Fulham and Liverpool played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage on Sunday as both teams scored in second half stoppage time to cap a wild game.
WATCH — Full match replay
Harry Wilson gave Fulham the lead after a VAR check ruled his goal onside, and Florian Wirtz equalized in exactly the same fashion in the second half.
Liverpool thought they had won it in the 94th minute through Cody Gakpo but Harrison Reed scored a stunner in the 97th minute to make it 2-2 and grab a point or Fulham.
With the draw Fulham have 28 points, while Liverpool move on to 34 points.
Clunky Liverpool struggling to dominate
Even though this will feel like two points dropped for Liverpool, it was a fair result. Liverpool were well off the pace in the first half but much better in the second, and that sums them up right now. They were slammed for not taking enough risks against Leeds at Anfield a few days ago but you can see why Arne Slot has decided to prioritize solidity in recent weeks. Because they opened things up against Fulham and were punished. The first goal they conceded summed up why Liverpool are struggling defensively this season as one straight ball took out their entire back four. Liverpool were chaotic defensively and only had control of this game in a few spells. That is where they are at and the next time people slam Slot’s side for not taking enough risks in attack, tell them to watch the highlights of this Fulham game. Liverpool have a much better chance of finishing in the top four this season if they are less adventurous. It’s not exciting but it’s the truth.
What’s next?
Fulham host Chelsea on Wednesday, January 7, while Liverpool head to Arsenal on Thursday, January 8.
Fulham vs Liverpool score: 2-2
Wilson 17', Reed 97'; Wirtz 57', Gakpo 94'
Fulham vs Liverpool live updates! — By Joe Prince-Wright
Reed smashes home a stunner!
What a hit in the 97th minute. Wow. Incredible strike to make it 2-2!
Gakpo surely wins it!
Jeremie Frimpong whips in a lovely cross and Anderson can’t clear at the near post. Gakpo is coming in at the back stick and he bundles it home. Liverpool’s players and fans go wild in the away end.
So close to a goal for Fulham!
Raul Jimenez races through and the ball drops to Harry Wilson and he clips it towards goal but it hits the crossbar. Then Van Dijk clears.
Wirtz is ruled offside, but he was on... goal stands!
Bradley surges into the box and plays in Wirtz who finishes calmly, but the flag is up. VAR is checking the offside... and Wirtz is on. Goal stands! 1-1.
Mac Allister hits the crossbar!
A corner from the right is perfect for Alexis Mac Allister but his header from close range smashes the crossbar. So close to an equalizer for Liverpool. They are well on top now.
Gakpo scores, but he’s offside
A cross from the left is finished by Gakpo but he’s offside. Liverpool have started the second half well.
Half time: Fulham 1-0 Liverpool
Wilson’s goal is the difference but Gakpo has gone close a couple of times for Liverpool. The Reds haven’t been that dangerous and Fulham’s press is stopping them from building any momentum.
Gakpo hits the post with a header!
A lovely cross from the right finds Gakpo totally unmarked and his header is a beauty but it hits the post.
Wilson has Fulham ahead!
Fulham have a Wilson goal disallowed for offside but VAR is checking. Hang on. He’s onside! It stands. The former Liverpool player scores against them with a wonderful low finish across goal after a great pass from Raul Jimenez. 1-0 to the hosts! Liverpool’s center backs will be disappointed with getting caught out with one central ball.
Big chance for Gakpo!
A lovely ball over the top finds Gakpo and he’s clean through. But the ball is caught under his feet and he bobbles a shot towards goal which almost sneaks in.
Gakpo’s low shot deflected wide
Nice play by Curtis Jones and the ball finds Cody Gakpo who turns sharply and gets a low shot on goal. It deflects off Anderson and goes out for a corner. Liverpool are keeping the ball well and have Fulham pinned back.
We are underway at the Cottage
After the 15-minute delay we are off and running at the Cottage. Fulham have started well and are pressing Liverpool high all over the pitch.
Due to a medical emergency, kick off delayed
A statement has just been released with kick off delayed until 10:15am ET: “Due to a medical emergency the kick-off of the match between Fulham vs Liverpool has been delayed by 15 minutes.”
Fulham lineup
Leno; Diop, Anderson, Cuenca; Castagne, Lukic, Cairney, Robinson; Smith Rowe, Wilson; Jimenez
Liverpool
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Gakpo
Fulham team news, focus
OUT: Kenny Tete (hamstring), Calvin Bassey (international duty - AFCON), Alex Iwobi (international duty - AFCON), Samu Chukwueze (international duty - AFCON), Rodrigo Muniz (thigh) | QUESTIONABLE: Joshua King (knee), Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring)
Liverpool team news, focus
OUT: Alexander Isak (broken leg - MORE), Joe Gomez (muscular), Mohamed Salah (international duty - AFCON), Wataru Endo (knock), Giovanni Leoni (knee - MORE), Stefan Bajcetic (hamstring)
Fulham vs Liverpool preview
The Cottagers are up to 11th on the Premier League table with 27 points from 19 matches, with 10 of those points coming over the past two-and-a-half weeks.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have found their footing over the last month or so, back into the top four race thanks to a seven-match unbeaten run which has included away London wins over West Ham and Spurs.
But Arne Slot’s men were disappointed on Thursday via a 0-0 draw at home to Leeds, a reality check for a club whose title defense has been anything but strong.
Fulham vs Liverpool prediction
The Cottagers have just one loss since star fullback Antonee Robinson’s returned to the Starting XI, and that came in the League Cup against Newcastle. Robinson is usually up against Mohamed Salah in this fixture but won’t have that challenge and could well be a big part of Fulham’s upset bid. But the Liverpool midfield should be too strong for this to go the way of the Cottagers. Fulham 1-2 Liverpool.
How to watch Fulham vs Liverpool live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10:15am ET Sunday
Venue: Craven Cottage — West London
TV Channel: USA
Streaming: Watch live on USA Network
