Liverpool fans were in agreement about Curtis Jones’ performance at right-back against Fulham on Sunday.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold sidelined due to injury and set to leave for Real Madrid, the right-back position has come under scrutiny at Anfield. Jarell Quansah and Jones have both filled in recently, with the latter making his first start in the role against Everton midweek. While that match passed without major incidents, Fulham’s aggressive attacking play exposed Liverpool’s defense, particularly in a chaotic first-half spell.
Despite Alexis Mac Allister’s stunning opener, Liverpool quickly lost control as Fulham struck three times in just 14 minutes. Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi, and Rodrigo Muniz turned the game on its head, leaving Arne Slot’s side scrambling.
Conor Bradley, seen as Alexander-Arnold’s long-term replacement, came off the bench and assisted Luis Diaz for a late goal to make it 3-2. However, a Liverpool comeback ultimately fell short.
Jones was involved in a costly mistake that shifted momentum in Fulham’s favor. After escaping an early penalty scare following a collision between Caoimhin Kelleher and Andreas Pereira, Liverpool seemed to be in control when Mac Allister gave them the lead. But nine minutes later, Jones misjudged Pereira’s cross, inadvertently setting up Sessegnon to score the equalizer. Fulham capitalized on this error, with Iwobi and Muniz further extending their lead.
Liverpool supporters do not view Jones as a viable right-back solution. Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown has suggested that Slot is eyeing Jeremie Frimpong as a replacement for Alexander-Arnold. In the short term, fans want Jones removed from the position, with many describing his performance as aimless and disastrous.
While much of the criticism was directed at Jones, Slot also faced backlash for deploying him in an unfamiliar role. Many Liverpool fans hope the manager reconsiders and restores Jones to his natural midfield position.
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