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0 vs 1
Played
May 1, 2012 2:45 PM EDT
Anfield — Liverpool
Referee:‬ L. Probert‎
Attendance:‬ 40106‎
 
 
Martin Skrtel 5′ (OG)
   
 
 

Player Ratings: Liverpool 0-1 Fulham

Martin Skrtel's own goal after just five minutes decided an encounter which was low on quality and commitment ahead of the Reds' FA Cup final appearance on Saturday.

By David Lynch

  • Doni
    17
    5
    3.00

    Doni

    Could do little about the goal but made some smart saves in the second half.

  • Fabio Aurelio
    16
    7
    3.00

    Fabio Aurelio

    Showed the ability which makes his injury troubles all the more frustrating. Provided some fine crosses for Carroll.

  • Sebastián Coates
    12
    19
    2.50

    Sebastián Coates

    Hugely uncertain at times and looks far from ready to claim a first team place even from the aging Carragher.

  • Martin Kelly
    6
    11
    2.50

    Martin Kelly

    Got forward well but allowed Riise to go past him too easily for the visitors' opener.

  • Martin Skrtel
    28
    7
    3.00

    Martin Skrtel

    Forced to take on more than usual due to Coates' reluctance but did well in a long-running battle with Dempsey.

  • Maxi Rodríguez
    11
    7
    3.00

    Maxi Rodríguez

    Scores regularly when starting but had few opportunities to move in behind thanks to his teammates' inability to pick a pass.

  • Jordan Henderson
    6
    11
    2.50

    Jordan Henderson

    Struggled to take charge of midfield but was withdrawn at halftime meaning an FA Cup final starting berth surely awaits.

  • Jay Spearing
    12
    15
    2.00

    Jay Spearing Flop of the Match

    Misplaced numerous passes and gave away needless fouls in attempts to be tenacious in retrieving possession. A poor performance.

  • Jonjo Shelvey
    15
    12
    3.00

    Jonjo Shelvey

    One of the Reds' more encouraging performers. Attempted to make things happened and showed an eye for a pass on several occasions.

  • Andy Carroll
    17
    10
    3.00

    Andy Carroll

    Definitely looked like one of the hosts' more senior players as he led the line and did well to create chances while feeding on scraps.

  • Dirk Kuyt
    9
    8
    2.50

    Dirk Kuyt

    Looks a spent force and was no different here, even when moved to a central position late on.

Substitutions

  • José Enrique
    11
    6
    3.00

    José Enrique

    Held the ball too long at times after coming on but rarely challenged.

  • Stewart Downing
    6
    12
    2.50

    Stewart Downing

    Played on the right for the whole of the second half and saw his threat entirely dampened thanks to Riise's intelligent decision to force him onto his weaker foot.

  • Raheem Sterling
    26
    3
    3.00

    Raheem Sterling

    Lifted the crowd upon his arrival and provided one cross which Stewart Downing would do well to learn from in his short cameo.

  • Mark Schwarzer
    7
    1
    3.00

    Mark Schwarzer

    Flapped at a first-half cross to almost concede but handled well in the face of rare Liverpool attacks.

  • Stephen Kelly
    6
    3
    3.00

    Stephen Kelly

    Did not face an opponent with the pace to trouble him in Maxi and gave a suitably calm performance.

  • John Arne Riise
    7
    2
    3.00

    John Arne Riise

    Provided the cross which led to the Fulham goal and marshaled Kuyt excellently in the first half.

  • Brede Hangeland
    7
    3
    3.00

    Brede Hangeland

    Beaten by Carroll in the air several times but made a vital stop on the line from a Shelvey shot.

  • Aaron Hughes
    4
    2
    3.00

    Aaron Hughes

    Comfortable against Kuyt when the Dutchman moved to a central position in the second half and only looked troubled when challenged by Carroll.

  • Danny Murphy
    16
    4
    3.00

    Danny Murphy Top of the Match

    A disciplined performance which showed the sort of experience and ball recycling skills his former club sorely lacked in the middle tonight.

  • Damien Duff
    3
    5
    2.50

    Damien Duff

    Rarely truly threatened the cool-headed Aurelio who closed the Irishman's options brilliantly.

  • Clint Dempsey
    32
    4
    3.00

    Clint Dempsey

    Continued his fine form with a performance full of invention and running.

  • Moussa Dembele
    11
    1
    3.00

    Moussa Dembele

    Always intelligent on the ball in a deep role and rarely wasted a pass.

  • Alexander Kacaniklic
    8
    2
    3.00

    Alexander Kacaniklic

    Had a chance taken off his toe by teammate Pogrebnyak in the first half but showed some nice touches at times.

  • Pavel Pogrebnyak
    8
    2
    3.00

    Pavel Pogrebnyak

    Saw less of the ball than Dempsey and struggled to really find opportunities to shoot.

Substitutions

  • Dickson Etuhu
    4
    3
    3.00

    Dickson Etuhu

    Battled in the middle and helped kill the game as a contest.

  • Kerim Frei
    8
    0
    3.00

    Kerim Frei

    Rattled the post with a fine effort moments after coming on and gave more impetus to the Fulham attack.

Results
 
Player Ratings
Tournament
Position
Ranking
Top Scorers
Player   Goals Penalties
Robin van Persie Robin van Persie
Striker
Man United
26 3
Luis Suárez Luis Suárez
Striker
Liverpool
23 0
Gareth Bale Gareth Bale
Midfielder
Tottenham
21 0
C. Benteke C. Benteke
Striker
Aston Villa
19 3
Michu Michu
Midfielder
Swansea City
19 0