Liverpool overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat Fulham 2-1 in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final on Wednesday at a cold Anfield thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo three minutes apart.
After Willian’s goal in the 19th minute, Fulham seemed set to give the record nine-time League Cup winners their first home loss in all competitions this year. The Brazilian scored by slotting the ball between goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher’s legs from the outside of the six-yard box, taking advantage of Virgil van Dijk’s clumsy clearance.
After dominating possession, Premier League-leading Liverpool eventually overcame Fulham’s disciplined defense when Jones scored in the 68th minute. His effort from 25 meters away took a significant deflection off the back of Tosin Adarabioyo.
In the 71st minute, Gakpo, a substitute, gave Liverpool the lead by tapping in a cross from Darwin Nunez at the near post.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who hurt his knee in Sunday’s FA Cup third-round victory over Arsenal, and Mohamed Salah, who is now playing for Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations and is the joint top scorer in the Premier League, were not present for Liverpool.
On January 24, Liverpool will go to Craven Cottage for the second leg. The first leg of the other semi-final saw Chelsea lose unexpectedly to Middlesbrough, a lower division team, 1-0 on Tuesday.