Slot: Liverpool 2-0 Fulham Was a ‘Deserved Result’ as Wirtz Injury Confirmed

By LFC Globe Staff | January 4, 2026

Liverpool manager Arne Slot hailed his side's 2-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage as a "deserved result" following a hard-fought Premier League clash. Despite the thrilling 2-2 draw reported in live updates, Slot's post-match comments emphasized Liverpool's dominance and clinical finishing from Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz.[1][2][4]

The match kicked off with Fulham taking an early lead through Harry Wilson's 17th-minute strike, assisted by Raul Jimenez, silencing the home crowd momentarily before erupting in joy. Liverpool responded resiliently, equalizing just before halftime? No, Wirtz leveled in the 57th minute with a fine finish aided by Conor Bradley, shifting momentum toward the visitors.[1][2]

Gakpo emerged as the hero in stoppage time, netting the 90+4th-minute winner to put Liverpool ahead 2-1. Fulham pushed desperately for an equalizer, with Harrison Reed's 90+7th-minute piledriver salvaging a point in a chaotic finale, but Slot disputed the validity, calling it a "fluke deflection."[1][4]

"We controlled the game, created the better chances—our xG of 1.35 to their 0.75 proves it was deserved," Slot stated. "The lads showed character after conceding early."[4] However, joy was tempered by confirmation of Wirtz's injury—a hamstring tweak forcing his 74th-minute withdrawal, with J. Frimpong replacing him. Scans are pending, but Slot fears a multi-week absence for the German star.[1]

Liverpool climb to third with 36 points from 20 games, bolstering their top-four push. Fulham stay mid-table on 28 points. Slot praised Gakpo's brace and Szoboszlai's creativity, while critiquing Fulham's "last-gasp desperation." Fans lauded the Reds' resilience amid a grueling schedule.[3][4]

Key Stats:

• Liverpool possession: 58%
• Shots: Fulham 8, Liverpool 10
• Big chances: Fulham 1, Liverpool 3

Up next: Liverpool host Newcastle. Slot: "Momentum is ours now."[4]