January 11, (THEWILL) – Liverpool came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at Anfield on Tuesday night. Fulham had taken a surprise lead in the 19th minute through Willian after an error from Virgil van Dijk. However, second half substitutes Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez helped spark Liverpool’s comeback.
The hosts struggled for creativity in the first half without the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold. It took changes from Jurgen Klopp early in the second half to alter the course of the game. Nunez added directness up front while Gakpo brought composure in midfield after Ryan Gravenberch was replaced.
Gakpo and Nunez then combined for the equaliser in the 71st minute, just three minutes after Curtis Jones had scored from distance to make it 1-1. Liverpool will now take a one goal advantage to Craven Cottage for the second leg later this month.
It was a night of mixed fortunes for Van Dijk on his return from illness. The Liverpool captain was at fault for Fulham’s opener when he gifted possession to Andreas Pereira. Yet, his team rallied in the second half to turn the tie around.
Although Fulham made the brighter start and had more attempts on target in the first half. Still, Liverpool’s quality off the bench proved the difference. Nunez went close to adding a third late on but was denied several times by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
