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May 9, 2011 3:00 PM EDT
Craven Cottage — London
Referee: L. Mason
Attendance: 25693
Player Ratings: Fulham 2-5 Liverpool
Dominant performance from away side brushes aside west London clubs home record, with Rodriguez hat-trick and goals from Kuyt and Suarez
By Andrew Kennedy at Craven Cottage
The Australian had no one other than himself to blame for the third goal, and will certainly have no excuses as he allowed Kuyt’s relatively tame shot from the edge of the box slip through his legs
Lost possession too cheaply at times, and allowed Johnson to cross unchallenged in the build up to Maxi Rodriguez’s second goal of the evening.
Poor performance from the center back. Whilst dominating in the air, he struggled throughout with the pace and movement of Suarez who quite frankly ran him ragged
A performance in a similar vein to his fellow center half, as he was routinely caught out by the movement, speed and incisive passing of the Liverpool front line. Caught ball watching at times.
Really poor display from the Northern Ireland man, who was at fault for the first two goals. His slip allowed Suarez room to drive in the build up to Maxi Rodriguez’s first, before the fullback completely failed to mark the Argentine as he slotted home his second.
Certainly the most lively attacking threat from the Fulham team. Was unlucky to have his shot cleared off the line ten minutes before the end of the first half, and at least looked to take the initiative going forward, unlike some of his team mates.
The Fulham captain looked off the pace as he was outclassed by the Liverpool midfield, with his poor distribution consistently failing to find a team mate.
Lost out in the midfield battle far too easily at times, although he did grow into the game but once the result was inevitable. Rose well in the Liverpool box towards the end of first half, only to see his header easily collected by Reina, before striking the ball beautifully to grab a late consolation
Never really tested the young Liverpool full back Flanagan, although when he did so the wide man was able to provide a decent cross into the box. Replaced by Zamora at halftime.
His partnership with Gudjohnsen looked blunt at best, although Dembele looked more potent than his counterpart up top, creating space well and also slotting home in the second half to give Fulham hopes of a resurgence.
Non-existent performance from the former Chelsea striker, who flattered to deceive throughout and may have his mind on the summer break already. Replaced by Andy Johnson with 25 minutes left to play.
Replaced Simon Davies at halftime. Strength up front provided an attacking impetus, as he held the ball up well, particularly when teeing up Dembele to grab a goal for the home side.
Replced Gudjohnsen 20 minutes into the second half. Relatively quiet and didn't do anything to spark a late revival
A quiet evening for the Liverpool No.1, who was rarely called upon by his defense who coped well with what attacking threat Fulham posed and was faultless for both Dembele and Sidwell goals
Fantastic display from the England man, returning to his favored right back position. Provided a superb hanging cross for Maxi Rodriguez’s second goal, and was on hand defensively to block Clint Dempsey’s goal bound effort.
Arguably couldn’t have asked for a more comfortable game to celebrate becoming the club’s second all-time appearance maker, although allowed Dembele too much room as he lined up to take his shot for the Fulham goal.
Solid as ever from the only Liverpool player to feature in every game this season. Was on hand to intervene when necessary, although stood up Zamora too easily in the build-up to Dembele’s second half goal
Solid performance for the young left back, who nullified Davies and then Dembele well down the flank. Never looked out of his depth
Did well to hang back just behind the thrust of Liverpool’s attacking play, and was unlucky not to be found from a number of later runs he made into the opposition box. Substituted three minutes into the second half due to injury.
Some great distribution from the Brazilian. Divisive through balls to Flanagan and Meireles were wasted by both players respectively. Tendency to take the ball off his own players however did slow play down t times.
The Youngster put in another solid shift in the center of midfield, more than holding his own against Sidwell and Murphy.
Continuing in a rich vein of goal scoring form, the Argentine was well placed to fine the net after 40 seconds of play. Another fine finish followed five minutes later for his second, blasting home from a tight angle. Yet the best was saved for last, with his strike from 25-yards flying past Schwarzer for his third goal of the game, and his second hat-trick in less than a month. Replaced by Cole with 10 minutes to play.
First class, top draw, whatever the cliché that was Luis Suarez this even. The Uruguayan proved a nightmare all game for the Fulham backline, repeatedly getting the better of center back Hangeland. Deserved his goal to cap off a fine solo performance
A continuation of the form that has seen the Dutchman keep £35million man out of the starting XI. His strike made it game over and 3-0 after just over fifteen minutes, the goal being his ninth in eight Premier League games.
Replaced Rodriguez with 10 minutes to play.
Replaced Meireles minutes into the first half. Offered little up top, but did track back well and put in a solid shift.
| Tournament | |
| Position | |
| Ranking |
| Rank/Player | Position | Team | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Robin van Persie | Striker | Arsenal | 3.44 |
| 2. Wayne Rooney | Striker | Manchester United | 3.41 |
| 3. Kun Agüero | Striker | Manchester City | 3.39 |
| 4. David Silva | Striker | Manchester City | 3.39 |
| 5. Victor Moses | Midfielder | Wigan Athletic | 3.38 |
| 6. David Stockdale | Goalkeeper | Fulham | 3.38 |
| 7. Juan Mata | Striker | Chelsea | 3.38 |
| 8. Gareth Bale | Midfielder | Tottenham | 3.38 |
| 9. Luis Suárez | Striker | Liverpool | 3.36 |
| 10. Lucas | Midfielder | Liverpool | 3.36 |
| 11. Antonio Valencia | Midfielder | Manchester United | 3.35 |
| 12. Paul Scholes | Midfielder | Manchester United | 3.33 |
| 13. Scott Parker | Midfielder | Tottenham | 3.33 |
| 14. Vincent Kompany | Defender | Manchester City | 3.32 |
| 15. Luka Modric | Midfielder | Tottenham | 3.32 |
| 16. Shaun Maloney | Striker | Wigan Athletic | 3.31 |
| 17. Nemanja Vidic | Defender | Manchester United | 3.30 |
| 18. Radek Cerny | Goalkeeper | QPR | 3.30 |
| 19. Steven Pienaar | Midfielder | Everton | 3.27 |
| 20. Papiss Cissé | Striker | Newcastle | 3.27 |
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Robin van Persie
Striker Arsenal |
30 | 2 |
|
|
Wayne Rooney
Striker Man United |
27 | 6 |
|
|
Kun Agüero
Striker Man City |
23 | 3 |
|
|
Aiyegbeni Yakubu
Striker Blackburn Rovers |
17 | 4 |
|
|
Emmanuel Adebayor
Striker Tottenham |
17 | 3 |

