The league leaders go five points clear at the top
In a pulsating Premier League showdown at Anfield, 10-man Liverpool showcased their trademark resilience to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw against Fulham. Twice coming from behind, Diogo Jota’s late equalizer ensured the league leaders avoided defeat in a match packed with drama, controversy, and breathtaking moments. Fulham, however, will rue missed opportunities to claim all three points against their shorthanded opponents.
Early Drama and Fulham’s Bright Start
The match burst into life within seconds of kickoff. Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson found himself on the receiving end of a crunching tackle from Issa Diop, setting the tone for a physical encounter. The challenge earned Diop an early yellow card, but it didn’t deter Fulham’s aggressive intent.
Fulham took the lead just 10 minutes into the match. Antonee Robinson, a standout performer on the night, surged down the left wing and delivered a perfectly lofted cross to the back post. Andreas Pereira met it with an acrobatic strike that took a slight deflection off Robertson before finding the back of the net, leaving Anfield momentarily silenced.
Liverpool’s woes deepened just minutes later. Robertson, attempting to recover from a poor first touch, miscontrolled a pass and allowed former Liverpool winger Harry Wilson to steal possession and charge toward goal. In a desperate effort to recover, Robertson brought Wilson down, denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. The referee had no hesitation in showing a red card, reducing Liverpool to 10 men with over 75 minutes still to play.
A Stalemate Before the Break
Despite their numerical advantage, Fulham struggled to assert control. Marco Silva’s side failed to capitalize on their extra man, with their build-up play lacking urgency. Meanwhile, the reds adjusted their tactics, sitting deeper and looking for counterattacking opportunities.
Both teams failed to settle into a rhythm during a disjointed first half. Fulham’s best chances came from set pieces, but Liverpool’s defense held firm, marshaled by Virgil van Dijk and the reliable Alisson Becker in goal. As the teams went into halftime, Fulham held a slender 1-0 lead, but Liverpool showed signs of a fightback.
Liverpool Strike Back
The second half began with the reds on the front foot, and it didn’t take long for them to draw level. Just two minutes after the restart, Mohamed Salah delivered a teasing cross from the right wing. Cody Gakpo timed his run to perfection, ghosting in at the back post to nod the ball home and reignite Anfield.
⚽️ GOAL | Liverpool 1-1 Fulham | Cody Gakpopic.twitter.com/cffdLGA6Je
— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) December 14, 2024
The equalizer injected belief into the home side, and Liverpool began to press higher despite their numerical disadvantage. Salah, orchestrating the attack, had a golden opportunity to put Liverpool ahead after a swift counterattack, but his shot drifted wide.
Fulham Respond with a Second
Fulham eventually regained composure and made their pressure count in the 72nd minute. Alex Iwobi, who was influential in midfield, found Robinson on another overlapping run. The full-back cut the ball back into the path of substitute Rodrigo Muniz, whose scuffed shot trickled past Alisson to restore Fulham’s lead.
Rodrigo Muniz scores with Iwobi’s effort!
⚽️ GOAL | Liverpool 1-2 Fulham | Rodrigo Munizpic.twitter.com/yIYb1fU7BW
— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) December 14, 2024
The goal reignited Fulham’s hopes of a rare win at Anfield, but the visitors failed to put the game to bed. Liverpool, showing their trademark fighting spirit, kept pressing forward, refusing to concede defeat.
Jota Saves Liverpool
With time running out, it was Diogo Jota who came to Liverpool’s rescue. In the 86th minute, the Portuguese forward received the ball inside the box, spun away from his marker, and fired a low drive beyond Bernd Leno. The equalizer was a testament to Liverpool’s refusal to surrender, even when faced with adversity.
Diogo Jota scores for Liverpool!
Liverpool 2-2 Fulhampic.twitter.com/a0JMYRlD9H
— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) December 14, 2024
The closing minutes saw Liverpool push for an unlikely winner, with van Dijk playing as a makeshift striker. Fulham, however, almost snatched victory at the death when Adama Traore broke free, forcing Alisson into a crucial save to preserve the draw.
Key Moments and Tactical Battles
The match showcased the best of Premier League football: high drama, tactical adjustments, and individual brilliance. For the reds, the sending-off of Robertson forced manager Arne Slot to rethink his strategy. The Reds adapted brilliantly, relying on their defensive organization and quick transitions to stay in the game.
Fulham, despite playing with an extra man, struggled to dominate. While Robinson and Iwobi were outstanding, their inability to fully exploit the reds numerical disadvantage highlighted a lack of cutting edge in crucial moments.
Player Highlights
- Diogo Jota: The Portuguese forward’s late equalizer was a moment of quality that capped off a tireless performance. His ability to create space and finish under pressure underlined his importance to Liverpool.
- Antonee Robinson: Fulham’s left-back was a standout performer, providing assists for both goals and consistently causing problems for Liverpool’s defense with his overlapping runs.
- Cody Gakpo: The Dutchman’s equalizer early in the second half was crucial in keeping Liverpool in the game. His movement and awareness were exemplary throughout.
- Alex Iwobi: Orchestrated Fulham’s attacking play and provided the assist for their second goal. His vision and passing were vital in unlocking Liverpool’s defense.
What This Means for Liverpool and Fulham
The result sees the reds maintain their place at the top of the Premier League table, but their lead has been trimmed, and the draw highlights vulnerabilities that Slot will need to address. Robertson’s red card and defensive lapses will be areas of concern, but the reds resilience and character remain undoubted.
For Fulham, the draw represents a missed opportunity to secure a famous victory at Anfield. Marco Silva’s side showed promise and competed admirably, but their inability to capitalize on Liverpool’s 10 men may come back to haunt them as they push for a higher league position.
Both teams will take positives and lessons from the encounter as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures. For the neutral, this thrilling draw was a reminder of why the Premier League remains one of the most entertaining competitions in world football.
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