Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrates Liverpool's fourth goal Photo: Getty Images/Paul Ellis
Trent Alexander-Arnold caused scenes more familiar to headlines.
The coaching staff were on the pitch, there was delirium in the stands, and the Liverpool players » celebrated en masse at the Kop corner flag, knowing that there is no more satisfying change of momentum than snatching victory from defeat.
Such. There are some intense emotions to be expected after a late comeback in a frantic game, but that's not all for Jurgen Klopp's side.
Let's call it the Manchester City effect. Arsenal have already occupied this territory this campaign, knowing how valuable every victory is in an era when a score under 90 points defines you as «almost a man».
Now, for the first time this season at Anfield, Liverpool flirted with desperation and euphoria, wondering whether this moment would be reflected in the 38th round. Did they drop two points or lose to Fulham as it looked? Chances are, with three minutes left in regulation, obituaries for this year's title challenge will be in the works, premature or not. At the very least, failure to build on last week's draw with Manchester City would have dented confidence.
The catalyst for the mood swing was the one minute and 19 seconds between the equalizer and the winning goal as Liverpool prevented could It was only Klopp's second defeat at Anfield in 104 matches in front of spectators.
Bobby De Cordova-Reid put Fulham on the brink of a monumental victory with an 80th-minute header.
< p>Signal the cavalry charge; haphazard, ruthless and ultimately destructive.
Kenny Tate scored his fourth goal of the first half in stoppage time. Photo: Getty Images/PAUL ELLIS
Substitute Wataru Endo equalized the score. after he became the second Liverpool player to hit the top corner of Bernd Leno's goal, before Alexander-Arnold added sparkle to his virtuoso performance with the winner in the next attack.
Liverpool needed it to prove that they have staying power.
After 10 previous matches at Anfield, in which back-to-back wins had been routine, home fans risked falling into the trap of being like theatergoers expecting every performance to follow a well-rehearsed script. Come win by at least two goals, confirm another Mohamed Salah record and give everyone a gentle round of applause.
It was the thunder of the past: Anfield finally woke up and appreciated the new team that is still has been convincing those who doubt. he could be hanging around near the top position.
Naturally, Klopp liked the furious reaction and looked around the stadium shortly after Alexander-Arnold's stinging strike, admitting his involvement.
He also had to work overtime tactically, to change history.
< p>The standing formation told its story, with Klopp replacing midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis McAllister midway through the second half. They did nothing wrong with the ball, but increasing fatigue and passivity without it contributed to a game of pinball from which Fulham looked rather majestically as if they would emerge victorious.
The move could boost Gareth Southgate's reputation. Alexander-Arnold played the final 26 minutes and injury time in central midfield and finally took over the role Steven Gerrard had intended for him as he took charge of the youth games at Liverpool's academy. To finish the fight, this could be a turning point in his Kop career.
He was unlucky earlier when a fine free-kick from 25 yards was converted into an assist as it bounced off the crossbar and hit Leno. which was later recorded as an own goal.
Even against the backdrop of triumph. , cynics and believers alike had something to appreciate: Liverpool's superiority in attack was matched by their defensive sensitivity.
Fulham were enterprising and brave, with Marco Silva benefiting from Alex Iwobi's tireless running and Raul Jimenez's encouraging return to fitness.
The visitors also benefited from a difficult first half from substitute goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher: Liverpool were unsurprisingly without Alisson Becker guarantees.
Kelleher was unlucky to lack protection when Harry Wilson equalized in the first half. But he was at fault in the second two minutes into stoppage time, rushing off his line in the other direction towards the ball, allowing Kenny Tete to celebrate twice — the goal scored after a VAR check.
There was disbelief at Liverpool's carelessness «, given how impressively they retook the lead thanks to Mac Allister's hammer from 30 yards.
From that point on, Fulham counter-attacked with scouting to ensure they were ready to take advantage of Klopp's tactical tricks. . When Tom Cairney picked his substitute Cordova-Reid, Silva momentarily dreamed of his side's biggest win since promotion. He was naturally disappointed with what happened next.
“We deserved much more than we got by coming to Anfield and playing the way we did,” Silva said.
p>“At one moment they can do something, but for us there are many, many advantages.”
For Klopp, the question remains whether Liverpool can actually win the league title this year. Privately, he can admit he wasn't sure the issue would still be on the agenda after 14 games. A perfect home record means he can't be counted out.
They now need to turn around their inconsistent away form before Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle United are next to visit Anfield. .
Thanks to superb craftsmanship from Fulham, the Kop found his voice in time.
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