The Premier League title race got a little bit tighter on Saturday, as 10-man Liverpool battled back from a goal down twice but only managed a point in a 2-2 draw (and a heart-pounding affair) with Fulham at Anfield.
WATCH — Liverpool v Fulham full match replay
Diogo Jota was the hero on the day as he made his return from injury and scored the 86th-minute equalizer with a brilliant turn and finish from the edge of the box, but the mood at full-time was more annoyed than celebratory. Andy Robertson was sent off after just 17 minutes, with Liverpool already 1-0 down, for DOGSO after his poor touch played Harry Wilson in on goal.
After back-to-back draws (and a postponement), Liverpool’s lead could be down to just two points by weekend’s end.
Title race: Oh, it’s on.
What we thought going into Arne Slot’s first season at Liverpool — that they would struggle defensively with a midfield composed entirely of attack-minded midfielders — has eventually come to pass, it just took a bit of time for teams to work out how to best get at them. After conceding just 6 goals in their first 11 games, the Reds have given up 7 in their last 4 (multiple goals conceded in 3 of 4) and much of it has come on the counter-attack. Fulham defended Liverpool incredibly deep without the ball and came flying out of the starting gates as soon as they won it back, which is what Southampton (2 goals scored) and Newcastle (3) have also done in recent weeks. That’s just not going to work for Liverpool, at least not until Ibrahima Konate (knee) comes back in the next couple weeks.
Side note: Arsenal will be kicking themselves all week (and maybe the rest of the season) for not taking this opportunity to make up ground of their own (still six points back after the Gunners drew Everton 0-0).
Also, a word for USMNT star Antonee Robinson
On top of tying fellow Fulham defender Carlos Bocanegra for the 9th-most Premier League appearances by a USMNT player (116), Jedi had himself a day going forward…
12 - Antonee Robinson has 12 Premier League assists since the beginning of last season, more than any other defender in that time. Sequel. https://t.co/iuYgxrnBfa
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) December 14, 2024
Player ratings - Liverpool vs Fulham
What’s next?
- Fulham vs Southampton — Sunday, Dec. 22 (9 am ET)
- Tottenham vs Liverpool — Sunday, Dec. 22 (11:30 am ET)
Liverpool vs Fulham live updates - by Andy Edwards
Liverpool vs Fulham final score: 2-2
Goalscorers: Andrea Pereira (11'), Cody Gakpo (48'), Rodrigo Muniz (76'), Diogo Jota (85')
GOAL! Liverpool 2-2 Fulham: Diogo Jota scores in his return after 2 months out injured (85')
GOAL! Liverpool 1-2 Fulham: Antonee Robinson sets up Rodrigo Muniz to reclaim the lead (76')
GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 Fulham: Mohamed Salah’s brilliant cross + Cody Gakpo’s diving header (48')
Epic goal. Just epic.
RED CARD! Andy Robertson sent off as Liverpool’s disastrous start continues (17')
GOAL! Liverpool 0-1 Fulham: Andreas Pereira hooks home Antonee Robinson’s cross (11')
Liverpool starting lineup
Alisson - Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson - Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai - Salah, Diaz, Gakpo
Fulham starting lineup
Leno - Tete, Diop, Cuenca, Robinson - Berge, Lukic, Pereira - Wilson, Iwobi, Jimenez
How to watch Liverpool vs Fulham live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET, Saturday (December 14)
Venue: Anfield — Liverpool
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Watch live on Peacock
Arne Slot’s side have shown a few cracks defensively in recent games but they’re still top of the Premier League table. They also had a nice rest last weekend as their trip to Everton was postponed and they won 1-0 at Girona in midweek to stay perfect in the UEFA Champions League with six wins from six. “Liverpool, Liverpool top of the league!” is the chant you’ve been hearing. They’re top of both leagues and Mohamed Salah is in absolutely incredible form.
As for Fulham, well, Marco Silva’s side drew against Tottenham and Arsenal and beat Brighton in a very fruitful last week. The Cottagers are fun to watch this season and sit on 23 points and are set to push for Europe. They recruited really well this summer with Smith Rowe, Nelson, Berge and Andersen all impressing. Nobody is really talking about Fulham but with Raul Jimenez getting back to his best up top, they’re a real threat to the Premier League’s elite.
Liverpool team news, focus
Jota and Chiesa are close to a return and that will give Slot some great extra options in attack ahead of the busy festive period. For now his defensive line is settled with Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk and Robertson, while he has a wonderful array of options in midfield to keep rotating depending on the opponents and freshness.
OUT: Kostas Tsimikas (foot), Conor Bradley (hamstring), Ibrahima Konate (knee), Alexis Mac Allister (suspension) | QUESTIONABLE: Federico Chiesa (other), Diogo Jota (chest)
Fulham team news, focus
Injuries and suspensions are starting to pile up a little for the Cottagers, with Andersen and Bassey out at center back. That means Diop and Cuenca will start at center back. Silva has so many attacking options with Traore, Jimenez, Smith Rowe and Iwobi likely to get the nod.
OUT: Harrison Reed (knee), Joachim Andersen (calf), Calvin Bassey (suspension), Tom Cairney (suspension), Reiss Nelson (hamstring)
Liverpool vs Fulham prediction
Fulham are a tricky team to play against and love to hit opponents on the counter. That said, Liverpool are grinding out wins and know a victory here will get them going for the festive period. It won’t be easy but the Reds will find a way. And Salah will probably score. Liverpool 2-1 Fulham.
