A breathtaking, long-range strike from substitute Harrison Reed deep into stoppage time snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw for Fulham against Liverpool in a Premier League classic at Craven Cottage.
Late Drama Denies Liverpool Crucial Win
With 96 minutes on the clock and Liverpool leading 2-1 courtesy of a Cody Gakpo goal, the visitors appeared to have secured three vital points. However, complacency in defence proved costly. Fulham's Kevin Mbabu rolled a pass back to Reed, who was afforded far too much space. The midfielder took a touch before unleashing an unstoppable 25-yard rocket that flew into the top corner of Alisson Becker's net, sending the home support into raptures.
It was a remarkable moment for the 30-year-old Reed, scoring only his fourth goal in six years for the club. The equaliser left Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his players ruing a significant missed opportunity to strengthen their hold on a top-four position, highlighting ongoing inconsistencies in their campaign.
A Tale of Two Halves and VAR Controversy
The match began with Fulham executing a disciplined game plan. They took a 17th-minute lead when a clever flick from Raúl Jiménez released Harry Wilson. The former Liverpool academy graduate finished coolly past Alisson, with a lengthy VAR check confirming the winger was played onside by Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool, missing the attacking threat of Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, and the late withdrawal of Hugo Ekitiké, laboured for much of the first half. They improved after the break and drew level in controversial circumstances. Florian Wirtz finished after a driving run from Conor Bradley, but the goal was initially ruled out for offside. After another extended VAR review, it was awarded due to the Premier League's "thicker lines" protocol giving more benefit to attackers.
Liverpool's pressure eventually told when substitute Jeremie Frimpong's cross found Gakpo for a close-range finish, setting the stage for Reed's spectacular late intervention.
Consequences for the Premier League Race
This result has implications at both ends of the table. For Marco Silva's Fulham, it was a deserved point earned through immense resilience, moving them further from relegation concerns. For Liverpool, dropping two points in such a manner will be a bitter pill to swallow as they chase Champions League qualification.
The match underscored Liverpool's vulnerabilities, particularly in managing games in the dying moments. With key attackers absent, the lack of a cutting edge for large periods was evident, despite the efforts of Gakpo and Wirtz. For Fulham, heroes emerged in unlikely fashion, with Harrison Reed writing his name into Craven Cottage folklore with one swing of his boot.
