Ten-Man Liverpool battles back twice to secure 2-2 draw

Liverpool narrowly avoided a second Premier League defeat of the season, earning a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Fulham at Anfield. Playing nearly the entire match with ten men, the league leaders showcased resilience, with goals from Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota salvaging a crucial point.

Early Fulham strike ends Liverpool’s defensive streak

Liverpool came into the match with an impressive defensive record, having gone 440 minutes without conceding a goal across all competitions. However, that streak ended in the 14th minute. Andreas Pereira expertly converted a cross at the back post, with the ball deflecting off Andrew Robertson and leaving Alisson with no chance. The afternoon took a dramatic turn when Andrew Robertson was sent off after pulling down a through-on-goal Fulham player. Despite a brief VAR check for a possible offside, the decision stood. Down to ten men, manager Arne Slot opted not to make immediate substitutions, instead reorganizing the team to compensate for the loss.

Gakpo’s header sparks Liverpool’s revival

Despite being a man down, Liverpool began the second half with renewed energy. Cody Gakpo leveled the score with a well-timed header off a pinpoint Mohamed Salah cross. The assist marked Salah’s 100th in a Liverpool shirt, adding to his remarkable season tally of 16 goals and 13 assists in just 23 matches. The equalizer reignited the match, with both teams creating chances in a frenetic second half. Fulham regained the lead in the 76th minute through Ricardo Muniz, who outmaneuvered Joe Gomez to slot the ball past Alisson with a clever finish. As the clock ticked down, Liverpool continued to press. Their perseverance paid off in the 86th minute when substitute Diogo Jota delivered the equalizer. With a deft body feint and a composed finish, Jota ensured Liverpool maintained their unbeaten record at Anfield this season.

Slot’s suspension and the Premier League standings

Arne Slot received a yellow card in the second half for dissent, which means the Dutchman will miss Liverpool’s upcoming match against Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday. Liverpool remains at the top of the Premier League table with 36 points from 15 matches, holding a five-point lead over Chelsea. Arsenal sits third with 30 points, having drawn 0-0 against Everton, while reigning champions Manchester City languish in fourth place with 27 points. While the draw felt like a missed opportunity, Liverpool’s ability to fight back twice with ten men demonstrated their resilience and determination. With key matches on the horizon, the league leaders will look to build on this momentum as they continue their quest for Premier League glory.