Jokanovic cursed in 14 seconds of chaos
IN the end, it was the formality that had been envisaged. Liverpool went through the gears and by the final whistle, they were — for a while at least — back on top of the League.
If you think it was straightforward, think again. the game and, potentially the season, changed for the hapless Slavisa Jokanovic during 14 chaotic seconds in the first half that left fulham’s manager cursing, and wondering if he is cursed.
Jokanovic — and everybody else inside Anfield — thought Aleksandar Mitrovic had given fulham the lead when he rose to guide a powerful header beyond Alisson Becker. Liverpool, in keeping with some recent displays, had been off colour and could not have complained had they trailed.
But as Mitrovic hoisted his arms up to celebrate, linesman Adrian Holmes hoisted up his flag. Holmes, somehow, spotted that Mitrovic was offside the goal was chalked off. As the Serb continued to celebrate, Alisson fizzed the free-kick out to trent Alexander-Arnold.
On the ball went to the galloping Mohamed Salah, who bounded 40 yards up field to do what he does best, rolling a left-foot finish beyond Sergio rico.
Confirmation that fulham had fallen behind was evident in the actions of the raging Jokanovic, who erupted in arm-waving fury at the fourth official Chris Kavanagh. A manager in his position needs the big calls to go his way.
‘In one moment, a crucial moment, we go from one goal up to one goal down,’ said Jokanovic. ‘In this country, you normally cannot show disrespect to referees but it’s a problem when they show disrespect to my team, myself, and the fulham supporters.’
Holmes’ decision was borderline. there appeared little wrong when watching the play at ‘normal’ speed and even slow-motion replays were inconclusive; the biggest error may have been referee Paul tierney’s decision to not to spot the ball was rolling when Alisson took the free-kick.
‘I don’t want to say Liverpool didn’t deserve to win the game,’ Jokanovic said. ‘We didn’t defend the counterattack well, but this counter-attack should not have existed. It is completely absurd situation that we needed to defend it.’
fulham should have been in front when ryan Sessegnon found himself bearing down on the Kop goal with only Alisson to beat. His strike, following a flick-on from Mitrovic, was firm but he dragged it the wrong side of the post. Andre Schurrle also had a dipping shot that caused Alisson to panic.
Had fulham taken the lead in either of those instances, how Liverpool reacted would have been interesting. the atmosphere inside Anfield was tense, as if the home fans feared another stumble was coming, five days after a false step against red Star Belgrade.
‘People might say we were lucky,’ said Jurgen Klopp, ‘but I thought we were always going to win. I am completely happy. Apart from scoring more goals, it was a really good performance.’
Liverpool certainly took advantage of the reprieve and Klopp will have been heartened at the way Salah streaked clear to finish with aplomb. the poise, the control and the finish was a flashback to last season.
Klopp was content, too, with the impact of Xherdan Shaqiri, whose will-o-the-wisp runs and close control made him the man most likely to create something. His goal — a guided left-foot volley from Andrew robertson’s deep cross in the 54th minute — was wholly deserved.
Once Liverpool had a two-goal advantage, they were never going to be caught; the wind had been taken from fulham’s sails. It all points to this winter being long and difficult for players bereft of confidence. Nobody, however, looked more distraught than Jokanovic.
‘I feel sympathy for him,’ said Klopp. ‘I watched fulham last year and they played fantastic football to get out of the Championship. I think they should stick with him.’
Whether fulham’s board think the same remains to be seen. the view from the bottom of the table means the international break will be long and uncomfortable.
‘If we didn’t make a step forward we made half a step forward,’ said Jokanovic. ‘the team showed desire and organisation. I’m not affected by rumours and gossip. I’m only focused on trying for the supporters and help my team.’
LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Alisson 6: AlexanderArnold 6, Gomez 6, Van Dijk 7, ROBERTSON 8; Wijnaldum 6 (Henderson 69min, 6), Fabinho 7 (Keita 90); Shaqiri 7.5 (Milner 81), Firmino 6, Mane 6; Salah 7.5. Subs not used: Mignolet, Lovren, Keita, Sturridge, Moreno. Scorers: Salah 41, Shaqiri 54. Booked: Gomez. Manager: Jurgen Klopp 7. FULHAM (4-5-1): Rico 6; Christie 6, Odoi 6, Mawson 7, Le Marchand 6; Schurrle 6.5 (Vietto 78), Zambo Anguissa 6 (Johansen 84), Chambers 6, Cairney 6 (Seri 63, 5), Sessegnon 6.5; Mitrovic 7. Subs not used: Bettinelli, Kebano, Ream, Fosu-Mensah. Booked: Chambers. Manager: Slavisa Jokanovic 6. Referee: Paul Tierney 6. Attendance: 53,128.