In a breathtaking finale at Craven Cottage, Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed unleashed a sensational 25-yard strike deep into stoppage time to snatch a dramatic 2-2 draw against Liverpool, denying the visitors a crucial victory in the Premier League.
Late Drama Denies Liverpool Crucial Win
The match appeared to be slipping away from Marco Silva's side when Cody Gakpo put Liverpool ahead in the 90th minute, capitalising on a low cross from substitute Jeremie Frimpong. However, with 96 minutes on the clock, Fulham's resilience was rewarded. Another substitute, Kevin Mbabu, rolled a pass back to Reed, who took a touch before firing an unstoppable rocket into the top corner of Alisson Becker's net.
It was a moment of pure quality from the 30-year-old, who has now scored just four goals in his six years with the Cottagers. The goal punished a moment of complacency from Liverpool, who had stood off the midfielder, and left Arne Slot's team ruing a missed opportunity to strengthen their hold on a top-four position.
A Game of Fine Margins and Controversy
The thrilling conclusion capped a match defined by tight decisions and missed chances. Fulham took a surprise lead in the 17th minute through former Liverpool academy player Harry Wilson. After a clever flick from Raúl Jiménez, Wilson raced through and finished coolly, with a lengthy VAR check confirming the winger was played onside by Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool, shorn of attacking stars Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, and the unexpectedly absent Hugo Ekitiké, struggled for creativity in a tepid first half. They improved after the break and drew level in controversial circumstances. Florian Wirtz finished neatly 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 Premier League's "thicker lines" protocol giving more benefit of the doubt to attackers.
Gakpo had earlier hit the post with a header and missed another good chance, while at the other end, Wilson lobbed onto the crossbar after Alisson Becker's error, setting the stage for the late drama.
What the Result Means for Both Sides
The draw feels like a point gained for a stubborn Fulham side who executed a disciplined game plan for large periods. For Liverpool, it represents two points dropped in the race for Champions League qualification. The performance highlighted their ongoing reliance on absent forwards and raised questions about their game management after taking a late lead.
The result leaves Slot with plenty to ponder, while Silva will be buoyed by his team's never-say-die attitude and a moment of magic from one of their unsung heroes.
