Liverpool vs Fulham LIVE: Carabao Cup result and reaction
Liverpool has announced that Trent Alexander-Arnold will be out of action for about three weeks due to a knee injury.
Liverpool's substitutes, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez, made a significant impact on the team's performance in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Fulham. The two players entered the game as substitutes and provided valuable contributions that helped Liverpool turn things around. Thanks to their efforts, Liverpool's lead is now 2-1 as they head to Craven Cottage for the second leg.
In the beginning of the second half, the two players were introduced into the game. At this point, the opposing team had already scored a goal in the 19th minute due to a mistake made by one of Liverpool's players, Virgil van Dijk. Without Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was out due to injury, Liverpool was having trouble being creative on the field. Alexander-Arnold had an important role in their previous win against Fulham by helping turn the score around. However, the team's coach, Jurgen Klopp, made some substitutions just like he did during the FA Cup game over the weekend against Arsenal. This led to a change in the course of the game.
Nunez brought some straightforwardness that was previously missing from the game, while Gakpo added some calmness and managed the midfield in a way that Gravenberch couldn't before being substituted for his Dutch comrade. Together, the duo worked together to allow Gakpo to score a goal in the 71st minute - a mere three minutes after Curtis Jones' equalizing shot deflected off another player.
On January 24th, Liverpool will visit Craven Cottage for the second match. Surprisingly, Chelsea lost 1-0 during the first leg of the other semi-final against Middlesbrough on Tuesday.
Keep up with the latest news as Liverpool takes on Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-finals by following our live updates below.
Liverpool Beats Fulham 2-1 In Full Time
If Jurgen Klopp has fewer options on his bench, he can still showcase his cleverness. Just a few days after he changed up the team to win against a tough opponent in a cup match, he did it again. With two small changes, Liverpool scored two goals in just three minutes, and then the team's fortunes changed again with another reshuffle. Klopp was definitely the hero of the match. It might not make Fulham feel better, but Arsenal probably understands their pain too. At least Fulham has a chance to try again. The real issue they may face is that Liverpool is a tough team to beat.
Fulham had the upper hand at Anfield and were starting to dream about winning their first big trophy after 145 years. However, Klopp called upon the only two experienced players he had left and things quickly turned around. In just 20 minutes, Darwin Nunez provided two key assists, while Cody Gakpo scored the game-winning goal. Now, if they can maintain their lead at Craven Cottage on January 24th, they may earn themselves a trip to Wembley and a second Carabao Cup victory in three years.
Liverpool once again had a game of two halves. At half-time, Klopp made some tactical changes and injected some much-needed urgency into his team. He delayed a few minutes before making a double change, bringing on Nunez and Gakpo. Nunez is known for being unpredictable and suited for such situations. Gakpo was tasked with filling in Liverpool's problem position, as Harvey Elliott failed for the second game in a row to replace Mohamed Salah on the right wing. Gakpo came on and made the most important contribution of the night by cutting in from an unusual flank and delivering a decisive touch.
Account by Richard Jolly at Anfield
Jamie Braidwood, on January 10th, 2024, at 10:09 PM.
Klopp Praises Nunez For Liverpool Comeback
Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, has affirmed that he always has faith in his forwards, regardless of whether they score or not. This came after Darwin Nunez made an impact in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Fulham, although the contribution was not enough to secure victory for his team.
Following his entrance in the 56th minute, the Uruguayan player assisted Curtis Jones' equalizing goal, which was deflected, and later delivered a cross that Cody Gakpo, another substitute, converted into the decisive goal.
In a different game, Nunez could have potentially secured Liverpool's spot in the final with a late hat-trick, but unfortunately, he only managed to score once in the last 16 matches. Goalkeeper Bernd Leno prevented him from achieving this feat, leaving the outcome of the second leg in two weeks uncertain.
Klopp stated that the player's performance is exceptional and he admires many aspects of his game.
In the beginning, when he joined the team, he had to learn how to adjust to the new environment. Though he did manage to successfully score a few times. However, presently, he is able to offer his skills in every game.
