Liverpool’s 3–2 loss to Fulham on Sunday afternoon followed Arsenal’s 1–1 draw against Everton on the road at Goodison Park on Saturday, which might have marked the beginning of the end for one man in particular.
With a victory in west London, Arne Slot’s team might have increased their lead at the top of the table to 14 points. Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi, and Rodrigo Muniz all scored goals for Fulham, but Marco Silva’s team had other ideas.
Even if players like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah had difficult afternoons, Caoimhin Kelleher’s role at the club has been the subject of much post-match conversation, particularly with Giorgi Mamardashvili’s arrival looming in the background.
In his 20 appearances this season in all competitions without Alisson Becker, the usually dependable glove bearer had a performance marred by mistakes, and all signs point to a departure during the summer transfer window.
A Challenging Afternoon in West London for Kelleher
Could his performance mean the end of his 67-game tenure at Anfield?
Without a doubt, Slot still prefers Alisson, who is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Premier League history, to start in goal, but there is much debate about who should be his backup.
After Arsenal’s loss the previous day, Kelleher stood between the posts as Liverpool attempted to rally after the Brazilian’s absence due to a failed concussion protocol. However, the goalie was a major factor in their loss.
Kelleher played the whole duration of Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Everton before to their trip to the capital, but prior to that, he was usually used in cup matches, underscoring his standing among Slot’s group of goalkeepers.
Although Slot was compelled to start him against Fulham, it turned out to be chastening because he was suspected of being responsible for a handful of Fulham’s goals. Kelleher was wrong-footed by a deflection for Iwobi’s goal in the 32nd minute, but his position was actually bad.
Following the Brazilian’s bullying of Van Dijk off the ball, which caused everyone to sigh in dismay as Kelleher failed to make what must have been a straightforward stop, Muniz tucked one through his legs for Fulham’s third and final goal of the match.
The champions elect faced a flurry of opportunities from the west Londoners in the first half, and Kelleher, who was born in Cork, made just three saves in his 90-minute performance, including one from inside the 18-yard box.
He also finished the same number of punches and clearances and one high claim elsewhere. His 76% passing accuracy percentage (31/41) and the fact that he only tried three of his 13 long balls demonstrated that he was also anxious about winning. The most damning result of all was that he gave up 1.22 more goals than he should have according to statistics.
His subpar performance follows Mamardashvili’s substitution for Valencia, his current employers, against Real Madrid. The form of Georgia’s Euro 2024 hero has been questioned, but after his performance during their victory over Los Blancos, the Spanish media was raving about the young player.
Kelleher’s decline and Marmadashvili’s return to form portray a very bleak picture for the latter, and it would be best for everyone if they left in the summer. He had established himself as No. 1 elsewhere and was generally trustworthy.
Kelleher Caoimhin, 24/25 Stats
Rivalry
Games
Minutes
Objectives Given Up
Clean Sheet
The Premier League
10.
900
Twelve
4.
League of Champions
4.
360 degrees
3.
3.
League Cup
4.
360 degrees
4.
One
FA Cup
2.
180
One
One
Anfield Supporters Hope for Alisson’s Comeback “Maybe it’s a good thing we’re selling Kelleher.”
Finding a single Liverpool player who covered themselves in glory at Craven Cottage would be worrisome. The obvious championship winners didn’t look alike, but Kelleher has had his share of criticism from the Anfield supporters.
Regardless of whether they are the starting or backup custodian, a number of supporters have taken to X (previously Twitter) to express their opinion that the Irishman’s performance is just not up to par.
“Have all of Liverpool’s players been under fire this weekend?” “The front three barely touched it,” one wrote before continuing. The midfield is unable to hold the ball. There are back fours everywhere. Caoimhin Kelleher had a memorable day. Horrible everywhere.
While one fan longed for Alisson to return, another remarked, “Kelleher never saves the easiest shots ever.” We could be better off selling Kelleher. Normally, I give him a rating, but I need Alisson returned before his stock drops.
“Kelleher has done well when he stepped in over the years and is likeable enough, but it is not surprising that Liverpool felt they needed another option when considering a long-term replacement for Alisson.”
In a similar vein, another supporter expressed their happiness that Kelleher, who is widely regarded as one of the best backup stoppers in international football, is leaving for new opportunities after the 2024–2025 season. “I’m glad Kelleher leaves in the summer,” they wrote simply.
There was a lot of anticipation about the 26-year-old’s possible availability as of March 2025. Although Leeds United, who are hoping to advance, are also among his potential suitors, Bournemouth has set their sights on winning the battle for his signing.
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