Liverpool were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Fulham after a dramatic finale at Craven Cottage, London, on Sunday night (January 4, 2026). Cody Gakpo’s injury-time strike in the fourth minute of stoppage time briefly gave the Reds the lead, only for Harrison Reed to level the score a few minutes later, ensuring a point for the Cottagers.
The match was a rollercoaster from start to finish, with both teams showcasing attacking intent and defensive resilience in front of a passionate London crowd.
Liverpool Start Strong
From the opening whistle, Liverpool came out aggressively. In the fifth minute, Cody Gakpo tested Fulham’s defense with a threatening attempt, which was deflected for a corner. Throughout the first half, Gakpo repeatedly caused problems for Fulham’s backline, probing gaps and drawing defenders out of position.
Fulham, on the other hand, adopted a patient, counter-attacking strategy. They remained disciplined, looking for opportunities to exploit Liverpool’s occasional defensive lapses.
The home side struck first in the 17th minute. Harry Wilson found the back of the net with a precise right-footed strike after evading an offside trap, beating Alisson Becker in goal. VAR reviewed the play but confirmed Wilson was onside, making it 1-0 to Fulham.
Liverpool looked unsettled after conceding. Their attacks were repeatedly thwarted by Fulham’s well-organized defense, which executed tackles and interceptions flawlessly. Curtis Jones tried to find a breakthrough, but his attempts were blocked, leaving Liverpool trailing at halftime.
Liverpool Respond in the Second Half
The Reds came out of the break with renewed energy. Just two minutes into the second half, Gakpo nearly equalized, only for his goal to be ruled offside, adding to the tension.
Controversy arose in the 55th minute when Harry Wilson went down in the penalty area following a challenge from a Liverpool defender. Fulham players protested vehemently for a penalty, but the referee waved away the claims, keeping the score at 1-0.
Liverpool finally restored parity in the 57th minute. Florian Wirtz produced a brilliant left-footed finish after receiving a pinpoint cross from Conor Bradley, leveling the score at 1-1. The goal was initially scrutinized for a potential offside, but VAR confirmed it stood, signaling Liverpool’s revival in the match by the 60th minute.
Fulham came close to reclaiming the lead in the 77th minute when Wilson unleashed a powerful long-range effort that rattled the crossbar, keeping the game finely poised.
Injury-Time Thriller
The drama intensified deep into stoppage time. In the fifth minute of added time, Cody Gakpo headed home a precise cross from the right flank, giving Liverpool a 2-1 advantage and sending their traveling supporters into ecstasy.
However, the celebrations were short-lived. In the seventh minute of stoppage time, Harrison Reed struck a sensational long-range effort that beat Alisson, leveling the score at 2-2 and cementing a thrilling draw for Fulham. The match ended shortly after, leaving Liverpool to rue their inability to hold on to a late lead.
Broader Premier League Context
While Liverpool dropped points, other Premier League results also influenced the table:
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Leeds United 1-1 Manchester United
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Everton 2-4 Brentford
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Newcastle 2-0 Crystal Palace
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Tottenham 1-1 Sunderland
Liverpool remain in contention near the top of the table but must address defensive lapses and late-game concentration issues as the title race heats up.
Tactical Takeaways
Liverpool’s performance highlighted both strengths and weaknesses. On the offensive front, Gakpo and Wirtz combined effectively to create high-quality chances, showcasing the Reds’ attacking creativity. However, lapses in the closing minutes revealed a recurring problem with defensive focus under pressure.
Fulham’s disciplined approach and readiness to exploit mistakes proved decisive. Their ability to stay organized and take advantage of counter-attacks ensured they left Craven Cottage with a hard-earned point.
What’s Next for Liverpool
With a congested January schedule ahead, Liverpool must quickly recover mentally and tactically. They face a series of challenging fixtures against top Premier League sides, making consistency vital for maintaining their position in the title race.
The 2-2 draw serves as both a warning and a learning opportunity. While Liverpool showed resilience and attacking quality, the team must improve concentration during injury time and tighten defensive coordination to convert late chances into guaranteed victories.
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