Liverpool finally got back to winning ways on Saturday, beating Fulham 2-0 at Anfield to snap a miserable run of three consecutive defeats.
The Reds had been under serious pressure following a heavy FA Cup loss to Manchester City and a poor showing in Paris against PSG.
But it was a 17-year-old who stole the headlines. Rio Ngumoha etched his name into the history books by becoming Liverpool's youngest ever Premier League goalscorer at Anfield, finding the net at just 17 years and 225 days old.
"It's a special goal," Ngumoha said afterwards. "Liverpool for me are the biggest club in the world."
Liverpool opened the scoring through a sublime strike from 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha
|REUTERS
Mohamed Salah made quite the statement after being left out entirely against PSG on Wednesday night. The Egyptian forward was clinical, curling home a first-time finish into the far corner just moments after Ngumoha's opener.
It was only his second Premier League goal since November, but the timing couldn't have been better given the mounting tension between himself and Arne Slot.
The manager has dropped Salah on several occasions this season, and it's believed to be a key reason why the forward is reportedly willing to walk away from his contract a year early.
The Anfield faithful showed where their loyalties lie, giving Salah a standing ovation as he left the pitch.
Mohamed Salah, who has had his problems with Arne Slot, received a standing ovation after coming off
|REUTERS
Both goals came within four minutes of each other in the first half, each featuring a similar curling finish that left Fulham with no answer.
Ngumoha cut in from the left flank after Andy Robertson created space for him, picking out the corner with precision. Cody Gakpo then controlled a ball into the box and laid it off for Salah to do the rest.
Liverpool dominated throughout, though Harry Wilson nearly caught them out early, chipping just over Giorgi Mamardashvili's crossbar.
After the break, chances kept coming. Gakpo miscontrolled a sharp Frimpong cross and Mac Allister went close, but the third goal never arrived.
Remarkably, despite facing 19 shots and nine corners, Liverpool avoided any major scares at the back.
The victory lifts Liverpool up to fifth in the table, a position that now secures Champions League football for next season.
Chelsea sit four points behind in sixth, though they have a game in hand and face Manchester City on Sunday.
Attention now turns to Tuesday night's massive Champions League quarter-final second leg against PSG at Anfield. Slot's side need to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg in Paris.
Rio Ngumoha scores his FIRST goal at Anfield at just 17 years old!! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/vWLvlZBFyS
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 11, 2026
The big question heading into that clash is whether Slot will restore Salah to the starting lineup after his impressive display against Fulham.