LONDON– Fulham and Liverpool played out a gripping 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage yesterday, with a wild finish that flipped the mood twice in stoppage time. Harry Wilson put Fulham in front early on, before Florian Wirtz brought Liverpool level after the break. Cody Gakpo then looked to have won it late for the Reds, only for Harrison Reed to smash in a 97th-minute equaliser that lifted the home crowd off their feet.
The point keeps Liverpool’s push for the top four alive, but it also shows how fine their margins are right now. Fulham will take plenty from the result too, as Marco Silva’s side again proved they can go toe to toe with the league’s biggest names.
The match was played in front of a lively crowd of around 24,000 on a cold winter afternoon. Liverpool saw more of the ball, but lacked the sharp edge they’re known for. Fulham defended with real purpose, then picked their moments to attack, which made the contest feel on a knife-edge for long spells.
Fast Fulham Start and Wilson Strikes First
Fulham came out with intensity, pressing high and making it hard for Liverpool to settle. The opener arrived in the 17th minute. Andreas Pereira slipped a smart through-ball into space, and Harry Wilson ran onto it before guiding a calm finish past Alisson Becker. A quick VAR check confirmed he was onside, and Craven Cottage roared.
Liverpool tried to respond straight away, but Fulham’s defence held firm, led well by Joachim Andersen. The Reds created openings, just not the final touch. Mohamed Salah dragged a shot wide after cutting in, while Wirtz forced Bernd Leno into action with a curling effort. Fulham went into half-time 1-0 up, helped by their organisation and Liverpool’s waste in front of goal.
Wirtz Levels It as Liverpool Turn the Screw
Liverpool started the second half with more urgency and got their reward in the 57th minute through Florian Wirtz. The German found space in the box after Conor Bradley pushed forward and sent in a measured cross. Wirtz met it with a controlled finish into the bottom corner.
It was Wirtz’s second league goal of the season, and a reminder of why Liverpool backed him so heavily in the summer. Fulham did not fold, though. Silva brought on fresh legs, including Harrison Reed on 75 minutes, and the home side nearly went back in front when Raúl Jiménez nodded a corner against the bar. Liverpool scrambled the loose ball clear, and the match drifted towards a draw before the chaos that followed.
Stoppage-Time Twist: Gakpo Then Reed
In the 94th minute, Liverpool thought they’d done enough. Trent Alexander-Arnold swung in a corner that caused problems, the ball dropped in a crowded area, and Cody Gakpo reacted quickest to poke it in from close range. The away end celebrated like it was a season-defining moment.
Fulham had other plans. Three minutes later, in the 97th minute, Reed picked up the ball around 30 yards out and hit a fierce right-footed strike that flew into the top corner. Alisson barely moved. The stadium erupted, and Reed looked stunned as his teammates piled in.
After full-time, Arne Slot pointed to missed chances and a lack of control late on, while Silva highlighted his side’s belief and Reed’s quality in the moment.
Key Highlights and Talking Points
- Wilson’s opener against his former club: The ex-Liverpool academy player gave Fulham the perfect start.
- Wirtz stepping up: His finish showed calm under pressure and kept Liverpool on track.
- Gakpo’s late goal: Scrappy, but it almost sealed a big away win.
- Reed’s long-range stunner: A goal that will be replayed for weeks and a serious Goal of the Month shout.
- Late marking issues: Both sides switched off in key moments during added time.
- VAR checks: Wilson’s and Wirtz’s goals both survived offside reviews, showing how tight the calls were.
Liverpool’s control in midfield did not match their 62% possession, and they paid for it at the end. Fulham, meanwhile, extended their strong home run, making Craven Cottage an awkward trip for anyone.
Premier League Table Update: Liverpool and Fulham Positions
As of 5 January 2026 (Matchweek 20), Liverpool sits fourth, holding onto the final Champions League spot. Fulham move up to ninth, staying in the thick of the mid-table pack.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 20 | 15 | 3 | 2 | 40 | 14 | +26 | 48 |
| 2 | Manchester City | 20 | 13 | 3 | 4 | 44 | 18 | +26 | 42 |
| 3 | Aston Villa | 20 | 13 | 3 | 4 | 33 | 24 | +9 | 42 |
| 4 | Liverpool | 20 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 32 | 28 | +4 | 34 |
| 5 | Chelsea | 20 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 33 | 22 | +11 | 31 |
| 6 | Manchester United | 20 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 34 | 30 | +4 | 31 |
| 7 | Tottenham | 20 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 27 | 23 | +4 | 26 |
| 8 | Newcastle | 20 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 29 | 31 | -2 | 26 |
| 9 | Fulham | 20 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 26 | 27 | -1 | 26 |
| 10 | Brighton | 20 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 28 | 32 | -4 | 25 |
Liverpool’s +4 goal difference keeps them ahead of Chelsea, but the gap to the teams above remains tough to close. Fulham, still only eight points clear of the relegation zone, will see this as a big lift before a tricky run of matches.
What It Means for the Rest of the Season
For Liverpool, it feels like two points dropped in a tight race for Europe. The attack created enough, but the team could not shut the match down late, and that will frustrate Slot. Fulham will take confidence from matching Liverpool’s level and fighting to the final kick. A top-half finish is still within reach if they keep this standard at home.
This was Premier League football at its best, plenty of quality, plenty of edge, and a finish nobody inside Craven Cottage will forget.
