Liverpool 2-1 Fulham LIVE REACTION: Gakpo and Jones complete quickfire comeback as Reds win Carabao Cup semi-final first leg
Liverpool staged a quickfire comeback to beat Fulham 2-1 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at Anfield.
The Reds were well off their usual standards in the first half and saw Willian hand the visitors the lead after capitalising on multiple errors.
Jurgen Klopp will have wanted to see major improvement from his side and it didn’t come until Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez were introduced off the bench.
Curtis Jones’ deflected strike restored hope before the substitutes combined to turn the tie around two minutes later.
Liverpool will now head into the second leg at Craven Cottage with a one-goal advantage that could prove crucial.
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham: REACTION
That's all for our live coverage of Liverpool's comeback win over Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg!
The Reds struggled for the first hour of the game and found themselves 1-0 down after Willian gave the visitors the lead.
But goals from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo in the space of two minutes turned things around.
And Jurgen Klopp's side now head into the second leg with a crucial one-goal advantage.
For more reaction to the game, you can read our report below...
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham: REACTION
Cody Gakpo has also given his thoughts on his goal and Liverpool's comeback win at Anfield.
Gakpo said: "He [Curtis Jones] got a very important goal to get us back in the game and after that I felt we really dominated, not only with possession but creating chances and then the second so I was happy.
"It's the mentality in the group, in the club, in the city, everyone is like this mentality of just keep going and it doesn't matter what happens and we showed that again today.
"If you have that mentality a lot of things can happen.
"I love playing with these guys. We showed good mentality and have to keep going as it's only the first leg of this game."
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Liverpool 2-1 Fulham: REACTION
Opening goalscorer Curtis Jones has reacted to Liverpool's Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win tonight.
He told Sky Sports: "In the first half it was tough, we had all the ball but couldn't find the back of the net and in the second half we changed that around.
"The fans are leaving with smiles on their faces so I'm happy."
"I came all the way through the academy so it [scoring] means more," he continued.
"I've been around the team since I was 17 and the journey has been up and down.
"It has not always been easy but I've always stuck in there, my mindset is right, I know I have the ability and I just need the game time."
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Liverpool 2-1 Fulham: REACTION
Tonight against Fulham was the seventh time Liverpool have won a match 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.
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Liverpool 2-1 Fulham: REACTION
Liverpool have had 30 goal involvements by substitutes in all competitions this season (15 goals, 15 assists), 12 more than any other Premier League club.
Seven of these have been by Darwin Núñez (3 goals, 4 assists), the most by a player for a Premier League side.
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham: REACTION
Darwin Nunez for Liverpool after coming on in the 56th minute:
- Most touches in opp. box (12)
- Joint-most shots (4)
- Joint-most shots on target (3)
- Most take-ons completed (3)
- Joint-most chances created (2)
- Most assists (2)
Now that's what you call a super sub!
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham: REACTION
A night to remember for Conor Bradley.
He had the pressure of stepping in for Trent Alexander-Arnold and he performed brilliantly at both ends of the pitch.
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham: REACTION
Cody Gakpo has scored in all four of his League Cup games for Liverpool.
He is the first player to score in four successive appearances in the competition for the club since Vladimir Smicer in 2000-01.
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham: REACTION
Liverpool at Anfield in all competitions this season:
WWWWWWWWWWWDWDWW
How important could that home victory be?
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham: FULL TIME
THE FINAL WHISTLE BLOWS! LIVERPOOL WIN!
It looked like the Reds were going to have a night to forget at one 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!
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
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 are able to clear through Jones!
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
90' There will be four minutes of added time.
Wilson has also been shown a yellow card for dragging down Jones.
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
88' Lukic has now been booked.
It's a late stamp on Nunez as he competes for a 50/50.
Not the ideal start to his cameo at Anfield...
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
87' Lukic has come on for Reed for Fulham.
The visitors look beaten here and they're sitting back to try and keep the deficit at one goal.
They will have taken this result pre-match.
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
85' What an impact these two have made!
Liverpool are still on top as we head into the final five minutes of this Carabao Cup semi-final.
The Reds want another goal to head into the second leg with double the advantage...
CHANCE! Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
83' Nunez has a chance for a goal of his own!
Gakpo breaks into space in midfield before slotting in his fellow substitute behind the Fulham defence.
Nunez then lines up a powerful strike that Leno manages to get a strong hand behind!
Dean Ashton live on talkSPORT: "Gakpo wonderful turn, sees Nunez, gets onto it quickly, smashes it and it's a brilliant hand from Leno."
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
81' Nunez has had the impact Klopp would have wanted.
The chaotic striker has been non-stop since coming on and Fulham have been made uncomfortable.
He played a huge part in the second goal too, putting it on a plate 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.
"He charges around... and Fulham just go into panic mode."
CHANCE! Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
79' What a header, Nunez!
He's facing the other way and leaning towards the edge of the box but he manages to get his header on target!
And it has Leno scrambling as he dives to push the shot over the bar!
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
77' Following the second goal, Fulham made changes.
Pereira and Willian came off for Wilson and Cairney.
It's the latter who has a chance to create for the visitors but his cross goes straight out of play for a goal-kick.
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
75' Nunez tries his luck with a free-kick!
Bradley causes problems again down the right to win the set piece.
The substitute then takes it but his effort is fired over the bar!
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
73' What a crazy couple of 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!
GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 Fulham: Cody Gakpo
70' GAKPO TURNS IT AROUND FOR LIVERPOOL!
IT'S A QUICKFIRE COMEBACK!
Fulham had this game in their hands and they've been ripped apart in the space of two minutes.
Nunez cuts a cross back to Gakpo who brilliantly finishes at the near post with a first-time flick!
Dean Ashton live on talkSPORT: "It's a brilliant move!
"Jota sees Nunez make a run, flashes it across the six-yard box, Gakpo makes a tiny little dart to the left and it's a brilliant finish.
"It was flashed past Leno before he could even dive."
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GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 Fulham: Curtis Jones
68' LIVERPOOL ARE LEVEL!
Jota does really well to keep possession in the middle and his hard work leaves the ball at Jones' feet!
He then strides into space and fires a long-range effort at goal!
It deflects off Tosin and flies into the back of the net!
Dean Ashton live on talkSPORT: "Liverpool haven't deserved it but they have got a massive stroke of luck here.
"Jones sizes up the shot but I'm sorry as a defender, if you turn your back whilst defending, shame on you."
Liverpool 0-1 Fulham
67' Bradley wins a free-kick right on the edge.
He nutmegs Palhinha and is hacked down as he tries to break into the box from the right-hand side.
Mac Allister whips the set piece in and it hits Robinson before there are huge handball shouts!
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."
Liverpool 0-1 Fulham
65' Liverpool have had a very poor spell.
They keep giving the ball away and allowing Fulham to counter.
The hosts are lucky they're not further behind and time is running out to find an equaliser here.
