Liverpool put in another trademark performance to beat Fulham 2-1 in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg at Anfield.
The nine-time champions could not initially respond to the Cottagers’ defensive superiority and fell behind Willian in the opener, but Jurgen Klopp’s inspired substitutes scored twice in the second half through quick strikes from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo in minute 45. In the second leg, Liverpool took the lead slightly.
The biggest news for Liverpool is that Conor Bradley has been promoted to the first team in place of the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk has returned from illness to take his place in the back row. As expected, Klopp’s side immediately woke up the Fulham defense and scored a goal after just six minutes of play, but Jones’ strike from outside the penalty area was meat and drink for Bernd Leno.
Fulham were happy to soak up the pressure and take advantage of Liverpool’s uncharacteristic mistake and did just that in the 19th minute with Van Dijk on the edge of his own penalty area.The Dutchman’s header landed at the feet of Andreas Pereira, who deflected to compatriot Willian, and the Brazilian rounded a falling Bradley before firing past the legs of Van Dijk and Caoimhin Kelleher at the near post.
The Cottagers’ solid defensive structure and Liverpool’s passive attacking play ensured that the visitors’ slim lead was never much of a threat for the rest of the first period, and the Reds took another half-time lead before the final kick of the first innings. . . There was a chance to score, but Joe Gomez’s powerful drive went just wide of Leno’s post.
