europe—something they have not done recently.

However, they still have to play Everton on Wednesday, and they will probably put up a little more of a fight than Fulham did.

Harvey Elliott, who left Fulham at the age of sixteen, is not very well-liked here.

He was jeered at every touch of the ball, though, and as the final whistle blew, he smiled as he strolled back to the Cottage while the rest of his team appeared relieved.

Before Alexander-Arnold’s David Beckham-esque free kick went over the Fulham wall and past Leno, Liverpool had been the superior team without producing much.

Fulham was incensed that Jota had to tumble after Palhinha’s foul, and that the free-kick had been awarded in the first place.

 

Fulham’s Timothy Castagne equalises for the Cottagers

Diogo Jota sealed the victory for Liverpool at Craven Cottage

Virgil Van Dijk helps fellow Dutchman Gravenberch celebrate his goal

Fulham eventually awoke as Leno made an incredible stop to deflect a strong attempt from Cody Gakpo.

Alisson, the goalkeeper for Liverpool, had been having a relaxing afternoon up until that point when he used his powerful right arm to stop a tight shot by Rodrigo Muniz.

But, after Muniz’s header struck Jarell Quansah in the face, Castagne grasped his opportunity and the Brazilian keeper was powerless to stop him.

Endo was never going to stop Castange’s controlled attempt from close to the penalty spot, even though it may have taken a slight deflection off Alisson.

Elliott’s horrendous attempt from outside the area, which must have been at least five yards wide, produced the greatest cheer of the day.

Elliott, however, avenged himself in the following assault. Alex Iwobi sent him a reckless crossfield pass, which he gratefully accepted before playing the ball inside to Gravenberch. With the aid of the inside of the post, the £32.4 million summer transfer from Bayern Munich quickly produced a fantastic strike from outside the area that beat Leno.

However, when Liverpool won the game, Fulham’s goalie would believe he could have done more.

Enjoying one of his best performances while wearing a Liverpool shirt, Gakpo sent Jota through and the striker needed only one touch to squish the ball under Leno’s left arm.