Aleksandar Mitrovic bullies Trent Alexander-Arnold to put Fulham ahead against Liverpool

Fulham have made a flying start on their return to the Premier League with Aleksandar Mitrovic putting them ahead against Liverpool at Craven Cottage.

Mitrovic scored an incredible 43 goals in the Championship last season and he continued his excellent form with the opener in Saturday's early kick-off.

Shortly after the half-hour mark, Mitrovic powered an unstoppable header past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson after rising above Trent Alexander-Arnold at the back post.

It was coming! ⚽️

Aleksandar Mitrović climbs over the top of Trent Alexander-Arnold to power his header home! 🎯

Lift-off at Craven Cottage. pic.twitter.com/27kArCUyRw

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 6, 2022

It was a deserved lead for Fulham, who had gone close on a number of occasions earlier in the half.

Mitrovic almost scored in the opening minute of the match but could only poke his shot wide of the goal.

He then came close to meeting a near post corner from former Manchester United defender Andreas Pereira as Fulham pushed hard for the opening goal.

New season, same Mitrovic...

44 goals in 45 league matches since the start of last season! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/XnIHhy3AXJ

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 6, 2022

Liverpool thought they had took the lead when Luis Diaz curled a sublime effort in the top corner but the goal was ruled out for an offside in the build-up.

Fulham then took the lead, Mitrovic rising highest to open his account for the season.

Liverpool responded well to going a goal down and almost had an equaliser but Diaz could only strike the bar with a powerful shot, as Fulham held on to take a 1-0 lead into half-time.

Alexander-Arnold has come under scrutiny from fans for his defending for the goal.

"TAA is a really good footballer but his ability in the air, especially defending crosses is his weakness. And Fulham know it," wrote one fan on Twitter.

It was a clear foul on Henderson in the build up, but a deserved goal for Fulham, who have been excellent. Very poor and disappointing first half for the Reds.

— Gautham Rao (@gauthamrao) August 6, 2022

Thats a foul on Henderson in the build up

— Weso (@AllenWeso6) August 6, 2022

TAA is a really good footballer but his ability in the air, especially defending crosses is his weakness. And Fulham know it.

— TheTerribleGambler (@TT_Gambler) August 6, 2022

Another added: "Trent loses that aerial battle most games. Not surprised."

However, many Liverpool fans felt aggrieved that a free-kick was not awarded for a potential foul on Henderson in the build-up to the goal.

"Poor refereeing. It was foul on Henderson whether it's "intentional" or not," wrote one fan.

Another wrote: "It was a clear foul on Henderson in the build up, but a deserved goal for Fulham, who have been excellent. Very poor and disappointing first half for the Reds."