“He’s a joke, ‘He should never start again” – Liverpool fans furious after awful performance from star man

Roberto Firmino’s performance against Fulham in Liverpool’s opening 2022–23 Premier League game on August 6 was no doubt unpleasant to the away fans as the Reds drew 2-2 against the newly-promoted side at Craven Cottage.

In the 32nd minute, Aleksandr Mitrovic scored the game’s first goal with a forceful header over Trent Alexander-Arnold. After coming off the bench, new signing Darwin Nunez leveled things up for the Merseysiders.

Virgil van Dijk then fouled Mitrovic in the box, of which he converted the resulting penalty to give Fulham the lead once more in the 72nd minute. Then, in the 80th minute, Mohamed Salah equalized for Jurgen Klopp’s side with a close-range finish.

Firmino started the game for the Reds, but was substituted by Nunez at the 50-minute mark. The 30-year-old Brazilian was unable to significantly impact the game.

He made no key passes, attempted any dribbles, or had any shots on goal. Nine times he lost posession, and only once in two attempts did he win a ground duel.

As a result of Firmino’s disappointing performance, Liverpool supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts:

Honestly wonder what Firmino does in training that allows him to start.

— Ustaz K (@badman_khaleel) August 6, 2022

Firmino needs to get subbed off right now and never start again.

— Lovey Khurana (@_Forever_Red) August 6, 2022

firmino is the most protected player by our fanbase

— LFC_Trey (@oNm0phkXd53hMeb) August 6, 2022

Everything that we used to give endless praise to Firmino for are now his worst attributes.

He should not be starting games for us.

— Laurie (@LFCLaurie) August 6, 2022

Firmino wasted 63 minutes of our time

— Gbemiga (@Gbemiga__A) August 6, 2022

All of u calling for Firmino to start kindly sym you know nothing about football https://t.co/cPabwPo9Ij

— KJ (@kopite4ever1) August 6, 2022

You lots that were gassing up Firmino’s pre season deserve this

— Ahmed (@ahmedIfc) August 6, 2022

Firmino is actually a joke. He offers absolutely nothing

— FSG OUT (@ShaunlfcT) August 6, 2022

After this performance, Nunez might replace Firmino as a starter in future matches. The Uruguayan was signed by the Reds for a club-record £85 million, and so far he has been very prolific.

Liverpool on July 30, defeated Manchester City 3-1 in the Community Shield, thanks to a goal from the 23-year-old. He also won a penalty in that game, which Salah converted.

Some stats from Liverpool’s draw against Fulham

Some outstanding stats were recorded across the board during the Reds’ opening day match against the Cottagers.

With the draw, Fulham became the first side since 2017 not to lose against Liverpool on the opening day of the Premier League. The Reds back then were held to a 3-3 draw by Watford.

Mitrovic became the first player to score two or more goals against the Reds since February 2021 when Ilkay Gundogan scored twice for City in their 4-1 victory back then.

The score at the break was 1-0 for Klopp’s side at the Craven Cottage on Saturday. In the whole 2021–22 Premier League season, they only went behind once at half-time.

Mohamed Salah has now scored in six straight Premier League opening fixtures, the first player to ever pull that off.