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Diogo Jota made a triumphant return for Liverpool as his late equaliser ensured the Premier League leaders clawed back a 2-2 draw against Fulham at Anfield, despite being reduced to 10 men following Andy Robertson’s red card. The pulsating clash saw the Reds twice recover from a deficit, showcasing their resilience under challenging circumstances.
Fulham Strike Early, Liverpool Respond Through Gakpo
Fulham stunned the Anfield faithful with an early breakthrough. Andreas Pereira, sharp and opportunistic, volleyed home in the 11th minute to give the visitors an unexpected lead. Liverpool’s defensive lapse allowed Pereira the space to punish them, setting the tone for a tense and gripping encounter.
The Reds, however, refused to be overwhelmed. Liverpool’s equaliser arrived shortly after the break when Mohamed Salah delivered a delightful cross, met with precision by Cody Gakpo, who headed past Fulham’s Bernd Leno. This moment not only brought Liverpool level but ignited a resurgence, energising the home crowd.
Robertson’s Red Card Shifts Momentum
Liverpool’s uphill battle intensified in the 17th minute when Andy Robertson received his marching orders for denying Fulham’s Harry Wilson a clear goalscoring opportunity. The incident came under intense scrutiny from the video assistant referee (VAR), which confirmed Wilson had been onside in the build-up, sealing Robertson’s fate.
The decision left Liverpool fans aggrieved, particularly after Fulham defender Issa Diop escaped with only a booking for a high challenge on Robertson earlier in the match. While Wilson’s subsequent free-kick narrowly missed Alisson Becker’s goal, Fulham’s numerical advantage signalled a daunting challenge for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Despite the setback, Liverpool fought valiantly. Luis Diaz came closest to restoring parity before the interval, heading over from close range as the Reds pushed for an immediate response.
Late Drama as Jota Steals the Spotlight
Liverpool’s determination in the second half was unwavering. Their pressure on Fulham’s defence grew relentless, and Salah had multiple chances to turn the game on its head, narrowly missing the target each time. The Anfield crowd was left on edge, willing their side to find a way back into the contest.
Fulham capitalised on a rare opportunity in the 76th minute when Rodrigo Muniz fired the visitors into the lead once again. The strike seemed to have sealed Liverpool’s fate, with time running out for a response.
But Liverpool were not done yet. In the 86th minute, the returning Jota, who had been sidelined since October with injury, stepped up to deliver a moment of magic. Slotting the ball past Leno with precision, the Portuguese forward restored parity and sparked jubilant celebrations among the Anfield faithful.
Implications for the Title Race
The draw leaves Liverpool with mixed emotions. While their tenacity and ability to fight back under adversity were admirable, the dropped points allowed their title rivals to edge closer. Arsenal, held to a goalless draw by Everton, and Chelsea, playing Brentford later in the weekend, remain in pursuit as the league table tightens.
For Fulham, the result was a testament to their organisation and ability to challenge top-tier opponents. Manager Marco Silva will undoubtedly take pride in his side’s performance, even if they will rue the missed opportunity to claim a famous win at Anfield.
Jota’s late heroics capped an enthralling evening of football, ensuring Liverpool extended their unbeaten run at Anfield while keeping their title ambitions alive. The result, however, underscores the competitiveness of the Premier League, where every match presents a new challenge, and every point is hard-earned.
Liverpool’s dominance in possession was evident as they controlled 61% of the ball, dictating the tempo for much of the game against Fulham. Their attacking intent resulted in 16 shots compared to Fulham’s 12, with Liverpool generating a significantly higher expected goals (xG) figure of 2.26 to Fulham’s 1.08. Despite this, the Reds struggled with efficiency, registering only four shots on target and missing one of their three big chances, while Fulham capitalised on their lone big chance to remain competitive. Liverpool’s precise passing stood out as they completed 449 passes at an impressive 88% accuracy, overshadowing Fulham’s 277 passes at 82%.
Defensively, Liverpool’s aggression was apparent in the 10 fouls they committed compared to Fulham’s seven, and their efforts earned them five corners to Fulham’s four. However, Fulham’s resilience ensured they stayed in the contest, limiting Liverpool’s opportunities and making their defensive structure difficult to break down. While the Reds demonstrated their dominance statistically, Fulham’s ability to maximise their limited chances and hold their ground highlighted the balance between offensive intent and defensive discipline in a hard-fought 2-2 draw.
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