'Thing of beauty': Liverpool substitute gave Slot what he'd 'been crying out for' against Fulham - Don Hutchison

In a thrilling 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage on January 4, 2026, Liverpool's substitute delivered a moment of magic that had manager Arne Slot beaming, according to pundit Don Hutchison. The Premier League clash saw Fulham and Liverpool share the points, with both sides scoring twice in a high-stakes encounter.[1][2][4]

Fulham struck first through a well-taken goal by Harry Wilson, giving the hosts a lead at halftime despite a tight offside call. Liverpool, sitting second with 33 points from 19 games, came out transformed in the second half. Florian Wirtz leveled the score with his second goal for the club, showcasing his growing influence.[3][4]

The Reds then took the lead deep into added time via Cody Gakpo's clinical finish, with just minutes remaining, threatening to end Fulham's unbeaten run. But Harrison Reed's wonderful strike salvaged a point for the Cottagers, who sit on 27 points.[1][3]

Enter the Liverpool substitute, whose impact was hailed as a "thing of beauty" by Hutchison. Stepping off the bench, the player provided exactly what Slot had been "crying out for"—dynamic energy, precise passing, and a game-changing presence that unlocked Fulham's defense. Hutchison praised the sub's vision and composure, noting it embodied Slot's tactical demands for fluidity and creativity in tight spaces. Sources highlight how this injection shifted momentum, enabling Wirtz's equalizer and setting up Gakpo's winner—until Reed's late intervention.[3][4]

Slot's side remains in the title hunt, unbeaten in recent outings, but the draw underscores the need for consistency. Fulham's resilience keeps them mid-table safe. Hutchison's verdict: the substitute was the standout, delivering Slot's ideal blueprint against a stubborn opponent. Fans and analysts buzz about this performance as a sign of Liverpool's depth under Slot.[1][2][5]

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