Liverpool were left ruing another late setback as Fulham struck deep into stoppage time to earn a deserved 2–2 draw in a dramatic Premier League encounter at Craven Cottage. A breathtaking 97th-minute strike from substitute Harrison Reed cancelled out Cody Gakpo’s injury-time goal and ensured the points were shared in a match defined by VAR controversies, missed chances, and a frantic finale.
The result continued Liverpool’s frustrating pattern of dominance without decisiveness, while Fulham were rewarded for persistence and belief. Florian Wirtz once again proved influential for the visitors, scoring a crucial equaliser, but Liverpool’s inability to manage key moments ultimately cost them victory.
Fulham Strike First as VAR Plays Its Part
Fulham took a surprise lead despite Liverpool’s early control of possession, capitalising on the visitors’ lack of cutting edge. Although Liverpool monopolised the ball in the opening exchanges, they failed to register a single shot on target in the first half, a statistic that underlined their blunt attacking display.
The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute when Harry Wilson produced a moment of quality. After Raul Jimenez dropped deep to draw Ibrahima Konaté out of position, Wilson surged into the space left behind and fired a sublime finish into the bottom-right corner past Alisson. The assistant referee initially raised his flag, but VAR intervened to confirm that Virgil van Dijk had played Wilson onside, allowing the goal to stand.
It was Fulham’s first shot of the match, echoing an all-too-familiar theme for Liverpool: conceding from limited opposition opportunities. Despite deploying a midfield-heavy lineup designed for control, Liverpool’s press was ineffective, and Fulham took full advantage of a rare defensive lapse.
Liverpool’s Missed Chances and First-Half Frustration
Liverpool’s first-half display was characterised by sterile possession and near-misses rather than genuine threat. With Hugo Ekitike sidelined through injury, Cody Gakpo led the line and found himself involved in the visitors’ best opportunities before the break.
Gakpo curled one effort narrowly wide of the far post and later saw a header crash against the post, although that chance was ultimately ruled offside. Curtis Jones also slipped a defence-splitting pass through for the Dutchman in the 11th minute, but Gakpo’s decision to take the ball away from goal narrowed the angle, and his eventual shot drifted harmlessly wide.
Fulham, by contrast, looked comfortable defending deep and breaking selectively. Liverpool’s struggles to carve out clear chances continued to frustrate Arne Slot’s side, with the lack of a natural striker and cohesive movement in the final third increasingly evident as the half wore on.
Wirtz Delivers Again as VAR Grants Liverpool a Lifeline
Liverpool emerged with greater urgency after the interval, but controversy soon followed. Gakpo thought he had equalised early in the second half, only for the offside flag to deny him once again. Moments later, Alexis Mac Allister’s header from a Dominik Szoboszlai corner rattled the crossbar, signalling a shift in momentum.
The equaliser finally arrived just before the hour mark through Florian Wirtz. Conor Bradley surged into the box and flicked the ball into Wirtz’s path, and the German swept home from six yards. Initially flagged for offside, the goal was awarded after a lengthy VAR review, much to Fulham’s frustration.
The strike marked Wirtz’s second goal in three games and continued his upward trajectory after a subdued midweek display against Leeds United. Now restored to his favoured No.10 role, the 22-year-old was Liverpool’s primary source of creativity, consistently finding pockets of space and influencing attacking moments even on a challenging afternoon.
Gakpo’s Redemption and a Chaotic Late Swing
As the match edged toward its conclusion, the tempo rose and the drama intensified. Fulham nearly regained the lead when Wilson struck the crossbar from long range after Alisson had raced off his line to deny Jimenez, leaving the Welshman with an empty goal to aim at.
Liverpool appeared to have delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time. Jeremie Frimpong whipped in an outstanding cross, and Gakpo ghosted in at the back post to tap home and make it 2–1. It was a moment of redemption for a forward who had endured a frustrating afternoon.
However, Liverpool’s joy was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Harrison Reed, moments after coming off the bench, unleashed a stunning 30-yard strike that flew past Alisson and into the net. The 97th-minute leveller sparked wild celebrations among the home supporters and left Liverpool shell-shocked.
Same Old Questions as Liverpool Look Ahead
The final whistle confirmed a result that felt like a missed opportunity for Liverpool and a deserved reward for Fulham’s resilience. Once again, Liverpoo were punished for failing to convert dominance into control, conceding late despite appearing on the brink of victory.
While Wirtz’s growing influence offers encouragement, concerns remain over Liverpool’s attacking cohesion and defensive game management. The absence of Ekitike was keenly felt, and although Gakpo eventually delivered, the overall performance highlighted familiar flaws that have plagued the side during recent inconsistent runs.
Attention now turns quickly to the next challenge. Liverpoo face a daunting trip to Arsenal on Thursday, January 8, in a crucial Premier League clash that will test both their resolve and their ability to respond after another costly late setback.
