Diogo Jota made a triumphant return by scoring a late equalizer for Liverpool, who are currently leading the Premier League. The match against Fulham saw Liverpool come back twice while playing with only ten men after Andy Robertson received a red card at Anfield. Jota, who had been sidelined due to injury since October, found the net in the 86th minute, leveling the score after Rodrigo Muniz seemed to have put Fulham ahead.
Cody Gakpo had earlier equalized shortly after halftime with a header from a brilliant cross by Mohamed Salah, which cancelled out Andreas Pereira’s opening goal in the 11th minute. Just six minutes after Pereira’s volley had given Fulham the lead, Liverpool faced a greater challenge when Robertson was sent off for denying Harry Wilson a clear chance at goal.
Although Fulham’s Issa Diop had escaped with just a yellow card for a high challenge on the offside Robertson, the same leniency was not extended to the Liverpool defender. A lengthy review by the video assistant referee (VAR) confirmed Wilson was onside, leading to Robertson’s dismissal. After Wilson’s free-kick sailed just over the bar, Liverpool regrouped and continued to threaten Fulham, though Luis Diaz missed a key opportunity before the break.
Emerging from halftime, Liverpool played with renewed energy, and Gakpo’s quick equalizer ignited the Anfield crowd. Fulham’s inability to take advantage of their one-man advantage strengthened Liverpool’s resolve, with Salah coming close to scoring but failing to convert before Muniz struck a blow against them.
In a whirlwind first half hour at Anfield, the match featured one goal, one red card, and four yellow cards. Diop was fortunate to avoid a more severe punishment after a tackle on Robertson just a minute into the game. Pereira’s skillful goal, which slightly deflected off Robertson, shocked the home crowd. Unfortunately for Robertson, VAR upheld the decision to send him off after he fouled Wilson. Despite playing with a makeshift defense featuring Ryan Gravenberch as a central defender, Liverpool maintained their composure against Fulham’s constant counterattacks, finishing the first half with a commanding 61% possession.
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