Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi was the hero for Fulham in their 3-2 win over Liverpool at the Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Iwobi scored a goal, and recorded an assist as Fulham ended Liverpool’s 26-match unbeaten run in the Premier League.
He continued his impressive run of form for Fulham this season with a match-winning performance against the table-toppers.
Liverpool took an early lead in the 13th minute through Alexis Mac Allister’s long range effort.
Fulham responded 11 minutes later as Ryan Sessegnon produced a close range finish in the box to make it 1-1.
Iwobi took advantage of a misplaced pass from Robertson to make it 2-1.
The Super Eagles star assisted Rodrigo Muniz for the third goal in the 37th minute to make it 3-1.
Luis Diaz made the 3-2 in the second half but it was too little too late as Fulham held on to earn a vital win in their push for European place qualification.
The win propelled Fulham to the eighth position on the log with seven matches to go.
Liverpool failed to take advantage of Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday as the Reds maintain an 11 points lead over Mikel Arteta’s men.
Fulham coach Marco Silva was full of praise for his players for their impressive performance against Liverpool.
He said: “Our first half was really at a high level. To able able to have 10 shots and score three goals in the first half…we had a good dynamic, good tempo, high energy.
“In the second half we started to drop a little bit of the energy. Overall I really believe we deserved it. What way to bounce back [after Crystal Palace and Arsenal defeats].
“We had one of the best 30 minutes we have played at home against Palace. In the Arsenal game away from home we were in the game until the last minute. We have always been able to bounce back in the Premier League after some downs. We did it in an amazing way today.”
Liverpool coach, Arne Slot blamed his team’s first half collapse for the defeat.
He said: “That was a difficult spell of 14 minutes [three goals conceded]. Apart from [Fulham’s] quality and finishing, it was mostly to do with our errors.
“In general we are not making many of these errors – let alone three in one game. Our second half performance was so much better but it is hard to win a game at this level if you concede three in the first half.
“Unfortunately we lacked time in the end to score a third. People want to make stories about their job. Many teams find it difficult to play Fulham. The second half’s performance was outstanding. We had chances but in the end we lacked time.”
Iwobi has now scored eight goals, and recorded five assists for Fulham in the Premier League this season.
He will be hoping to continue his excellent showing against Bournemouth next Monday.
Liverpool will be back in action against West Ham at Anfield next Sunday.
In the other Premier League matches, Chelsea played out a 0-0 against Brentford.
Tottenham defeated Southampton 3-1 to send them down to the Championship with immediate effect.
