Liverpool’s difficulties in the Premier League persisted as they were held to a goalless draw by Fulham at Anfield on Sunday. The result marked Fulham’s first point of the season and extended Liverpool’s recent struggles at home under their new manager, Andoni Iraola.

Iraola, who took charge of Liverpool this season, faced his first challenge managing a Premier League match after a midweek Champions League fixture but was unable to secure a victory. The match against a Fulham side with an imperfect record appeared to be an opportunity for Liverpool to build momentum. However, Liverpool’s performance lacked cohesion, and they failed to score for the first time under Iraola’s leadership.

Fulham, managed by former Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa, praised their defensive solidity during the match. Arbeloa appointed Austrian centre-back David Affengruber for his Premier League debut, who impressed with his composure on the ball and defensive contributions. Arbeloa expressed satisfaction with the team’s balance and defensive effort, stating that their preparation paid off.

Liverpool’s coach Iraola attributed the lack of offensive threat partly to the team's congested schedule, noting the short turnaround of 60 to 70 hours between matches as a challenging factor. Nevertheless, he emphasized that fatigue should not be an excuse for underperformance, acknowledging the team’s failure to create sufficient scoring opportunities.

The result highlighted ongoing concerns for Liverpool, particularly at Anfield, where they have managed only four league wins so far in 2026. This draw marked the team’s third consecutive match without a win against clubs that finished in the bottom half of the previous season, including previous draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.

Iraola’s attempt at rotation was met with mixed results. He made three changes to the starting lineup, including the introduction of Kostas Tsimikas, Victor Munoz, and Ryan Gravenberch. However, Tsimikas was substituted at halftime after a subdued first half, while Munoz and Gravenberch were replaced before the hour mark, raising questions about the squad’s depth despite significant transfer spending.

Liverpool’s investment of approximately £670 million over the last 16 months has yet to translate into consistent performances. One bright moment emerged late in the match when new signings Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola combined to create a scoring chance, with Isak’s shot narrowly missing the target. Their partnership, costing close to £248 million collectively, suggested potential for future impact.

Overall, the stalemate underscored Liverpool’s ongoing challenges as Iraola continues to navigate the demands of Premier League and European competitions with a squad still in development.