Liverpool’s aspirations of securing a top-four spot in the Premier League suffered a significant setback when Fulham’s Harrison Reed delivered a sensational goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time, leveling the match at Craven Cottage with a 2-2 draw.
Just moments before, Liverpool appeared to have clinched a victory as Cody Gakpo scored from close range, celebrating what seemed like a sure match-winner for the champions.
After a largely ineffective attacking performance, Arne Slot’s team recovered from a lackluster first half, ultimately seeming to have the match in their grasp.
Harry Wilson opened the scoring for Fulham before Florian Wirtz leveled the score, with his goal largely owing to a clever assist from Conor Bradley. The Liverpool record signing netted his second league goal following Bradley’s run and pass.
Gakpo’s goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time seemed to place Liverpool on a clear path toward fourth place, but Reed’s incredible long-range shot, which found the top corner from 30 yards, dashed those hopes.
Fulham took the lead in the 17th minute when a pass from the back by Jorge Cuenca was flicked on by Raúl Jiménez. Wilson seized the opportunity, shooting past Ryan Gravenberch and finding the back of the net.
Initial celebrations were halted by an offside flag, but VAR confirmed that Virgil van Dijk was the narrowest margin onside, allowing Wilson to tally his sixth goal of the season.
The first half concluded without Liverpool registering a single shot on target, their possession largely spent passing in front of Fulham’s defense, lacking avenues for a breakthrough.
At the start of the second half, Gakpo was offside when he found the net, although Fulham’s ineffective clearance offered a glimmer of hope for Liverpool.
Alexis Mac Allister struck the bar after losing his marker during a corner, signaling an uptick in Liverpool’s performance.
The Liverpool side looked rejuvenated after half-time, and an equalizer felt imminent. It came just before the hour mark, with VAR needed again for a marginal decision.
A dazzling run from Bradley carried him into the Fulham box, where he fed Wirtz, who timed his run perfectly to net the equalizer.
Liverpool maintained their control, but defensive frailties reared their head late in the match, nearly costing them dearly.
Antonee Robinson’s long pass put Jimenez through against Alisson, but the Liverpool goalkeeper rushed out to block the effort, leaving an open goal. Wilson’s follow-up struck the crossbar, and Van Dijk cleared, providing Liverpool with a huge escape.
The match concluded with dramatic late action, as Fulham earned a well-deserved draw, surprising many with the outcome.