Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Fulham as Rio Ngumoha and two more stand out

Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Fulham as Rio Ngumoha and Mohamed Salah gave Arne Slot a huge boost in the race for the Champions League spots

Rio Ngumoha opened the scoring for Liverpool against Fulham.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL // Liverpool won a Premier League game for the first time since February to earn itself a huge boost in the race for the top five places, with Rio Ngumoha starring.

Ngumoha put in his most complete senior performance yet and scored the opening goal in the first half. Liverpool was playing well — at least a lot better than it has for a while — and Mohamed Salah added his name to the scoresheet with a trademark finish too.

From there, Liverpool was able to see the result out. Fulham was on the verge of threatening without ever quite being able to put Giorgi Mamardashvili under the spotlight too often.

Winners

Rio Ngumoha has been carefully managed this season and not without good reason, but when he comes up with moments of quality like the opening goal, the chatter around him will only increase. There is still work to be done on his final ball and decision-making, but he terrifies defenders and he makes things happen. This was another huge step in the right direction.

Losers

Curtis Jones can count himself unlucky that he didn't keep his place between Manchester City and PSG earlier this week. And then, just when things were looking up for Liverpool, its number 17 picked up an injury. It has been the way for Jones throughout his senior career: just when he starts to get into a groove, he is dealt a setback. Hopefully it isn't too severe.

Player ratings

Giorgi Mamardashvili (7). He made a few good saves against PSG and was involved again here, pushing a couple of efforts from Oscar Bobb away. His distribution needs work, but you can't doubt his shot-stopping.

Jeremie Frimpong (7). His fitness needs managing but he looked fresh enough here. Got down the right flank a few times and put dangerous crosses in, including one from which Cody Gakpo should have scored. Got a bit excited a few times and vacated his position, but swiftly got back.

Ibrahima Konate (7). Battled well against Rodrigo Muniz. Most of the Fulham attacks came down that side but he looked pretty comfortable.

Virgil van Dijk (7). Decent enough on the ball and didn't have loads to do in terms of aerial duels. Most of that was down Konate's side.

Andy Robertson (7). In his first game since confirming his summer exit, it was inevitable that his name would be chanted a lot. He clearly wanted to leave an impression, too, and actually had a couple of scoring chances, even if that meant risking leaving a lot of space behind him. Got up and down the wing with plenty of energy.

Curtis Jones (6). Given another go in the center of the field after doing OK at Manchester City last weekend, he kept things ticking and played the Ryan Gravenberch role until he was replaced by the Dutchman at half-time because of an injury.

Dominik Szoboszlai (7). Playing a deeper role, he was able to break forward at times but wasn't always that decisive in the final third. He can be very good there, but didn't show his full repertoire here, even if he made some important interceptions.

Mohamed Salah (8). Back in the side after not playing a minute midweek, he looked brighter than he often has of late down the right. He took his goal very well and looked a lot more relaxed and comfortable, linking nicely with Frimpong.

Florian Wirtz (8). He buzzed around and was often involved around the Fulham penalty area. It helped that he was central and with proper wingers on either flank, something that is a must on a more regular basis next term. Some of his passes, especially into Frimpong, were excellent.

Cody Gakpo (6). Starting up top to give Hugo Ekitike a much-needed rest, the Dutchman was unable to get into the game much in the first half. Liverpool didn't need him to do much more because the other attackers played well, but he was a little frustrated. Second half, he improved a little, but couldn't do much in terms of holding things up.

Rio Ngumoha (8). Making just his second Premier League start, you know exactly what you're going to get from him: speed and tricks. Sometimes there is a poor decision when he holds onto the ball for too long, but that will be ironed out. He took his goal really, really well and took another big step in the right direction in terms of his development.

Substitutes

Ryan Gravenberch (6). Coming on for Jones at the half-time break, he was fine but little more. Kept things ticking but wasn't always able to cover the ground.

Joe Gomez (6). On to rest Frimpong's legs, the Reds' defender was a solid option to throw into the mix. He made a couple of bad passes, but was otherwise fine.

Alexis Mac Allister (6). Playing in the No.10 role, the Argentine wasn't involved all that much. At one point, he left Emile Smith Rowe free for a big chance when he should have spotted the danger.

Alexander Isak (7). Returning to action at Anfield for the first time since his broken leg, the Swede was cheered back onto the field. He seemed to hold the play up well and looked sharp, which can only be a promising sign.