Slot demanded response - and got one! Now comes real test

Arne Slot demanded a response, and he got one.

After being torn apart at the Parc des Princes midweek, Liverpool bounced back by beating Fulham 2-0, closing out Saturday’s Premier League action in style.

A much-needed win after a bruising setback. A performance that restores some belief. But only some.

Because Liverpool, once again, showed two very different faces.

The first half echoed last season’s dominance - sharp, fluid, ruthless. The second? Far closer to the inconsistency that has plagued much of this campaign.

Slot knew immediately after Paris that changes were inevitable. Four of them came in the starting XI. Mohamed Salah returned to his natural right flank, Andy Robertson slotted back in at left-back, Cody Gakpo led the line - and, crucially, a bold call was made.

Seventeen-year-old Rio Ngumoha was handed his first Premier League start.

The youngster, who had already announced himself with a debut goal against Bournemouth earlier in the season, delivered again, capping an inspired display with just his second senior goal. And what a goal it was.

Receiving the ball on the left, he twisted Timothy Castagne inside out before rifling into the top corner, writing himself into the history books as Liverpool's youngest Premier League scorer at 17 years and 225 days - overtaking Raheem Sterling in the process.

Four minutes later, it was deja vu on the opposite flank.

Salah, a surprising absentee in Paris, where Slot claimed Liverpool "had to defend", cut in and finished in a similarly clinical fashion. A reminder of exactly what had been missing just days earlier.

Liverpool's victory lifts them to fifth place on 52 points, four clear of Chelsea, who face Manchester City next. The response has arrived, but now comes the real test.

ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND 32

Friday

West Ham - Wolverhampton 4-0 (1-0)

/Mavropanos 42, 83, Castellanos 66, 68/

Saturday

Arsenal - Bournemouth 1-2 (1-1)

/Gyokeres 35 pen - Kroupi 17, Scott 74/

Brentford - Everton 2-2 (1-1)

/Thiago 3 pen, 76 - Beto 26, Dewsburry-Hall 90+1/

Burnley - Brighton 0-2 (0-1)

/Wieffer 43, 89/

Liverpool - Fulham 2-0 (2-0)

/Ngumoha 36, Salah 40/

Sunday

16.00: (2.85) Crystal Palace (3.80) Newcastle (2.40)

16.00: (2.65) Nott.Forest (3.20) Aston Villa (2.75)

16.00: (2.70) Sunderland (3.10) Tottenham (2.75)

18.30: (3.15) Chelsea (3.90) Man.City (2.20)

Monday

22.00: (1.65) Man.Utd. (4.10) Leeds (5.10)

***odds are subject to change***