Liverpool were minutes away from snatching an unlikely three points, but a top-class finish meant points were shared at Fulham, and the frenetic finish did not paper over the cracks.
Fulham 2-2 Liverpool
Premier League (20) | Craven Cottage
January 4, 2026
Goals: Wilson 17′, Reed 90+7′; Wirtz 57′, Gakpo 90+4′
1. Nine unbeaten, but so what?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: Liverpool's Cody Gakpo scores his side's second goal during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Arne Slot clearly deserves some credit for the change in approach that has seen Liverpool go from losing nine games in 12 to an unbeaten run that now comprises nine outings.
But it is hard to shift the feeling that the Reds are simply benefiting from a slight change in fortune, rather than guaranteeing positive outcomes with their performances.
Previously, Slot’s side were generating a lot of shots and xG only to concede a lot, and fell on the wrong side of the margins in so many of those ending in defeats.
Now, however, they are conceding very little of either but at the expense of offering much attacking threat themselves.
Clearly, that can work, as this period without defeat proves, but it also feels like Liverpool are on a knife-edge and that this brand of football means another poor run is in the post.
As much was proven by the fact that this one was thrown away at the death despite Fulham having offered so little throughout.
2. Only seems to be going one way for Slot
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot after the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Of course, Slot had little choice but to turn to this style as he looked to stem the bleeding sufficiently to save his job.
Yet the Liverpool hierarchy cannot seriously believe that this is a sustainable route to success and so surely need to see more between now and the end of the season from their head coach.
If the Reds are to challenge for the title next year, as this squad should, then you would imagine they need to finish this campaign showing that sort of form.
But there are no signs of a more expansive yet balanced team emerging, while so many individuals are playing below their best.
If this continues until May, then it would be no shock if Slot is dismissed before he has the chance to enter the final year of his contract.
3. Forward options not the manager’s fault
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: Liverpool's Cody Gakpo celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Still, if there is one thing the head coach shouldn’t be blamed for, it is that he went into this game with just one senior forward in Cody Gakpo in the line-up.
Of the other options, Alexander Isak‘s absence was a direct result of a poor challenge, and that had clearly led to Hugo Ekitike‘s overuse and subsequent hamstring trouble.
International duty for Mohamed Salah was also unavoidable, while the fact that the untrusted Federico Chiesa and very young Rio Ngumoha were the only alternatives is a squad-building issue more than anything.
As such, Slot could probably argue that it is little wonder that Liverpool are struggling for goals or to look convincing going forward.
4. Florian Wirtz can take the positives
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz scores his side's first and equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Watching Florian Wirtz‘s performances across the last two games, you have been left to wonder just how much that hamstring is troubling him.
The German was on a clear upward trajectory prior to these fixtures, yet has gone back to largely being a peripheral figure.
Still, he had another positive to take from this one in the form of a well-taken finish that brought Liverpool back into the game.
You can only hope that adds further confidence to his game and that, once this muscle problem is shaken off, Wirtz can continue to thrive.
5. Frimpong continues to impress
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: (L-R) Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong and Fulham's Antonee Robinson during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Another upside from yet another forgettable afternoon was the performance of substitute Jeremie Frimpong.
The Dutchman came in to create what looked to be the winner, continuing a run of games in which he has looked like Liverpool’s biggest attacking threat.
It has been a difficult start to life at Anfield for Frimpong due to a run of injuries that is not really in-keeping with his career fitness record.
But he clearly makes the Reds a better team when available, and proved it again against Fulham here.