PLAYER RATINGS: Liverpool forward responds well to criticism from fans, while Trent Alexander-Arnold was the best player on the pitch in win at Fulham

Liverpool moved level with Arsenal on points at the top of the Premier League table after starring in a 3-1 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Trent Alexander-Arnold put Liverpool ahead with a stunning first-half free-kick before Timothy Castagne equalized for the hosts just before half-time.

Any fears of a possible comeback were quickly dispelled by Liverpool when Ryan Gravenberch put Jurgen Klopp’s title chasers back ahead with his first Premier League goal.

Diogo Jota added a third to seal the victory as the Portuguese star scored his 100th goal in English football to complete a dominant victory.

Mail Sport’s Liverpool correspondent Lewis Steele rates his players in a gripping battle at Craven Cottage.

Fulham (4-2-3-1)

Bernd Leno – 7

He could do nothing to prevent Trent Alexander-Arnold’s sublime free-kick from opening the scoring, but he made several key saves on either side. However, he probably should have done better with Liverpool’s third goal.

Timothy Chestnut – 7

Very clean finish to equalize the score just before the break, having to beat Alisson and Wataru Endo on the goal line. He went up and down the right wing well and contained Cody Gakpo.

Tosin Adarabioyo – 6.5 (Reserved)

Calm in possession and had Diogo Jota’s number in the first half. A dominant defensive display at times but Fulham broke through too easily after the break.

Calvin Bassey – 6

He made a vital interception to move the ball out of Luis Díaz’s path early on. He struggled with Liverpool’s front three in the second half.

Antonee Robinson – 6.5

An electric presence bombarding Fulham’s left wing. He often lost in duels with Luis Díaz in the first half.

João Palhinha – 6.5 (Reserved)

Very important for this Fulham team, both on and off the ball. The Portuguese divided the game well and was fundamental in the preparation.

Sasa Lukic – 5

Protected the defense well and had organized possession, but struggled with Liverpool’s runners in the second half.

Bobby Decordova-Reid – 5

I had some nice moments, including a beautiful cut-back to Palhinha in the first half. He did a lot of dirty work defensively to double Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Andres Pereira – 5.5

A couple of loose passes and touches early on but they caused Liverpool problems in set-piece situations.

Alex Iwobi – 5

He made some runs through Liverpool’s midfield but often lacked the clinical edge on his final pass. He sometimes he picked the wrong ball.

Rodrigo Muñiz – 5

He had a good chance just before Castagne’s equalizer but couldn’t get his feet on the ball for a first attempt, although he did well to shoot wide which was saved by Alisson.

Substitutes

Harry Wilson (by Decordova-Reid 71) – 6

Tom Cairney (by Palhinha 71) – 6

Adama Traoré (by Iwobi 85)

Unused substitutes: Kenny Tete, Harrison Reed, Raúl Jiménez, Armando Broja, Tim Ream.

Liverpool (4-3-3)

Alisson – 6.5

He had little to do until he denied Muñiz after 40 minutes. He could do nothing to stop Castagne’s tie.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8

Kind of an ‘I’m him’ performance from Liverpool’s vice-captain. It wasn’t a perfect performance as some attempts went wrong, but he was the best player on the pitch with some Kevin De Bruyne type passes and a sublime free kick to finish it off.

Jarell Quansah – 7

Muniz was the target of the physical specimen, but he stood up to the task well and played some nice diagonal long balls.

Virgil van Dijk – 7

Imposing presence as always. Fulham players seemed afraid to confront him, including Bobby Decordova-Reid, who collided with him and called for a penalty.

Andy Robertson – 6.5

He got down the left wing well and caused problems but his cross left a little to be desired. Outrageous first touch and backheel pass at the start of the second half.

Harvey Elliott – 6.5

Booed at every touch, he was the laughingstock of Craven Cottage when he attempted a free kick under the wall which was deflected. Elliott played well otherwise, but lacked end product and had a good chance early in the second half.

Wataru Endo – 6.5

A couple of careless turnovers in the first half but they were much better after the break.

Ryan Gravenberg – 7.5

It has been a disappointing first season in England for the Dutchman, but he has improved a lot with an objective that could be key in the title race. He had some good moments as he glided through the midfield on the turnaround.

Cody Gakpo – 7.5

He has been criticized by Liverpool fans for the last month, but it was a very pleasing performance for the Dutchman, who set up Jota for the third goal. Make a good shift on defense.

Diogo Jota – 7.5

He went astray in the first half when he took a shot from a dangerous position. But there was never any doubt about him when he scored in the second half, with his shot to make it 3-1 almost winning the three points.

Luis Diaz – 7

He started the game well and looked strong in the first half, connecting well with Alexander-Arnold. However, he faded a bit in the second half.

Substitutes

Alexis Mac Allister (by Gravenberch 74) – 6 Mohamed Salah (by Díaz 74) – 6 Darwin Nunez (by Jota 74) – 6 Joe Gomez (by Alexander-Arnold 80) Dominik Szoboszlai (by Gakpo 86)

Unused substitutes: Caoimhin Kelleher, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones, Kostas Tsimikas.