Liverpool fans think it’s time to address ‘the elephant in the room’ after first-half horror show vs Fulham

In a night that began with promise but spiraled into frustration, Liverpool supporters were left fuming after a chaotic first half saw their side fall 3-1 behind against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Alexis Mac Allister’s brilliant long-range strike briefly gave fans something to cheer, but defensive blunders quickly turned celebration into despair.

The opening goal from Mac Allister, a stunning effort that showcased his precision and power, was a bright spot in what would become a gloomy 45 minutes for the Reds. The Argentine midfielder struck from distance with authority, giving Bernd Leno no chance and putting Liverpool in front early on.

However, Fulham responded with purpose and resilience. Ryan Sessegnon, enjoying a purple patch of form with his third goal in seven appearances, equalised midway through the half. His finish was calm and composed, punishing a Liverpool backline that appeared increasingly disjointed as the game progressed.

The true unraveling began shortly after the equaliser. Andy Robertson, usually a pillar of reliability, was the architect of his own downfall. First, a misplaced cross-field ball aimed for Curtis Jones fell straight into Fulham’s trap. Then, an indecisive defensive action allowed Alex Iwobi to pounce and finish coolly to make it 2-1.

The third goal arrived moments later, adding insult to injury. Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, failed to assert himself during a physical challenge, allowing Fulham to capitalize yet again. Fans were particularly vocal about the Dutchman’s role, pointing to what they described as a lack of intensity and awareness.

Social media exploded with criticism. One disgruntled fan tweeted, “This is horrifying to watch. Van Dijk a shade of himself since that week where we lost twice.” Another added, “That third goal was on Van Dijk. Didn’t bolster himself and got moved off too easily.”

Robertson didn’t escape the spotlight either. Fans questioned his judgment and experience, especially his decision to attempt a risky pass in a dangerous area. One comment read, “Misplaced pass. Misses the header which falls directly to a Fulham player. A shocking few seconds for Andy Robertson.”

This isn’t the first time Liverpool’s defensive frailties have been exposed this season under Arne Slot. It’s the fourth occasion the Reds have conceded three or more goals in a single match since the Dutchman took over. While they managed an astonishing 6-3 win at Spurs in December and drew 3-3 in a thrilling encounter at Newcastle, such inconsistencies raise concerns.

Even their Champions League group stage loss to PSV, where a youthful Liverpool side conceded three goals, fits into a worrying pattern. Despite sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League table, with a sizable lead over Arsenal, these lapses are casting a shadow over their title hopes.

There’s no denying that Van Dijk has had a strong season overall, but recent weeks have seen his form dip noticeably. The timing of this decline is far from ideal, especially with his contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign. Speaking earlier this month, the Dutch defender hinted at looming decisions regarding his future.

“I can’t say more than there will be news in the upcoming weeks. Whether that’s positive or not, I have no idea at this point,” Van Dijk told reporters. “I’m calm and what will happen, will happen. Like I said also many times before, I love the club and the club loves me. I love playing for Liverpool, I love leading out the boys each and every game.”

Despite his reassurances, fans are growing restless. The inconsistencies at the back are becoming harder to overlook, and many believe that it’s time for serious introspection — particularly with the summer transfer window approaching. Should Van Dijk not renew, a major defensive rebuild may be on the horizon.

As for Andy Robertson, while his experience and past contributions are undeniable, age and wear seem to be catching up with him. Errors like the ones seen against Fulham raise legitimate questions about whether Liverpool should be looking at fresh options at left-back as well.

One thing is clear: fans are no longer content with glossing over defensive mistakes simply because the team sits at the summit. Winning the league requires more than just firepower upfront; it demands solidity and discipline at the back — qualities Liverpool have lacked in key moments this season.

Slot, who has brought a fresh tactical identity to the team, now faces a crucial test of his managerial mettle. How he responds to these repeated defensive collapses could define his tenure in the long run. A league title is within reach, but only if he finds solutions — and quickly.

With seven games remaining and Arsenal still within mathematical striking distance, Liverpool cannot afford more nights like this. Fulham exposed weaknesses that other top sides will now look to exploit. And unless the Reds rediscover their defensive backbone, their campaign risks ending in frustration rather than glory.

For now, fans are left to vent, to question, and to debate the “elephant in the room” — a defence that, despite its pedigree, continues to let the side down. Whether Slot makes changes or remains loyal to his veterans will be a storyline to watch as the season nears its climax.