Liverpool Player Ratings vs Fulham: Wirtz and Alisson Top Scores in Dramatic 2-2 Draw

In a thrilling Premier League encounter at Craven Cottage on January 4, 2026, Liverpool fought back from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw against Fulham. Arne Slot's side showed resilience, with Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo starring in the comeback, while Alisson Becker earned high praise for his goalkeeping heroics[1][2][3].

Match Summary

Fulham, lining up in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Bernd Leno in goal, Joachim Andersen anchoring the defense, and attackers Emile Smith Rowe, Harry Wilson, and Raúl Jiménez up top, took the lead early through a Wilson strike. Liverpool, deployed in a 4-2-3-1 with Alisson behind Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez, responded valiantly[1][2][4].

Key moments included a blocked shot by Gakpo in the 5th minute and a corner conceded by Andersen. Fulham regained the lead before halftime, but Liverpool mounted a dramatic fightback. Florian Wirtz equalized in the 56th minute, assisted by Conor Bradley, followed by Gakpo's leveling goal in the 63rd minute[2]. Substitutes like Andy Robertson and Federico Chiesa added fresh energy, though the scoreline remained level[2][4].

Liverpool Player Ratings (Out of 10)

• Alisson Becker (9/10): Outstanding saves, including a crucial stop late on; man of the match contender[3].
• Florian Wirtz (9/10): Goal, creativity, and tireless running; highest-rated performer[3].
• Cody Gakpo (8.5/10): Clinical finish and constant threat; led the attack[1][2].
• Dominik Szoboszlai (8/10): Dynamic midfield presence[2].
• Alexis Mac Allister (7.5/10): Solid distribution[4].
• Virgil van Dijk (7/10): Commanding but tested by Jiménez[1].
• Curtis Jones (7/10): Key assists in buildup[1].
• Conor Bradley (7/10): Assist for Wirtz's goal[2].
• Ryan Gravenberch (6.5/10): Steady but unspectacular[4].
• Ibrahima Konaté & Milos Kerkez (6/10): Defensive lapses early[2].

Tactical Analysis

Slot's high-pressing 4-2-3-1 eventually overwhelmed Fulham's back three, though set-piece defending needs work. Fulham's midfield duo of Tom Cairney and Sasa Lukic controlled tempo initially. The draw keeps Liverpool in the title hunt, behind leaders Arsenal[1][3]. Post-match, Slot praised Wirtz's "world-class" impact amid January transfer rumors[1].

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