Fulham Easily Exposed a Big Problem for Liverpool Which Arne Slot Has Zero Control Over - Opinion

In Liverpool's tense Premier League clash at Craven Cottage on January 4, 2026, Fulham's defense ruthlessly exposed a glaring vulnerability in Arne Slot's squad—one the Dutch manager can do nothing to fix: the Reds' overreliance on a thin striker pool amid mounting injury woes[1][2].

The match, delayed 15 minutes due to a medical emergency in the stands, kicked off with Liverpool desperate for points to climb from 4th place (10 wins, 3 draws, 6 losses, 33 points), just six points behind Fulham's mid-table 14th (8-3-8, 27 points)[1][2]. Without star forward Hugo Ekitike, sidelined by a hamstring tweak from heavy recent minutes, Slot lacked a true No. 9. "We hope he returns for Arsenal," Slot admitted post-warm-up, but his absence forced makeshift adjustments with Cody Gakpo dropping deep[2].

Early action underscored the issue: Gakpo's 5th-minute shot from the box was blocked, Wirtz's outside effort followed suit at the 6th, and a corner yielded nothing—Fulham's backline, led by Joachim Andersen, smothered Liverpool's attacks[1]. Fulham, eyeing Europe under Marco Silva and 14 points clear of relegation, pounced on counters, with Sander Berge and Tom Cairney disrupting Ryan Gravenberch[1][5].

This isn't tactical—it's structural. Liverpool's January transfer window looms, but FSG's frugality leaves Slot powerless over squad depth[1]. Ekitike's injury highlights the risk: no backups means exposure against organized defenses like Fulham's. As the score stayed 0-0 into the 9th minute, Liverpool's title hopes flickered[1][4]. Slot's high press faltered without a focal point, passes aimless, creativity stifled.

Opinion: Until owners invest in strikers, Slot's hands are tied. Fulham didn't just hold firm—they revealed Liverpool's Achilles' heel, one injury from title contention collapse. Reds fans, demand depth now[1][2].

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