Liverpool 0-0 Fulham: Anfield Stalemate as Leno Denies Reds

Liverpool and Fulham played out a goalless draw in the English Premier League on Saturday, 12 September 2026, with Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno producing a man-of-the-match performance at Anfield. Liverpool dominated possession and created the better chances, but a combination of outstanding goalkeeping, resolute defending, and some wasteful finishing kept the score at 0-0.

Match Overview

Liverpool started with the intensity expected of a title-chasing side at home. They moved the ball quickly, pressed Fulham high, and forced the visitors into a deep defensive block. Mohamed Salah was heavily involved on the right, while Virgil van Dijk and the Liverpool midfield kept recycling possession in search of an opening.

Fulham’s game plan was clear: stay compact, defend the penalty area, and counter through quick wide breaks. They rode their luck at times, particularly in the first half when Liverpool hit the post and had a goal disallowed for offside. But they also defended with discipline and bravery, throwing bodies in front of shots and clearing every dangerous cross.

Key Moments

• 14’ — Salah cuts inside and forces a strong save from Leno at the near post.
• 27’ — Liverpool have a goal ruled out for offside after a flowing move.
• 39’ — Van Dijk heads a corner toward goal, but a Fulham defender clears off the line.
• 58’ — Leno makes a superb double save to deny Liverpool from close range.
• 74’ — Fulham almost snatch the lead on the counter, but the final shot goes wide.
• 88’ — Liverpool send a late free-kick into the box, but Fulham head clear.

Tactical Story

Liverpool set up in their usual high-possession 4-3-3, with the full-backs pushing high and the midfielders looking to play between the lines. Fulham responded with a compact 4-4-2 defensive block, keeping the central areas crowded and forcing Liverpool to go wide. That meant a lot of crosses into the box, which Fulham’s centre-backs dealt with well.

The key tactical battle was in midfield. Liverpool tried to speed up the game, but Fulham’s midfielders were diligent in tracking runners and slowing the tempo. When Fulham did win the ball, they looked to release their forwards quickly. They did not create many clear chances, but their counter-attacking threat was enough to keep Liverpool honest.

Standout Players

Bernd Leno was the standout performer. The Fulham goalkeeper made a string of saves, including a brilliant double stop in the second half, and commanded his area well from crosses. His performance was the main reason Fulham left Anfield with a point.

For Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk was commanding at the back and also a threat from set-pieces. Mohamed Salah was the most dangerous attacker, constantly testing the full-back and forcing Leno into action. In midfield, Liverpool’s captain kept the team moving forward, but the final pass was often just off target.

League Impact

The draw is a frustrating result for Liverpool in the Premier League title race. They created enough chances to win, but dropping two points at home could prove costly if their rivals capitalise. For Fulham, it is a valuable away point against one of the league’s strongest sides. A clean sheet at Anfield is not easy to come by, and the defensive resilience shown here will give them confidence for the weeks ahead.

Liverpool will look back at the disallowed goal and the chances saved by Leno as the moments that got away. Fulham, meanwhile, will take pride in a disciplined, organised performance that delivered a hard-earned Premier League draw.