Happy Friday Reds. We have a weekend without a game for the first time in two months, and that is the least that these relentless reds deserve. Yet again, the players dealt with adversity admirably and head into the second leg against Fulham with a lead to protect.
Similarly to our victory in the FA Cup on Sunday, it was the substituties that changed the game. The introduction of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo on the 56th minute brought an urgency to our play that had not been present in the first 55 minutes. The reds were lethargic from the start and truth be told I cannot remember us testing Bernd Leno in the first half. I am not going to dramatize the first half performance because at the end of the day the game is 90 minutes long and we got the win in the end. But also because Fulham did exactly what we anticipated they would do. They were stubborn, compact and stingy in their approach which meant it was extremely difficult for the reds to find any space and break them down. Let’s not forget, our win against the cottagers at the beginning of last month took four screamers to be the difference maker on that day. Fulham are a resolute side and were able to frustrate the Anfield crowd. In the end, Marco Silva and co are probably content with a 2-1 deficit heading into the second leg. That is why the job is very much, not over yet.
It is no criticism of Ryan Gravenberch or Harvey Elliott but for whatever reason they were not at their best on Wednesday night. Elliott seemed to want too much time with the ball and Gravenberch simply seemed to be off the pace. But our strength in depth is quite something, when we are able to bring on Nunez and Gakpo. Also for Elliott, playing against your former club is never an easy feet. But with these changes we started to move the ball much quicker and it certainly lifted the fans in the ground. In the space of three minutes, we found ourselves 2-1 up. Jones’ deflected strike and also the excellent link-up play between Nunez and Gakpo was the difference.
We could and probably should have stretched our lead from then. A couple of great saves from Bernd Leno denied us from running away as big winners. But there are plenty of positives to take from our performance post 60 minutes. We played with a really good tempo and completely switched the story of the match. Diaz, Nunez, Jota with Gakpo behind them is a scary proposition for any team.
I do want to comment on Conor Bradley who was my MOTM against Fulham. I thought he slotted in at right-back and got up and down time and time again. I thought he was brave on the ball and did not put a foot wrong all match.
So a 2-1 win in the end for the reds who showed character and resilience to comeback once again. But when we head to Craven Cottage in 12 days time there is a big job to do if we are to progress to Wembley. For now, the reds can enjoy a short but sweet break after a hectic Christmas fixture list.
That’s it for the Rationale. I hope you enjoyed the read. Please get your opinion in the comments, it would be massively appreciated. Enjoy your weekend Reds.
Fulham should’ve took their chances and could’ve been 2 or 3 nil up. Great result for you in the end one foot in the final agree that subs made the big impact