Tue Jan 06 04:10:00 UTC 2026: # Fulham Stuns Liverpool with Late Equalizer, Damping Top Four Hopes

The Story:
Liverpool’s pursuit of a top-four Premier League finish suffered a significant setback as Fulham secured a 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage on January 4, 2026. Harrison Reed’s stunning stoppage-time goal canceled out Cody Gakpo’s late go-ahead goal. The match was marked by VAR controversy and resilient performances from both sides, further highlighting Liverpool’s inconsistent form under manager Arne Slot.

Key Points:

  • Fulham took the lead in the 17th minute through Harry Wilson, a former Liverpool academy player, after a VAR review overturned an initial offside call.
  • Liverpool struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half, failing to register a single shot on target.
  • Florian Wirtz equalized for Liverpool in the second half, assisted by Conor Bradley.
  • Cody Gakpo appeared to have secured a late victory for Liverpool with a goal in the 94th minute.
  • Harrison Reed scored a stunning long-range goal in the 97th minute to equalize for Fulham.
  • Alexis Mac Allister hit the bar for Liverpool.
  • Alisson failed to hold a shot from Jimenez.

Critical Analysis:
The historical context highlights a couple key aspects which are impacting on the overall performance of the club. The press conference mentions an injury to Ekitike and fitness concerns surrounding Wirtz. This is clearly impacting on the available squad to Slot. The ‘Slot searching for balance’ headline also highlights some instability within the team structure, and ultimately, the team are failing to deliver on the expectations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities continue to plague their performances, hindering their chances of securing a Champions League spot.
  • Arne Slot’s side struggles to maintain consistency in attack, relying on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play.
  • Fulham demonstrated resilience and determination, earning a valuable point against a top-four contender.
  • VAR decisions played a significant role in the outcome of the match, adding to the ongoing debate about its implementation in the Premier League.
  • The draw puts further pressure on Arne Slot to address Liverpool’s shortcomings and secure a positive run of results.

Impact Analysis:
This result has serious implications for Liverpool’s Champions League qualification ambitions. With other teams also vying for a top-four finish, dropping points against a mid-table side like Fulham could prove costly. The pressure on Arne Slot will intensify, and he needs to find a way to improve Liverpool’s defensive solidity and attacking efficiency quickly.

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