Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez scored to help Liverpool salvage a 2-2 draw against newly promoted Fulham on Saturday afternoon.
While the hosts gave former Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira his first start, Jurgen Klopp decided to play Roberto Firmino over off-season signing Darwin Nunez.
Fulham seemed active in the opening minutes of the first half, especially down the left wing, but they were unable to create any significant scoring chances.
In a dead-ball situation, the home team did manage to create a decent opportunity when Pereira’s free-kick made its way to Palhinha, who saw Joel Matip divert his volley just inches wide.
Aleksandra Mitrovic beat Trent-Alexander Arnold to head in a cross from Kenny Tete at the far post to give Fulham their just rewards in the 32nd minute.
Read all about it. ?️
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 6, 2022
This is how #FULLIV played out, as Fulham were forced to settle for a point in our season opener.
Seven minutes later, Liverpool came close to drawing even when Luis Diaz got some room and rattled the goal frame.
Thiago Alcantara picked up an injury four minutes into the second half and was replaced by Harvey Elliot, while Nunez came on for Firmino.
Just before the hour mark, Neeskens Kebano launched a shot from the edge of the box that slammed into the upright, putting the Reds even farther down.
Klopp’s troops were rewarded in the 63rd minute as Mohamed Salah raced free down the right to find Nunez, who flicked the ball past Marek Rodak.
A first @premierleague goal for @Darwinn99 ? pic.twitter.com/dGjk7VXUbM
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 6, 2022
The pendulum swung once again when Mitrovic was fouled by Van Dijk for Fulham on the 70th minute, and Mitrovic stepped up and scored from the penalty spot.
But with eight minutes left on the clock, Salah tied the score after being set up by strike partner Nunez.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 6, 2022
In stoppage time of the second half, the visitors came dangerously close to turning things around, but Jordan Henderson’s first-time shot hit the crossbar and the points were split.
