Liverpool bounced back early to beat Fulham 2-1 in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at Anfield.
The Reds continued with the same criteria as always in the first half and Willian put the visitors ahead after capitalizing on several mistakes.
Jurgen Klopp would have liked to see a primary improvement from him and that happened when Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez were brought to the bench.
Curtis Jones’ deflected shot gave hope before the substitutes combined to equalize two minutes later.
Liverpool will now head into the second leg at Craven Cottage with a goal that could prove crucial.
That’s all our policy in Liverpool’s win over Fulham in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals!
The Reds struggled in the first hour of the game and found themselves 1-0 down after Willian took the lead.
But goals from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo in the span of two minutes replaced the game.
And Jurgen Klopp’s side head into the second leg with a one-goal advantage.
For more reactions to the game, you can read the following. . .
Cody Gakpo spoke about his goal and Liverpool’s win at Anfield.
Gakpo said: “He [Curtis Jones] scored a very important goal to get us back into the game and after that I felt like we were dominating, not only with possession but also creating chances and then the second, so I was happy.
“It’s the mentality in the group, in the club, in the city, everyone has this mentality of moving forward and no matter what happens and we showed that today.
“If you have that mentality, a lot can happen.
“I love gambling with those guys. We showed a smart mindset and we have to keep going because it’s just the first stretch of this game. “
Starting goalscorer Curtis Jones has reacted to Liverpool’s victory in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final tonight.
He told Sky Sports: “In the first half it was difficult, we had the ball complete but we couldn’t find the back of the net and in the second half we replaced the game.
“Enthusiasts leave with a smile on their face, so I’m happy. “
“I’ve done my total adventure in the academy, so it’s more,” he continued.
“I have been on the team since I was 17 and it has been an adventure of ups and downs.
“It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve stayed there, my mentality is good, I know I have the ability and I just want playing time. “
Tonight, against Fulham, is the seventh time Liverpool have won a game despite conceding the first goal in all competitions this season.
That is the most of any side in England’s top four tiers in 2023-24.
Liverpool have scored 30 goals through substitutes in all competitions this season (15 goals, 15 assists), 12 more than any Premier League club.
Seven of those were through Darwin Nunez (3 goals, four assists), the most through a player from a Premier League team.
Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez after coming on in the 56th minute:
That’s what we call a super submarine!
It was an unforgettable evening for Conor Bradley.
He made a point of updating Trent Alexander-Arnold and played brilliantly on both ends of the pitch.
Cody Gakpo has scored in all 4 of his League Cup games for Liverpool.
He is the first player to score in 4 consecutive appearances at the club’s festival since Vladimir Smicer in 2000-01.
Liverpool at Anfield in all competitions this season:
WWWWWWWWWWWDWDWW
How can this victory of the house be fair?
THE LAST WHISTLE! LIVERPOOL WINS!
It looked like the Reds were going to have an evening at some point after Fulham took the lead through Willian.
However, Curtis Jones began the comeback before Cody Gakpo fired in a late winner to complete a quickfire turnaround.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have the advantage in this Carabao Cup semi-final!
90+3′ Fulham have a late foray forward!
Robinson is in possession on the right before he sees his legs wiped out by Bradley!
Wilson stands over the free-kick and sends a cross in…
But Liverpool manage to make it clear to Jones!
90′ There will be 4 minutes of added time.
Wilson also showed a yellow card for coaching Jones.
88′ Lukic has now been booked.
It’s an overdue mark for Nunez as he competes for a 50/50.
It’s not the ideal start for his appearance at Anfield. . .
87′ Lukic replaces Reed for Fulham.
The visitors looked defeated here and stayed to check and maintain the one-goal lead.
They will have taken this before the game.
85′ What an effect those two had!
Liverpool are still in the lead when we get to the final five minutes of this Carabao Cup semi-final.
The Reds need determination to go into the second leg with a double advantage. . .
83′ Núñez has to score an own goal!
Gakpo burst into the box in midfield before placing his replacement partner in the Fulham defence.
Núñez then blocked a hard shot that Leno controlled to put in with a strong hand!
Dean Ashton live on talkSPORT: “Gakpo spins wonderfully well, sees Nunez, gets in quickly, crushes him and is a brilliant hand from Leno. “
81′ Núñez has had the effect Klopp would have wanted.
The chaotic striker has been non-stop since coming on and Fulham have been made uncomfortable.
He also played an important role in the second goal, which was left on a platter for Gakpo to finish from close range.
Sam Matterface live on talkSPORT: “It’s like a Jurassic Park movie where the Tyrannosaurus Rex enters the fray.
“It’s charging all over the place. . . and Fulham go into panic mode. “
79′ What a header, Núñez!
He turned to the other side and leaned to the edge of the box, but managed to control his header!
And it has Leno scrambling as he dives to push the shot over the bar!
77′ After the goal, Fulham made some changes.
Pereira and Willian Wilson and Cairney.
It was the latter who had the chance to create for the visitors, but his cross went straight out of play after a goal kick.
75′ Nunez tries his luck with a free-kick!
Bradley pulls back down the right to win the free throw.
The substitute took it but his shot went over the crossbar.
73′ What crazy minutes!
Liverpool have been well off their usual standards tonight but they’ve managed to turn this game around!
The Reds are flying and Fulham have crumbled!
70′ GAKPO DELIVERS IT FOR LIVERPOOL!
IT’S A FAST RETURN!
Fulham had this match on their hands and were defeated within two minutes.
Núñez crosses to Gakpo, who finishes brilliantly close to the post with a first shot!
Dean Ashton live on talkSPORT: “It’s a brilliant move!
“Jota sees Núñez running, throws him towards the penalty area, Gakpo throws a small dart to the left and it’s a brilliant finish.
“He lunged in front of Leno before he could dive in. “
68′ LIVERPOOL ARE LEVEL!
Jota does a wonderful job of keeping ownership in the middle and his tough paints leave the ball at Jones’ feet!
Then go in and purposely shoot from long range!
It deflected off Tosin and flew into the back of the net!
Dean Ashton live on talkSPORT: “Liverpool didn’t deserve it, but they had a big blow here.
“Jones is comparing the shot, but I’m sorry as a defender, if you turn your back while defending, it’s going to be a disgrace to you. “
67′ Bradley wins a free kick on the edge of the area.
He hit Palhinha with nutmeg and cut as he tried to enter the box from the right side.
Mac Allister kicks the set piece and hits Robinson before massive handball shouts are heard!
There is no VAR here tonight so the referees decision stands and he gives no penalty.
Dean Ashton live on talkSPORT: “In the Champions League that would’ve been a penalty… but in my opinion it’s not a penalty.”
65′ Liverpool have gone through a bad streak.
They continue to give the ball away and allow Fulham to counterattack.
The home side are lucky to be further away and time is running out to get the equaliser.
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