Liverpool's Premier League ambitions suffered a fresh setback on Sunday, 4 January 2026, as they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Fulham, while also losing striker Hugo Ekitike to a late injury scare.
Late Drama Denies Reds at Craven Cottage
In a match filled with twists, Harrison Reed struck in added time to secure a dramatic point for Fulham at Craven Cottage. The hosts had initially taken the lead through Harry Wilson, before Liverpool fought back with goals from Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo. The result left Liverpool manager Arne Slot visibly frustrated, particularly with his team's recurring habit of conceding crucial late goals.
Ekitike Absence Compounds Attacking Crisis
The match was overshadowed for the Reds by another injury concern. Manager Arne Slot revealed after the game that Hugo Ekitike was unavailable due to a minor issue picked up in training, which a precautionary scan confirmed would rule him out. This absence further depleted Liverpool's forward line, already missing the influential Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak.
The impact was evident on the pitch. Liverpool failed to register a single shot on target in a subdued first-half performance, struggling to break down a resilient Fulham defence without their key attacking threats. While the second-half introduction of Wirtz and Gakpo's goal provided a spark, the lack of a clinical edge was a recurring theme.
Slot's Frustration and Silva's Satisfaction
Speaking to reporters post-match, Arne Slot did not hide his disappointment. "We have to manage these situations better at the end of games," he stated, referencing the late goal. He confirmed the decision not to risk Ekitike was based on medical advice, hoping the striker's issue is short-term.
In contrast, Fulham boss Marco Silva believed his team's performance merited all three points. "The character we showed to come back twice was exceptional," Silva said. "On the balance of play, I think we deserved to win."
The draw leaves Liverpool with questions to answer regarding both their defensive resilience in key moments and their attacking depth amidst an ongoing injury crisis. All eyes will now be on the treatment room as the club prepares for its next fixture.
