In a breathtaking finale at Craven Cottage, Harrison Reed's stunning 96th-minute strike salvaged a dramatic point for Fulham, denying Liverpool a crucial victory in their pursuit of a top-four finish.
Late Drama Sees Points Shared
With the clock showing 96 minutes and Liverpool leading 2-1 courtesy of a stoppage-time goal from Cody Gakpo, the game appeared over. However, Fulham substitute Harrison Reed had other ideas. Afforded space by a retreating Liverpool defence, the midfielder unleashed a 25-yard rocket that flew into the top corner of Alisson Becker's net, sending the home support into raptures.
The goal, only Reed's fourth in six years at the club, epitomised Fulham's stubborn resistance under Marco Silva and highlighted recurring defensive frailties in Arne Slot's Liverpool side this season. The Reds had just taken the lead and were poised to tighten their grip on fourth place, but complacency in the final moments proved costly.
A Tale of Two Halves and VAR Controversy
The match began with Fulham executing a disciplined game plan. They took a 17th-minute lead through former Liverpool academy player Harry Wilson, who finished coolly after a clever flick from Raúl Jiménez. An initial offside flag was overturned by a lengthy VAR check, which determined Wilson was played onside by Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez.
Liverpool, missing the attacking threat of Mohamed Salah (at AFCON), Alexander Isak (broken leg), and the injured Hugo Ekitiké, laboured for large periods. They improved after the break and found an equaliser in controversial circumstances. Florian Wirtz finished after a driving run from Conor Bradley, but the goal was initially ruled out for offside. After another protracted VAR review, it was awarded due to the new 'thicker line' protocol giving more benefit to attackers.
Key Absences and Missed Opportunities
Liverpool's lack of cutting edge was evident, with £194m worth of forward talent unavailable. Cody Gakpo, deployed as a central striker, hit the post with a header and missed other chances before finally scoring late on. At the other end, Fulham's Wilson struck the crossbar with a lob after Alisson's error, a let-off for the visitors.
The result leaves questions for Arne Slot, whose team failed to defend a lead with determination and lacked inspiration for much of the contest. For Marco Silva and Fulham, it was a deserved point earned through resilience and a moment of pure quality from an unlikely source.
The thrilling 2-2 draw serves as a reminder of the Premier League's unpredictability, with Harrison Reed's unforgettable intervention ensuring the points were shared in West London.
