Curtis Jones was again one of Liverpool’s better players as they drew 2-2 with Fulham, and the midfielder has given an insight into the half-time discussions.
Going into the break, Liverpool were 1-0 down and looking limp in attack; their press wasn’t aggressive and they lacked a spark in the final third.
After the break, the Reds improved, but it was only enough to earn a point at Craven Cottage.
Following the game, Jones spoke to Liverpoolfc.com about what changed at the break: “In the first half we had the ball a lot, we tried and it didn’t come off as much.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“At half-time we spoke about that we’ve got to show more heart and things like that.
“That’s what we went and did. We came back with two goals and then they go and score a goal like that. It’s hard to take.”
The statistics show that Liverpool did improve in the second half, creating double the expected goals (xG) and managing six shots as opposed to four in the first period.
These are still underwhelming numbers, however, especially when you take into account that the Reds were not easy on the eye and visibly struggled to break Fulham down, as was also the case against Leeds.
Curtis Jones thinks this was ‘100% better than against Leeds’
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)
This was Liverpool’s second consecutive draw, having shared the points after a 0-0 with Leeds on New Year’s Day.
Across the course of both matches, five big chances and 3.45 xG according to FotMob.
“If you’re giving away a lead, especially at a time like this when we need all our points, it’s always hard,” Jones added.
“I definitely think it was a better game all round than the Leeds game, 100 percent, but as I said, we always want to come away with all three points, that’s what we’ll always try.
“It doesn’t matter if we’re playing against any team away, for the talent on the pitch and things like that, I feel like we should go and win games like that.”
As Jones says, “for the talent on the pitch” Liverpool should be in a better position than they are currently.
With 34 points from 20 matches, they lie fourth, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal and eight adrift of the top three.
Champions League glory looks like the only way to salvage the season, but that will be a long shot if performances don’t improve quickly.
The Reds’ final two league phase matches are against Marseille away and Qarabag at home, but before those, they travel to face Arsenal then play home matches against Barnsley and Burnley, the former in the FA Cup.