The reason why the boys are not chosen to start a game is not just based on whether or not they have scored in the past. What matters more to me is their attitude and behavior. I have complete faith in them and trust their ability to perform well. They deserve to be given a chance because they have worked really hard and put in a lot of effort.
I'm struggling to articulate the current state of affairs with Darwin. Despite my glee at how he's handling things, it's hard to believe that luck could be any more against him when it comes to wrapping things up.
"He executes every move flawlessly, but the ball doesn't go in. Nevertheless, he manages to assist in scoring the other goal. I believe it's truly exceptional to pull that off once more."
Jamie Braidwood posted a blog on January 11, 2024 at midnight.
Liverpool Beat Fulham 2-1 In Full Time
During an interview with Sky Sports, Fulham's coach Marco Silva shared his thoughts on the game. He noted that his team performed exceptionally well in the first half, opting for a more defensive strategy than usual but still managed to stay in control. Silva acknowledged the opposing team's attacking prowess, stating that they had players with incredible speed and skill that could cause trouble at any moment. However, the Fulham squad was able to capitalize on opportunities and played with intensity in the first half. As the game progressed, the opposing team began to apply more pressure, which resulted in a shift in play.
We were faced with more difficulties as the game progressed. We were given a window of opportunity to score during 10-15 minutes where we had several excellent chances, especially when De Cordova-Reid had the ball. Unfortunately, we were not able to make the most of that moment and on top of that we failed to win some essential challenges. Due to this, we had to face a shot from the outside of the box and it was deflected, leading to our loss.
We need to improve our tactical approach and enhance our defensive skills, especially in protecting our own territory, as shown during their second goal.
In our own turf, we're trailing behind by a score of 2 to 1 but we won't give up. There were instances in the latter part of the game where we had impressive plays and could have even managed to get another point but in high-level football, this is expected.
There's a new blog post by Jamie Braidwood that was published on January 10, 2024, at 10:39 pm.
Liverpool Beats Fulham 2-1 In Full-time
During an interview with Sky Sports, Curtis Jones expressed that the first half was challenging as they had most of the possession but failed to score any goals. However, they managed to turn things around in the second half. He is glad that the fans are leaving satisfied with smiles on their faces, and this makes him content.
I have completed the entire academy process, which makes scoring even more special to me. I have been a part of the team since I was just 17 years old, and the journey has had its share of highs and lows. Despite the challenges, I persevered and maintained a positive attitude. I am confident in my abilities, and all I require is more playing time to demonstrate what I am capable of achieving.
The 22-year-old player in the Liverpool team is having an outstanding performance. He was given the title of player of the match for tonight's game.
Jamie Braidwood's blog post on January 10, 2024 at 10:20 PM.
Liverpool Seal Victory Over Fulham 2-1
Liverpool have won 14 times and tied on two occasions during their home games this season.
Liverpool have allowed their opponents to score the first goal on seven occasions this season. Nonetheless, they have managed to come back and emerge victorious every time.
Liverpool Beats Fulham 2-1 In Full Time
Liverpool will head to the second match against their opponents at Craven Cottage with a lead of one goal on Tuesday, January 23rd.
Do you think Fulham would have been content with that result prior to the start of the game? Most likely. However, observing how Fulham performed during the initial half and the opportunities they had to increase their lead, my guess is that Marco Silva, their coach, considers that his team missed out on a significant chance.
Liverpool Beats Fulham 2-1 In Full Time
Liverpool managed to turn the tables on Fulham after being initially behind, ultimately emerging as victorious in an intense first game of their Carabao Cup semi-final!
During the 94th minute of the game, Wilson made a poor attempt at a shot which was blocked by the first defender, resulting in Liverpool successfully clearing the ball.
As the game reaches the 93rd minute, there is a commotion on the pitch. Bradley has just committed a foul on Robinson, precisely at the corner of the penalty area on the left-hand side. As a result, Fulham is bringing in their stronger players to try to gain an advantage.
As the game enters its final moments with just two minutes left on the clock, Liverpool have possession of the ball and appear to have a firm grip on the match. It's as if Fulham has yet to recover from the shock of conceding two goals in such a short span of three minutes.
Jamie Braidwood wrote a blog post on January 10th, 2024 at 9:52 pm.