Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
by James Nalton
at Anfield

LIVERPOOL came from behind to take a one-goal lead into the second leg of their EFL Cup semifinal against Fulham.

Jurgen Klopp's introduction of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo with just under an hour played contributed greatly to the turnaround.

Willian had given Fulham an early lead as the side continue to show promising signs under Marco Silva.

For much of the game, it looked like they would hang on to the lead and limited Liverpool mostly to shots from outside the box.

But the home side looked more dangerous in the second half, attacking the Kop end of Anfield, and eventually levelled the scores when a Curtis Jones shot deflected in off Tosin Adarabioyo.

Then Nunez offered drive and determination like only he can, causing Fulham defenders problems and eventually setting up Gakpo for the winning goal on the night.

Nunez has become a fan favourite at Anfield despite some derision from other quarters for the chances he misses. 

On this occasion, he was very unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet.

“I don't know how to explain the Darwin situation,” Klopp pondered after the game.

“I'm so happy about our crowd and how they take it, and I'm so happy about Darwin's reaction and how he takes it, but you cannot be more unlucky than he was in this finishing situation.

“It's not possible. He does absolutely everything right.

“And then he still sets up the other goal. I think that's really special to do that again.

“He did it for Mo [Salah] in the other game against West Ham, and today for Cody. Super special.”

Nunez now has more assists than any other Liverpool player this season.

The second leg will be played at Craven Cottage on Wednesday January the 24th.