Alvaro Arbeloa picked up his first Premier League point as Fulham manager after his side frustrated Liverpool with a goalless draw at Anfield.
Fulham arrived on Merseyside having lost their opening three league matches under Arbeloa, but produced a disciplined performance to keep Liverpool scoreless for the first time this season.
Liverpool had beaten Atletico Madrid in the Champions League less than 72 hours earlier, but Andoni Iraola’s side lacked the same intensity as they struggled to create clear opportunities.
Fulham withstand early Liverpool pressure
The visitors had the better of the opening exchanges and should have taken the lead after a defensive mix-up between Alisson and Ryan Gravenberch.
Gonzalo Garcia’s effort appeared destined for the net, only for Jeremy Jacquet to clear the ball off the line and rescue Liverpool.
Fulham continued to threaten, with Alisson saving Josh King’s effort from inside the area before Antonee Robinson headed wide.
Liverpool eventually created chances of their own, but Bernd Leno stood firm. The Fulham goalkeeper denied Victor Munoz with a strong save, while Timothy Castagne deflected a Bradley Barcola volley behind.
Liverpool changes fail to find breakthrough
Iraola responded at half-time by replacing Kostas Tsimikas with Milos Kerkez after the Liverpool full-back struggled during the opening period.
The Reds then introduced Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo for Gravenberch and Munoz as they searched for greater attacking threat.
Alexander Isak came close to breaking the deadlock, but his effort was comfortably saved by Leno. The Fulham goalkeeper then produced another important stop to deny Dominik Szoboszlai’s powerful strike.
Liverpool made further changes in the 72nd minute, bringing on Rio Ngumoha and Jeremie Frimpong, but Fulham remained organised.
Isak headed wide from a late corner as Liverpool’s frustration grew, while Fulham threatened at the other end through King and substitute Kevin.
The visitors ultimately held on for a valuable point that gives Arbeloa his first league result in charge, while Liverpool were left to settle for a draw just days after their Champions League victory.
