'End of an era' — UK media makes clear Liverpool declaration after Fulham win

Rio Ngumoha scored his first Premier League goal at Anfield, and Mohamed Salah added his 256th, as Liverpool defeated Fulham 2-0 at Anfield to strengthen its grip on fifth place

Mohamed Salah scored on Saturday(Image: Getty Images)

A step in the right direction.

Liverpool reignited its hopes of Champions League qualification with a 2-0 Premier League victory over Fulham on Saturday at Anfield. Teenage winger Rio Ngumoha broke the deadlock before playing a key role in Mohamed Salah's second goal, as the Reds tightened their hold on fifth place. They are four points ahead of Chelsea in sixth; the Blues face Manchester City on Sunday.

It made for an uplifting 90 minutes amid what has been a difficult season. While Liverpool.com was present and provided its usual comprehensive coverage, here is how the national press assessed a welcome result for Arne Slot's side.

Paul Joyce — The Times

Joyce wrote in The Times: "With every passing week a different legend, whether it is Mohamed Salah or Andrew Robertson, appears to be confirming the end of an era at Liverpool.

"The consolation here was that at least one member of the next generation stood up to offer promise for the future.

"A flurry of stepovers and the fearlessness of youth allowed Rio Ngumoha to pep the belief of those around him just when they needed it and inspire Liverpool to a first Premier League victory since late February."

Andy Hunter — The Guardian

Hunter focused on the protests against Liverpool's increase in ticket prices in his piece.

He wrote in The Guardian: "There were no flags on display on the Kop as part of protests against Liverpool's decision to increase most ticket prices for the next three seasons by the rate of inflation.

Rio Ngumoha scored his first Premier League goal at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)

"The removal of imagery that the club and broadcasters love to promote, along with a flat atmosphere for the most part, were pointed demonstrations of what could happen to Anfield should Liverpool drive away their traditional fanbase in favor of the tourist economy.

"One banner reading 'No to ticket prices increases' was paraded along the front of the Kop in the 14th minute, followed by a chant that bluntly told Liverpool's owners where to stick their price rises."

Richard Jolly — The Independent

Jolly wrote in The Independent: "Even as eras draw to a close, others can start. If it is the beginning of the end for Mohamed Salah, it might be the beginning of something wonderful for Rio Ngumoha.

"Liverpool's scorers in defeating Fulham were 33 and 17, one almost double the age of the other, the older man soon to be the past, the younger boy looking very much the future.

"As the farewell to Salah grows nearer but the introduction to Ngumoha shows there should be life in the forward line after the legend.

"On Salah's first appearance at Anfield since he announced his departure, he was serenaded almost from the off – Andy Robertson, another of Jurgen Klopp's great team who is heading for the exit, was hailed first – and the Egyptian king earned a further rendition of his song with his 256th Liverpool goal."