Late Drama Sinks Liverpool: Fulham Snatches a 97th-Minute Equalizer at Craven Cottage
5 January 2026
Match summary
The Dutch defender and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk voiced his disappointment after a 2-2 draw with Fulham, insisting the Reds gave their all to secure three points.
Liverpool fought back to draw 2-2 with the hosts at Craven Cottage on Sunday, in a Premier League matchweek 20 duel.
The score stayed level at 1-1 until the 95th minute when Cody Gakpo put Liverpool ahead, only for Fulham to level in the 97th minute with a powerful strike from Harrison Reed.
Van Dijk later spoke to Liverpool Echo, reflecting that the second half was solid and that the team pushed hard to win, especially after the break.
He added that the game was tough, as were all matches played here, but it was frustrating to concede a wonderful late goal.
He explained that in the second half they controlled the game and showed more intent to win, though the late strike hit hard.
"Now we must focus on the positives and use them for the next challenge ahead," he said, keeping the spirits up.
Regarding Thursday’s clash with Arsenal, he noted that they would recover from the Fulham result, but from Tuesday they would definitely focus on Arsenal’s strengths, stressing they have a great squad with key players and capable substitutes.
He concluded that everyone knows Arsenal have not lost at home this season across all competitions, making the upcoming clash a true test that they must be ready for.
Looking ahead
As Liverpool turn the page to the Arsenal game, the focus shifts to how they respond from a late setback and how they’ll approach a side that has kept its home record intact this season.
Punchline 1: If comebacks were a sniper’s specialty, that last-minute equalizer would be a headshot—quiet, precise, and right in the back of the net.
Punchline 2: And if Liverpool’s defense were a security system, that goal would be the one alert you can’t silence—proof that weather apps aren’t the only thing that can miss a forecast in stoppage time.
