The Premier League clash between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage on January 4, 2026, delivered drama right up until the final whistle, as both teams battled to a pulsating 2-2 draw. Stoppage-time heroics from Fulham’s Reed salvaged a point for the hosts, capping off an afternoon that was as unpredictable as it was entertaining. Yet, the build-up and the match itself were marked by significant team news, tactical adjustments, and the relentless demands of a packed Premier League schedule.
For Liverpool, the trip to west London came at a challenging time. The Reds, under the guidance of manager Arne Slot, were forced to navigate a congested run of fixtures without their top scorer, Hugo Ekitike. The 23-year-old French striker, who had impressed with eight league goals in 18 appearances during his debut Premier League season, was sidelined by a minor hamstring injury. Slot explained, “Isak has been out for a few weeks now and that’s meant Ekitiké had to play more minutes than the previous part of the season. That’s led to him picking up a slight hamstring injury, and for a player of his age, not completely used to the Premier League, that’s been a bit too much.”
Ekitike’s absence was felt keenly, especially as Liverpool had already lost Alexander Isak, the club’s record signing, to a broken leg suffered against Tottenham just two weeks prior. Isak’s injury woes had forced Ekitike into a grueling stretch of six consecutive starts across 26 days, accumulating 1,643 minutes in all competitions—a workload surpassing anything he’d experienced in France. Slot’s decision to rest Ekitike was influenced by the need to keep him fit for the upcoming high-stakes clash against Arsenal on January 8, with the Dutch boss “hopeful” that his prolific forward would be available.
With both recognized strikers unavailable, Liverpool’s lineup against Fulham raised eyebrows. The starting XI featured Alisson Becker in goal, protected by a back line of Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez. The midfield trio comprised Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, and the returning Alexis Mac Allister, while the attack was spearheaded by Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo, and Florian Wirtz. Wirtz, himself managing a minor hamstring issue, was included from the start, while Jeremie Frimpong and Andrew Robertson were among the substitutes. The absence of a recognized striker was only the second such occasion for Liverpool this season, the previous instance coming in a Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.
Slot, ever the tactician, anticipated a different challenge from Fulham compared to Liverpool’s previous outings. “I expect a different game against Fulham because of their manager,” he remarked before kickoff. “When we've played them and what I've seen from them, and they play a home game, I think they will try to attack a lot and want to have the ball a lot. At least that is how I know their manager, so it probably will be a much more open game and so then we have to show in games like that we don't concede a lot as well. Maybe, maybe it will help us create more chances as well, but it's a difficult one because last time I went there we lost against a good Fulham team.”
The match itself was not without its complications. Kickoff at Craven Cottage was delayed, adding to the tension for both sets of supporters. Once underway, the contest lived up to its billing, with both sides keen to impose their style. Fulham, on a strong run of form that included three wins from their previous four league matches and a recent 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, were determined to make home advantage count. Liverpool, meanwhile, were eager to bounce back from a frustrating goalless draw against Leeds United that had left fans clamoring for more attacking intent.
Broadcast coverage of the match was extensive, reflecting the global appeal of the Premier League. Fans in the UK tuned in via Sky Sports Main Event, while viewers in the US caught the action on USA Network and Telemundo. Canadian supporters had options on DAZN Canada, Fubo TV, and Fubo Sports Network 4. Live streaming was available on platforms including JioHotstar and Star Sports Network for audiences in India, and comprehensive audio commentary and replays were accessible worldwide through All Red Video. For those unable to watch live, This Is Anfield provided real-time text updates and post-match analysis via their website and mobile app.
The absence of Ekitike forced Slot to adapt tactically. Cody Gakpo was deployed in a more central role, a position he’s occupied with success in the past. Milos Kerkez and Alexis Mac Allister returned to the starting lineup, while Florian Wirtz’s inclusion signaled Liverpool’s intent to maintain creativity despite their injury woes. Slot was candid about the fine margins that had defined Liverpool’s season so far, noting, “The margins are small. Like [against Leeds] and like so many other games, if we would have done a bit better in set-pieces then we would have had five, six, seven points more as well, so that could have changed it a little bit. But from open play, from where we are if I look at Arsenal, look at [Manchester] City and look at us, I think it's fair we are not above them.”
Fulham, managed by Marco Silva, entered the fixture with confidence, having recently bested Tottenham and Wolves, and were buoyed by their home crowd. The Cottagers’ resilience was on full display as they clawed back a point in stoppage time, courtesy of Reed’s dramatic equalizer. That late goal underscored Fulham’s fighting spirit and their ability to capitalize on Liverpool’s depleted attack.
For Liverpool, the draw was a mixed bag. On one hand, the Reds showed adaptability and grit in the face of adversity, but the inability to close out the match will surely linger as they prepare for a daunting trip to league leaders Arsenal. The team’s injury list remains a concern, with Ekitike, Isak, and Wirtz all managing various fitness issues. Yet, there were positives to take—Milos Kerkez’s durability, the midfield’s energy, and the continued emergence of young talents like Bradley and Wirtz.
As the Premier League’s relentless January schedule rolls on, Liverpool’s depth and resilience will be tested to the limit. The draw at Craven Cottage, though frustrating in its conclusion, showcased the team’s ability to adapt and fight, even when key players are missing. With Ekitike’s return on the horizon and a pivotal clash against Arsenal looming, all eyes will be on how Slot’s side responds to the challenges ahead.
For now, both Fulham and Liverpool can reflect on a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats and left the race for the top spots as unpredictable as ever.