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Fulham came close to producing one of the biggest shocks in the opening weekend of any Premier League season following a 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Saturday.
Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic marked his return to the Premier League top flight with two goals at Craven Cottage.
Mohamed Salah levelled for Liverpool with 10 minutes remaining to deny Marco Silva’s side a famous victory after a performance full of endeavour that celebrated Fulham being back in the top division.
Darwin Nunez came off the bench to open his account (64) and cancel out Mitrovic’s first strike from Salah’s cross while Jordan Henderson might have won it for Liverpool in second-half stoppage time when his curled effort cannoned off the crossbar.
Fulham chairman Shahid Khan stressed in his programme notes that the club had the idea of “complementing, not compromising, the chemistry and environment” that Silva has established since last summer.
Fulham’s previous Premier League win was against Liverpool on 7 March 2021 but, on that occasion, it was not enough to save them from relegation.
On a gorgeous day in west London, they showed they are up for the challenge after giving Jurgen Klopp’s side a real scare.
Last season’s champions of the Championship were certainly not intimidated as they took the game to the Reds, the lively Mitrovic signalling his intention by firing wide with 50 seconds on the clock after darting into the box.
Marco Silva’s side were well organised and played with confidence as they continued to create chances.
They went close to going 2-0 ahead when Neeskens Kebano hit the post while new signings Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira added creativity to the side.
It took Fulham until the fifth game to register a point the last time they started a Premier League season in 2020/21.
They are up and running after one game this time thanks to a dynamic performance from Mitrovic.
Fulham travel to Wolves on Saturday, August 13; kick-off 3pm.