Liverpool came into the encounter looking to build on Wednesday’s 2–1 Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid, but they struggled to reproduce the intensity and attacking fluency that had helped them to victory in Europe.
Fulham, meanwhile, arrived at Anfield having lost their opening three league matches under Arbeloa. Despite their difficult start, the visitors showed considerable confidence in possession and created enough opportunities to suggest that Liverpool were there for the taking.
Liverpool struggle to break Fulham down
Liverpool made a bright enough start, with Alexander Isak narrowly missing the far post after being played through by Bradley Barcola.
Victor Muñoz then came close when he met Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner with a glancing header, only for Bernd Leno to produce an excellent save to prevent the ball from finding the net.
Those chances, however, were not followed by sustained pressure. Liverpool were frequently sloppy in possession, while Fulham repeatedly found ways through the home side’s midfield.
Gonzalo García also threatened for the visitors, with Liverpool defender Jérémy Jacquet producing an important intervention to prevent Fulham from capitalising on a dangerous situation.
Liverpool went into half-time level, with Iraola making a change immediately after the interval as Kostas Tsimikas was replaced by Milos Kerkez.
The adjustment gave Liverpool greater width, but the hosts still found it difficult to create clear-cut opportunities.
Isak registered Liverpool’s first open-play shot on target in the 52nd minute, turning into space before sending an effort towards the bottom corner that Leno comfortably gathered.
Iraola then introduced Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo in the 60th minute, with Ryan Gravenberch and Muñoz making way as Liverpool searched for greater creativity and attacking momentum.
Fulham stand firm at Anfield
Fulham remained organised as Liverpool increased the pressure during the final stages.
The visitors defended compactly and continued to threaten on the counter-attack, with Josh King and Gonzalo among those causing problems for the Liverpool defence.
Liverpool's attempts to find a late winner became increasingly frantic. The hosts appealed for a penalty during the second half, but the referee and VAR did not award a spot-kick.
Isak had one final opportunity in stoppage time when he met a corner with a header, but his effort went wide.
The final whistle confirmed Fulham’s valuable point and ended their run of three consecutive Premier League defeats. It was also Arbeloa’s first league point as Fulham manager.
Liverpool's domestic form raises questions
The draw represents another frustrating result for Iraola, who has now seen Liverpool draw three of their first four Premier League matches.
Liverpool had entered the season with considerable expectations following significant attacking investment, but Saturday’s performance highlighted a lack of cohesion in the final third.
The Reds had also won their previous two matches against Ipswich Town and Atlético Madrid, making the flat display against Fulham particularly disappointing.
For Fulham, however, the result provides a significant boost. Arbeloa’s team arrived at Anfield without a league point but demonstrated defensive discipline and enough attacking ambition to leave Merseyside with a deserved share of the spoils.
Match details
• Liverpool: No goals
• Fulham: No goals
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Competition: Premier League
Date: 12 September 2026
Referee: Thomas Bramall
Liverpool will now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup, with Tottenham Hotspur due at Anfield on Tuesday, while Fulham will look to build on their first point of the campaign in their next league fixture.