Fulham 2-2 Liverpool: Match Review
Liverpool were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Fulham in their latest Premier League result
Florian Wirtz has delivered his honest take on his goal against Fulham as Liverpool’s early 2026 frustrations continue.
The Reds are still without their first win of the new year following a second draw in four days. Another absence in their attack saw Arne Slot forced to start Cody Gakpo up front, as Hugo Ekitike missed the clash with a hamstring problem.
Liverpool are now without Ekitike, Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah, with the latter still at the Africa Cup of Nations. Fortunately, Slot is hopeful Ekitike will return in time to face Arsenal, but nothing is certain yet.
Was Florian Wirtz offside for Liverpool’s goal vs Fulham?
One of the biggest talking points of the match was Wirtz’s goal. There was a lot of discussion over whether it should have stood, with VAR replays suggesting he was in an offside position.
Marco Silva felt it was offside and Wirtz himself also admitted he didn’t think his effort would have been given.
“I was sure it was offside so I didn't even celebrate,” the German told Sky Sports after the match.
When pitched with the same question, Silva responded: “I felt the same. Many people inside the stadium felt the same. It looked offside, but we have to believe the semi-automated technology worked well and did right.”
Despite the controversy surrounding his goal, Wirtz now has his second for Liverpool on the board. After waiting 22 games for his maiden goal, the £116 million summer signing finally found the back of the net against Wolves, and now he’s added another in what fans will hope to be the start of a strong run.
Why did Florian Wirtz’s goal vs Fulham stand?
Despite Wirtz, Silva and probably the majority of Fulham fans agreeing the goal was offside, Liverpool kept their first of the game at Craven Cottage. But why was that?
VAR has divided supporters and professionals alike over the years since its introduction to the Premier League. During its infancy, there were complaints over offside calls deemed confusing, with lines from the attack and defender drawn on top of each other.
Since the 2021/22 season, a tolerance level has been added, meaning if the two lines touch, the goal would be awarded as onside. In short, this ‘benefit of the doubt’ ruling can allow a player who appears marginally offside to be deemed on.
At full-time, Slot weighed in on Liverpool’s result and said he has not noticed any change in himself or the way he approaches games.
“I didn't change as a manager. I would love to play with eight attackers if that's possible defensively as well, but if those eight attackers don't defend enough it's hard to win a game of football.
“My philosophy of football hasn't changed this year compared to all the seasons I was a manager before. But we have to do it with the players that are available.”
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