Liverpool's stuttering start continues with goalless Fulham draw

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LIVERPOOL’S stuttering start to life under new manager Andoni Iraola continued with a 0-0 draw against Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

Fulham went into this game having lost all three of their opening games of the 2026/27 season, but a spirited performance earned them a first point, and they could have taken three.

Their new manager, Alvaro Arbeloa, was returning to Anfield where he played for two-and-a-half seasons under Rafa Benitez between 2007 and 2009. He was part of the team that finished runners-up in the Champions League in 2007.

It’s been a difficult start to the season for Arbeloa and Fulham, but there was plenty of encouragement to take from this afternoon on Merseyside.

Liverpool were the overwhelming favourites but don’t appear to have clicked under Iraola so far. The squad he’s been left with by the now-departed sporting director Richard Hughes are struggling to implement his style, especially in certain areas. They, quite glaringly, lack suitable options in midfield and at full-back.

The problems Liverpool fans had predicted for the team before the start of the season have become even more obvious now that it has kicked off. 

The gaps in the squad left by a transfer window that focused on some areas but not others have led to frustration from supporters, as it seemed clear which areas needed strengthening.

This is a club that used to be known for their savvy spending and recruitment, but in recent years, despite opening the cheque book more often than ever before, they have been left lacking in key areas.

There are no Andy Robertsons, no Gini Wijnaldums, and no Roberto Firminos, and the big-money signings aren’t performing.

Iraola’s focus on getting the style right was shown in his withdrawal of Kostas Tsimikas at half-time. The left-back area has been a problem for Liverpool, but the Greek international wasn’t always on the ball and was also not quite on it defensively.

Milos Kerkez, signed last season, has also struggled, but is at least quicker off the mark on the pressing side of the game.

The bigger problem for Liverpool lies in midfield. Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have recently been given new contracts, but there is now a strong case for both players to be dropped.

It’s another example of a club once renowned for its decisions around transfers and contracts, dropping the ball. They now regularly lose players on free transfers, and two of their most out-of-form players recently signed new deals. It’s far from ideal.

Fulham could easily have walked away with a win from Anfield. Gonzalo Garcia had a shot cleared off the line by Jeremy Jacquet, while Joshua King had a couple of goes at goal.

A Victor Munoz header from a Szoboszlai corner was Liverpool’s biggest chance, but it was saved well by Bernd Leno.

Patience could be needed for both of these teams as their new Spanish coaches settle into the task at hand, but it is Fulham who will be by far the happier side with this particular result.