Slot No Longer Surprised by Liverpool Conceding Late On

Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed frustration but no surprise after his team conceded a dramatic 97th-minute equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage on January 4, 2026. Cody Gakpo's 94th-minute goal appeared to secure a comeback win for the champions, who are struggling to hold onto a top-four spot, but Harrison Reed's stunning 30-yard strike into the top corner denied them.[1][3]

The match began with Fulham taking the lead in the 17th minute through Harry Wilson's finish after a flick-on from Raúl Jiménez caught Liverpool's defense off guard, beating Alisson Becker.[3] Liverpool rebooted after halftime, equalizing just before the hour mark when Conor Bradley's mazy run set up Florian Wirtz to sweep home, with VAR confirming he stayed onside by a fraction.[3] Fulham nearly regained the lead late when Alisson's loose save from Jiménez left the goal exposed, but Wilson's follow-up hit the crossbar.[1][3]

Gakpo's close-range finish from a Jeremie Frimpong cross sparked wild celebrations, but Liverpool's recurring late-game fragility struck again. Slot noted this isn't the first time this season, saying, "We've dropped numerous points because of this. It is undeniably frustrating... We must ensure that a shot in the final minute does not cost us points."[1] He described Reed's goal as an "astonishing shot" from a low-xG position, despite tactical changes like substituting Federico Chiesa for attack and Joe Gomez for aerial strength.[1][2]

Slot highlighted broader issues: Liverpool limited Fulham's chances but couldn't capitalize, showing listlessness and congestion without key attackers like Mohamed Salah. "In ordinary circumstances, most people would expect Liverpool to close out the game having taken the lead so late on. But... no longer a surprise," he admitted, underscoring the "leaky" defense hampering title defense hopes.[1][2][4] Fulham deserved a share, per analysts, as margins were fine despite Liverpool's dominance spells.[2]

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