Robbo explains quality of breakaway goal v Fulham
The quick thinking that led to Liverpool's opening goal against Fulham was an example of a top team functioning at their best, according to Andy Robertson.
Sunday’s Premier League clash at Anfield was goalless with the interval approaching and it was the visitors who had previously looked more likely to break the deadlock.
Indeed, they had the ball in the net 14 seconds before the Reds struck, only for an offside flag to chalk off Aleksandar Mitrovic’s header at the Kop end.
With Fulham still digesting the decision, Alisson Becker took an instant free-kick to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who released Mohamed Salah in behind to run free and score his eighth goal of the season.
Watch: Extended highlights of LFC 2-0 Fulham
“I’ve been there with Hull,” Robertson told Liverpoolfc.com as he explained the ruthless nature of the move. “You can’t put your finger on it but sometimes when you play against these big teams and you get a corner, it’s a relief and then you switch off.
“Al played it out quickly to Trent, who played a fantastic ball to Mo. We have just caught them off guard; they are all sprinting back and the ball is in the back of the net before they can even do anything about it.
“It’s harsh on them but that’s what all the top teams do and luckily we managed to do that. We got ourselves in front, that’s always crucial, especially in these games at home.”
Liverpool extended their lead early in the second half when Robertson’s deep cross found Xherdan Shaqiri at the back post and the No.23 volleyed home.
The Scot’s fifth assist of the campaign helped the home side ensure their unbeaten top-flight run extended to 12 games, with their tally of 30 points equal to the club’s best in the Premier League era.
“We can only look after ourselves and that’s what we’ve done,” said Robertson.
“The first half was a bit of a struggle but Mo popped up at the right time and the second half was a really professional performance. We could have had a few more; we really controlled it, which was pleasing.”
The Champions League defeat by Red Star Belgrade that preceded Fulham’s visit had given Jürgen Klopp’s side extra motivation on Sunday, admitted Robertson.
Their assured response in securing a 2-0 result saw the Reds temporarily take top spot in the division, though they were later leapfrogged by reigning champions Manchester City and ended the weekend in second.
Domestic football now pauses for the latest round of international fixtures, before Liverpool face a run of 11 matches in 40 days once they return to action later this month.
“Midweek was a massive disappointment – we don’t hide away from that fact,” said the left-back. “They scored two goals that are unlike us to concede and with everything that went on, it was a hard battle and we didn’t quite get going.
“But from the moment we landed back in Liverpool all the focus was on Fulham and it was all about bouncing back because going into the international break, it’s crucial to have a bit of momentum. In the league we’re doing that really well.
“After the internationals we’ve got really tough games coming up and it’s going into the Christmas period – that’s a bit tough on the body but we’ll all be ready to go and we’ll see where we are after that.”