PLAYER RATINGS: Liverpool forward responds well to criticism from fans

Liverpool moved level with Arsenal on points at the top of the Premier League table after starring in a 3-1 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Trent Alexander-Arnold fired Liverpool in front with a stunning first half free-kick before Timothy Castagne pulled the hosts back on level terms just before half time.

Any fears of a possible comeback were quickly dispelled by Liverpool as Ryan Gravenberch fired Jurgen Klopp's title-chasers back ahead with his first Premier League goal.

Diogo Jota added a third to seal victory as the Portuguese star scored his 100th goal in English football to complete a dominant victory.

Mail Sport's Liverpool correspondent Lewis Steele gives his player ratings from an enthralling battle at Craven Cottage.

Fulham (4-2-3-1)

Bernd Leno - 7

Could do nothing for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s sublime free-kick to open the scoring but made several key stops either side of it. Probably should have done better with Liverpool’s third goal, though.

Timothy Castagne - 7

Extremely tidy finish to level the scores just before half-time, having to beat both Alisson and Wataru Endo on the goal-line. Got up and down the right wing well and contained Cody Gakpo.

Tosin Adarabioyo - 6.5 (Booked)

Calm in possession and had Diogo Jota’s number in the first half. Dominant defensive display at times but Fulham were carved open too easily after the break.

Calvin Bassey - 6

Made a vital interception to hook the ball away from Luis Diaz’s path early on. Struggled with Liverpool’s front three in the second half.

Antonee Robinson - 6.5

An electric presence bombing down Fulham’s left wing. Often lost out in duels with Luis Diaz in the first half.

Joao Palhinha - 6.5 (Booked)

So important to this Fulham side both on and off the ball. The Portuguese broke up play well and was pivotal to the build-up.

Sasa Lukic - 5

Screened the defence well and tidy in possession but struggled with Liverpool’s runners in the second half.

Bobby Decordova-Reid - 5

Had some nice moments including a lovely cut-back to Palhinha in the first half. Did a lot of dirty work defensively to double up on Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Andreas Pereira - 5.5

A couple of loose passes and touches early on but caused Liverpool problems from set-piece situations.

Alex Iwobi - 5

Made some driving runs through Liverpool’s midfield but often lacked the clinical edge with his final pass. Sometimes he picked the wrong ball.

Rodrigo Muniz - 5

Had a good chance just before Castagne’s equaliser but could not sort his feet out to take on a first-time attempt, though did well to get a shot away which was stopped by Alisson.

Substitutes

Harry Wilson (for Decordova-Reid 71) - 6

Tom Cairney (for Palhinha 71) - 6

Adama Traore (for Iwobi 85)

Subs not used: Kenny Tete, Harrison Reed, Raul Jimenez, Armando Broja, Tim Ream.

Liverpool (4-3-3)

Alisson - 6.5

Had little to do until denying Muniz after 40 minutes. Could do nothing to stop Castagne’s equaliser.

Trent Alexander-Arnold - 8

A bit of an ‘I’m him’ performance from Liverpool’s vice-captain. It was not a perfect display as some efforts went awry but he was the best player on the pitch with some Kevin De Bruyne-like passing and a sublime free-kick to top it off.

Jarell Quansah - 7

Was targeted by physical specimen Muniz but stood up to the task well and played some nice diagonal long balls.

Virgil van Dijk - 7

Commanding presence as ever. Fulham’s players looked scared to take him on, including Bobby Decordova-Reid who ran straight into him and asked for a penalty.

Andy Robertson - 6.5

Got down the left wing well and caused problems but his crossing left a little to be desired. Outrageous first touch and backheel pass early in the second half.

Harvey Elliott - 6.5

Booed on every touch, he was the laughing stock of Craven Cottage when he tried a free-kick under the wall that was whisked away. Elliott played well otherwise but lacked end product and pulled a good chance wide early in the second half.

Wataru Endo - 6.5

A couple of careless losses of possession in the first half but was much better after the break.

Ryan Gravenberch - 7.5

It's been a disappointing first season in England for the Dutchman but this was a much-improved display with a goal that could be key in the title race. Had some nice moments as he glided through the midfield on the half-turn.

Cody Gakpo - 7.5

Has been criticised by Liverpool fans in the last month but this was a very pleasing display for the Dutchman, who assisted Jota for the third goal. Put in a good shift defensively.

Diogo Jota - 7.5

Pulled one wide in the first half when he shinned an effort from a dangerous position. But there was never any doubting him when he was set through on goal in the second half, with his strike for 3-1 all but winning the three points.

Luis Diaz - 7

Started the game well and looked sharp in the first half, linking up well with Alexander-Arnold. Faded somewhat in the second half, though.

Substitutes

Alexis Mac Allister (for Gravenberch 74) - 6 Mohamed Salah (for Diaz 74) - 6 Darwin Nunez (for Jota 74) - 6 Joe Gomez (for Alexander-Arnold 80) Dominik Szoboszlai (for Gakpo 86)

Subs not used: Caoimhin Kelleher, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones, Kostas Tsimikas.