To be forced into an almost happy draw on the lawn of a promoted player, a week after having defeated the defending champion.
This is the paradox of Liverpool, which Saturday for the opening of its Premier League season, was held in check at Fulham (2-2), just back in the English elite.
Jürgen Klopp's men, second in the Championship last season - a small point behind Manchester City, beaten seven days ago in the Community Shield (3-1) - do not start this new vintage in the best possible way. beyond the Channel.
And this despite the very promising beginnings of their flagship rookie Darwin Nunez.
Salah also opens his counter
Available, altruistic, constantly threatening, the 23-year-old Uruguayan, who came to forget the departure of Sadio Mané to Bayern Munich, only needed the second half to justify the 75 million euros invested by the Reds for the snatch from Benfica.
Already a scorer against the Cityzens last Saturday, Nunez scored again (1-1, 64th), from a slightly lucky Majer.
And scored, again with some success, Mohamed Salah (2-2, 81st).
Liverpool's response by Darwin Núñez!
But Fulham regains the advantage immediately thanks to a penalty from Mitrović! #FULLIV
▶️ https://t.co/SvrNRkpXf1 pic.twitter.com/uFau9UAfK2
– Canal Football Club (@CanalFootClub) August 6, 2022
In bad shape and twice led by Fulham and their striker Aleksandr Mitrovic (32nd, 72nd), Liverpool relied on the talent of their new center forward to avoid an entry defeat which would have made a stain.
The Reds almost snatched an almost unexpected victory on a luminous roll from Jordan Henderson on the bar (94th), but it was written that only Nunez could have put on the savior costume.