He is actually useless’: Liverpool fans blame one player for the second Fulham goal

In a tense match between Liverpool and Fulham, the game was tied at 1-1 when Fulham took the lead with a stunning second goal. As the ball found its way into Liverpool’s net, a collective groan went up from the Anfield crowd, and on social media, the ire of Liverpool fans quickly turned towards one player.

James Milner, the seasoned veteran and ever-reliable figure in the midfield, was at the center of the controversy. Having been deployed as a right-back in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Milner’s positioning and decision-making were immediately questioned after Fulham’s second goal.

The incident began with a fast Fulham counter-attack. As Fulham pushed forward, Milner, not entirely accustomed to the defensive role, found himself caught in no-man’s land. His attempt to track Fulham’s winger broke down, and the ball was played past him, allowing the cross to come in. Despite a scramble in the box, Fulham’s striker finished clinically, putting the visitors ahead.

Liverpool fans were quick to vent their frustrations online, blaming Milner for the defensive lapse. Many criticized his slow reactions and questioned his ability to keep up with the pace of the game in that unfamiliar position. On Twitter and fan forums, comments poured in: “He is actually useless,” one user wrote, while another lamented, “Milner’s been a great servant, but that was unforgivable.”

While Milner has long been praised for his versatility and leadership, the incident at Fulham felt like a painful reminder that age and lack of specialized experience in certain areas of the field can be costly in high-pressure situations. Even Klopp, known for his faith in Milner’s professionalism, would have been forced to reconsider the wisdom of placing the 38-year-old in such a demanding role against a quick, attacking team like Fulham.

For Milner, the match was a bitter one. He had spent much of his career making key contributions in midfield for Liverpool, but as the final whistle blew, it was clear that his performance at right-back would be one of the defining moments of the match—one that left fans pointing fingers and questioning whether the team could rely on him to fill in again in the future.

Despite the criticism, Milner remained composed, acknowledging that mistakes happen in football. Klopp, too, was quick to remind fans of Milner’s vast contributions to the club, but the defeat to Fulham was a reminder that every player has their limits, and even the most experienced can falter under pressure.

Liverpool would have to regroup, and Milner would have to brush off the harsh words. Yet the frustration of the fans lingered, with many hoping that the team could learn from their mistakes and improve as they pushed for the rest of the season. For now, though, Milner’s role in that second goal would be a sore spot for the Reds’ faithful.