Liverpool was left stunned after Harrison Reed's spectacular strike earned Fulham a dramatic draw, and Arne Slot has admitted one of his late decisions backfired
James Findlater Content Editor
21:03, 04 Jan 2026
Liverpool boss Arne Slot during the draw with Fulham
Liverpool boss Arne Slot during the draw with Fulham(Image: Getty Images)
Arne Slot has admitted one of his late substitutions backfired after Liverpool was left stunned by Fulham’s spectacular equalizer at Craven Cottage.
The Reds had looked to have been on course for their first win of 2026 after Cody Gakpo had struck deep into stoppage time to make it 2-1. Florian Wirtz had earlier scored a controversial leveller following Harry Wilson’s first-half strike.
Harrison Reed though produced a stunning goal from distance to earn his side a point, and deny Liverpool a victory that would have strengthened its hold on the top four of the Premier League, with both Chelsea and Manchester United also drawing on Sunday.
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Despite the spectacular nature of Reed’s goal, Slot has suggested that Liverpool might have been able to prevent it, had the Reds’ head coach not been caught out by Fulham’s tactics.
Slot had brought on the returning Joe Gomez to replace Gakpo, having expected an aerial bombardment from the hosts, only to be left watching on as Reed caught him by surprise.
"It was an incredible shot,” Slot admitted to the BBC’s Match of the Day.
Harrison Reed celebrates after scoring Fulham's equalizer against Liverpool
Harrison Reed celebrates after scoring Fulham's equalizer against Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
“When it was 1-1, we made an offensive change with [Federico] Chiesa to try to win the game, and then we were 2-1 up, having to defend a long throw-in.
“We brought Gomez in because he is very good in the air, but they didn't take it long. They took it short, and it was an incredible strike. It is not for the first time this season that we have conceded in the final seconds of the game."
Although his side’s unbeaten run has now been extended to nine games, Slot was left bemoaning Liverpool’s luck as it failed to see what would have been a crucial victory out.
"So many points have disappeared for us. Of course, it is frustrating,” Slot said.
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“It's also frustrating that their first chance of the game goes in; that is also not the first time. Then they had a second chance when Alisson was out of his goal, and they chipped it on the bar.
“For the rest, I think it is quite good if you play an away game and barely concede a chance. It isn't as if we created chance after chance, that was not the situation, but just before they scored for 1-0, we had a similar chance where we were close.
"Every time, it's just not enough. We relied on the whole season on good and bad luck, and that is something we have to improve. We have to improve so a shot in the last minute does not immediately lead to us losing points. That is what we are trying to do, but we have not done that yet."