Liverpool once again failed to secure crucial Premier League points in the 2025/2026 season. On Sunday night (January 4, 2026), the Reds visited Craven Cottage and were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Fulham, despite taking the lead in the final minutes of the match.
The result left Liverpool frustrated. A victory had seemed within reach after Cody Gakpo struck in the fourth minute of injury time in the second half. However, that lead was snatched away just moments later, as Harrison Reed scored a stunning long-range goal in the 97th minute, ensuring Fulham salvaged a dramatic point. The late goal cost Liverpool two critical points in the Premier League title race.
Bitter Record for Liverpool
The match also added an unwelcome statistical footnote to Liverpool’s season. According to Opta, Gakpo’s 93:53-minute goal became the fourth-latest goal in Premier League history that failed to secure a victory for the scoring team. Since the official records began in the 2006/2007 season, only three other teams have suffered worse.
This outcome compounds Liverpool’s recent frustrations. Although the Reds looked effective in the second half—particularly with Florian Wirtz equalizing before Gakpo’s strike—the team once again faltered in the final moments. Reed’s decisive goal arose from a defensive lapse that could arguably have been prevented, highlighting Liverpool’s recurring end-of-game concentration issues.
Premier League Title Race Remains Open
Despite the setback, the draw does not immediately damage Liverpool’s position at the top of the table. Manchester United managed only a 1-1 draw against Leeds United, while Chelsea still face a challenging encounter with Manchester City.
Currently, Liverpool hold a three-point lead over Manchester United, who sit in fifth, and are four points ahead of Chelsea in sixth place. Nevertheless, the Reds have failed to capitalize on opportunities in their last two matches, allowing rival teams to remain close and maintain pressure in the title race.
Looking ahead, Liverpool face a tough fixture schedule. Upcoming Premier League matches against Arsenal, Manchester City, and Newcastle United represent critical tests. Even small errors in January could have significant implications for the league standings.
Worrying Performance Under Arne Slot
The Fulham draw extended Liverpool’s unbeaten streak to nine matches. However, beneath that statistic, the team’s performance remains far from convincing.
Liverpool spent approximately £450 million during the summer transfer window, signaling serious ambitions to compete for domestic and European titles. Yet, the team currently trails league leaders Arsenal by 14 points after 20 games—a gap that raises concerns for a club of Liverpool’s stature.
Manager Arne Slot has been criticized for prioritizing defensive stability over attacking dynamism. While the cautious approach has kept results steady, analysts argue that playing too conservatively is unsustainable for a team aiming to reclaim domestic dominance and European glory.
Tactical Approach Under Scrutiny
Slot’s strategy often sees Liverpool sacrifice offensive firepower to maintain defensive balance. While this has occasionally prevented defeats, the trade-off is evident in matches like Fulham, where late lapses undermine hard-earned leads. Critics suggest that Slot must reintroduce attacking aggression to complement his defensive structure, particularly against lower-ranked teams where opportunities to secure wins should not be squandered.
The Manager’s Future at Anfield
Arne Slot’s contract runs until the end of the 2026/2027 season, but his long-term future is increasingly uncertain. Continued underperformance could force Liverpool’s management to consider strategic changes at Anfield sooner than expected.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the January fixtures approach. With heavy games against top rivals on the horizon, how Liverpool respond in the next few weeks may define not only Slot’s tenure but also the club’s ambitions for the remainder of the season.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Liverpool
The late draw at Fulham serves as a stark reminder that Liverpool cannot afford complacency, especially in the title race. While the team remains in contention, errors in focus, defensive lapses, and lack of cutting edge in attack continue to raise questions about the Reds’ championship credentials.
If Liverpool hope to challenge for the Premier League crown, Slot must strike a balance between defensive security and offensive potency. The January schedule will test the squad’s depth, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure.
Until the Reds find consistency, results like the draw at Craven Cottage will continue to haunt their season, reminding supporters that every moment counts in the race for glory.
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