Arne Slot admits his decision backfired as Liverpool caught out by Fulham drama
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Arne Slot Admits His Decision Backfired as Liverpool Caught Out by Fulham Drama
In a thrilling Premier League encounter on January 4, 2026, Liverpool dropped points in a 2-2 draw against Fulham, exposing defensive frailties under manager Arne Slot despite a gritty comeback.[1]
Fulham struck first through former Liverpool academy product Harry Wilson, who capitalized on a razor-thin offside call upheld by VAR after Virgil van Dijk played him onside. Liverpool dominated possession in the first half but failed to register a shot on target, appearing blunt in attack following a midweek goalless draw with Leeds.[1]
After the break, Slot's side rebooted. Conor Bradley's mazy run and precise pass set up Florian Wirtz for the equalizer—Liverpool's record signing's second league goal—another VAR-confirmed tight call keeping Wirtz onside by a fraction against Issa Diop.[1] Liverpool pushed for a winner, introducing offensive substitutes like Federico Chiesa, but defensive issues resurfaced.[2]
Thirteen minutes from time, Antonee Robinson's long ball sent Raul Jimenez through on Alisson, who spilled the save. Wilson's follow-up hit the crossbar, with Van Dijk clearing amid chaos—Liverpool's title defense hampered by such vulnerabilities.[1] Stunning late drama ensued as Fulham equalized, deserving the point but snatching it unexpectedly.[1]
In his post-match press conference, Slot admitted a tactical decision backfired. He reflected on bringing in an extra defender late, similar to the Leeds game, instead of pushing offensively: "We bring Federico Chiesa in... then we kept it like it was and then we concede."[2] Slot praised resilience despite missing attackers and Fulham's strength but highlighted young Bradley's burden: playing 80-90 minutes every game at Premier League and Champions League level without a winter break for the first time.[2]
The draw ended Liverpool's unbeaten run but failed to paper over cracks in Slot's project, with attacking bluntness and defensive lapses raising concerns for the champions.[3] (Word count: 298)