Aleksandar Mitrovic bullies Trent Alexander-Arnold to put Fulham ahead against Liverpool

Mitrovic scored an incredible 43 goals in the Championship last season and continued his excellent form with Saturday’s first opener.

Just after the half-hour mark, Mitrovic curled an unstoppable header past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson after rising above Trent Alexander-Arnold at the back post.

It was a deserved lead for Fulham, who had gone close on several occasions earlier in the half.

Mitrovic almost scored in the first minute of the match, but his shot was just wide.

He then headed in a corner near the post from former Manchester United defender Andreas Pereira as Fulham pressed hard for the opener.

Liverpool thought they had taken the lead when Luis Diaz curled a superb effort into the top corner, but the goal was disallowed for offside in the build-up.

Fulham then took the lead, with Mitrovic heading higher to open his account for the season.

Liverpool responded well to the goal and went close to equalizing but Diaz could only hit the post with a powerful shot as Fulham held on to lead 1-0 at half-time.

Alexander-Arnold has come under fire from fans for his goalkeeping.

“TAA is a very good footballer but his ability in the air, especially defending crosses is his weakness. And Fulham know it,” wrote one fan on Twitter.

Another added: “Trent loses this aerial battle most games. Not surprised.”

However, many Liverpool fans felt aggrieved that a foul was not given for a potential foul on Henderson in the build-up to the goal.

“Poor refereeing. Henderson was fouled whether it was ‘deliberate’ or not,” one fan wrote.

Another wrote: “It was a clear foul on Henderson in the build-up but a well deserved goal for Fulham who were excellent. Very poor and disappointing first half for the Reds.”