The Premier League has clarified why Harry Wilson’s goal against Liverpool at Craven Cottage was allowed to stand, with officials explaining the factors behind the ruling
15:48, 04 Jan 2026Updated 16:09, 04 Jan 2026
Harry Wilson celebrates after scoring for Fulham against Liverpool
Harry Wilson celebrates after scoring for Fulham against Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
The Premier League has issued a clarification regarding Harry Wilson’s goal against Liverpool, explaining why the strike was allowed to stand.
The former Reds winger gave Fulham the lead, converting a precise finish into the bottom corner. The on-field decision ruled the strike offside however VAR confirmed the goal was onside, with Virgil van Dijk ruled not to have interfered with play, allowing Wilson’s strike to stand.
Offering an explanation on X/Twitter, the Premier League said: "VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal – and established that Wilson was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded."
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It is the second time Wilson has scored against his former club. He joined Fulham in 2021 after enjoying back-to-back season-long loans at Derby and Bournemouth before joining Cardiff City for the 2020/21 campaign, where he scored seven goals and provided 12 assists in 37 Championship appearances for the Bluebirds.
Wilson came through Liverpool’s academy and left the Merseyside club after 15 years, though the Welshman struggled to secure regular first-team opportunities during his time at Anfield.
Sky Sports News' reporter Gail Davis at Craven Cottage said: "Harry Wilson doesn’t do ordinary when it comes to scoring, he thought he might have been offside but finished with some style because hey why not and was rewarded. A slightly flat atmosphere has quickly heated up here."
Wilson has been in electric form at Craven Cottage, contributing to five goals in his last eight home league appearances—four strikes and one assist—surpassing the three goals he managed in his previous 20 matches at the venue.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Harry Wilson of Fulham scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage on January 04, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Liverpool has been unable to recover when conceding first in the Premier League this season, losing all four matches in which they fell behind.
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Former Chelsea and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer speaking on BBC 5 Live at Craven Cottage said: For Liverpool there is a slight question mark now. They were beaten by a ball played in behind when they were slightly high up the pitch and they were punished, so now there is a feel that we can't get beaten by another ball in behind like that.
"They've dropped deeper and Fulham having scored the goal are full if confidence and on the front foot. Fulham are just congesting that central area. They know the ball is going there and Liverpool players are tucking in to get in between the lines, but there is just no room for them.
"Everything is comfortable for Fulham at the moment. Liverpool are playing in front of them and their possession is quite slow. They can almost predict where the next pass is going."