Sam: I’m with the other two on this one.
It was a penalty, and I think it was a good decision from the referee.
Nunez did well to get away from Diop and make the most of the contact.
After Liverpool held on to beat Fulham 1-0, supporters were left debating a narrow win, from which there were both positives and negatives to take. Mo Salah scored Liverpool’s only goal, from the spot, after Darwin Nunez was brought down by Issa Diop. The result moved the Reds within four points of Man United in fourth, though Erik ten Hag’s side have played two fewer matches. Sam Millne (@sam_millne), Patrick Allen (@P_Allen21) and Tom Eves (@TomEvesJourno) discussed a nervy ending, Curtis Jones’ role and Darwin Nunez’ performance in Liverpool’s win against Fulham.
Patrick said that many people weren’t too bothered by the result as it probably won’t matter too much come the end of the month, while Tom said he was feeling the nerves even though he wasn’t in the ground. Sam said that Nunez worked hard but his touch needs to improve and he needs to work on his play in tight spaces. Tom said he thought Nunez did alright but his decision-making was a bit poor at times. Patrick added that he doesn’t think Nunez will fit in next season.
Sam said that Curtis Jones relies on the system around him and can excel if the players around him provide game-changing moments, while Tom said he thinks Jones will be a capable bench player. Patrick said that Jones has made a strong claim to be in and around the squad next season but he might be pushed down the pecking order by new acquisitions.
The three agreed that Andy Robertson and Cody Gakpo should be brought back in to play against Brentford, and that the penalty awarded to Liverpool was justified. Tom said that Darwin did well to get away from Diop and make the most of the contact, while Patrick added that there’s not much doubt about it being a penalty and Fulham can’t have too many complaints. Sam said that Nunez was simply too quick and was caught however softly.