London, 15 December 2024 (PA Media/dpa/MIA) - Liverpool head coach Arne Slot apportioned no blame to Andy Robertson for his early red card against Fulham in which his side twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw in a pulsating Anfield encounter.

In fact, the Dutchman said the Scotland left-back epitomized the team’s fighting spirit having played on after a knee-high challenge from Issa Diop in the opening seconds which he felt compromised his ability.

He was caught out for Andreas Pereira’s 11th-minute goal and his dismissal for bringing down Harry Wilson when through on goal left Liverpool, then already trailing 1-0, at a numerical disadvantage for more than 82 minutes (including the additional time).

But Slot and the team’s positive approach salvaged an important point and extended their unbeaten run to 19 matches.

Cody Gakpo equalized two minutes into the second half and Diogo Jota made it 2-2 with four minutes of normal time remaining after Rodrigo Muniz had put Fulham ahead for the second time.

“The character the team showed, that is what Robbo showed,” said Slot.

“Nothing to blame him, the character showed in wanting to continue because he got quite a hard knock with two studs. Unfortunately, it led to a deserved red card.”

Slot praised his players, who stretched their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points, with second-placed Chelsea playing tomorrow.

“I think it is exactly the opposite from Girona (the midweek Champions League win) where I was pleased but not the performance,” he added.

“Here I am very happy about the performance, I couldn’t have asked for more, but of course not with the result because if you drop points in a home game against Fulham that is definitely not what you expect and what you want.”

Fulham boss Marco Silva, who missed his best chance of recording his first win at Anfield, had mixed feelings.

“When you are leading the score twice and Liverpool, after 20 minutes, are playing with 10 men we have the feeling we should have won the game,” said the former Everton manager.

Photo: archive