Fulham 1 vs 1 Liverpool: Liverpool had to settle for a frustrating draw with Fulham on Wednesday night but still booked their place in the Carabao Cup final.
The goal from Luis Diaz came in the eleventh minute but was canceled out almost an hour later by Issa Diop who spoiled the party. Fulham were able to put up much of a fight at Craven Cottage but Liverpool simply did not budge.
Liverpool had already taken care of business at Anfield and came into the game leading on aggregate. The reds now go into the final of the Carabao Cup to face Chelsea in a repeat of the 2021/22 season where it has to be decided on penalties.
Fulham 1 vs 1 Liverpool: The goals
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Luis Diaz struck early to put the Reds ahead and for long stages of the game looked quite comfortable given how relaxed their attack was. Certainly not in the script was Issa Diop’s late equalizer that prompted a home flurry by Fulham towards the end.
There were some truly nervous moments but the Liverpool players handled it all like the professionals they are.
Injury boost
Klopp will come out of the game feeling pleased given that he was able to name Andy Robertson on the bench for the first time since October. Joe Gomez continued in that position tonight but the return of Robertson cannot be understated.
Make no mistake, the Reds have coped remarkably well with an increasingly lengthy list of absentees over the last couple of months.
They could definitely benefit from getting back some of their key players who have been out. Robertson’s involvement and the imminent returns of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai represent a good start on that front.
Mo Salah on the other hand may take a few more weeks but luckily his injury isn’t too serious.
The new generation
Klopp has slowly but surely been showing more faith to the younger players in the team and this game was no different. Kelleher was given his 12th appearance of the season as he started and finished the game ahead of Alisson.
Jarell Quansah partnered Van Dijk all night while Conor Bradley played at right back. The two gave a good account of themselves and were highly impressive. This may already have Klopp thinking of increasing their opportunities to see if they would be able to manage the pressure that comes with their position.
Quansah for example put in a performance beyond his years and showed why Klopp trusts him in the first place. The German is keen to protect Ibrahima Konate from the muscle injuries he tends to pick up, but he would rather take the risk than go with a player he does not truly trust. Even after a nervy finish, you can clearly see why Klopp is ready to throw him in.
Liverpool’s season
This was supposed to be a rebuilding season for the Reds with not many expectations outside of the Europa League. A completely new look midfield and a lethal and diverse attack have led them all the way to the top of the premier league, partly due to the bad results of both Arsenal and Man City.
🚨🏴 GOAL | Liverpool 1-0 Fulham Luis Diaz
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) January 24, 2024
LUIS DIAZ OPENS THE SCORING FOR LIVERPOOL !!!!pic.twitter.com/0M3d39Z9HW
Outside of this they also continue making their way in the Europa League and other competitions. Klopp’s record in semi finals for the club is one should have left many Liverpool fans relaxed knowing he almost always goes through to finals. It’s now a ridiculous nine victories from 10 semi final appearances across a range of different competitions.
The only exception came in the 2016/17 season when they lost to Southampton. A great achievement indeed but no one remembers the beaten finalists anyway so it’s only half the job.
What Klopp said
🚨🚨| Jürgen Klopp reached his 𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐇 final as Liverpool manager tonight.
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) January 24, 2024
On average that's more than one a season while he's been at the club. An incredible statistic. 👏🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/lVVDgtECd7
Speaking after the game, Klopp expressed how impressed he was with his team who had the same desire as Fulham to get to the final. He lauded their spirit late in the game saying,
We were just ready for this game and that’s the most important thing. I saw Marco Silva’s press conference and we know what this game meant to them and so I told the boys we have to also show it
We had to get over the line and we did. It feels great, we are really happy, the boys wanted it and they got it and so we have 10 games to play before the final in four weeks or so. We are looking forward to Wembley
He also spoke on facing Chelsea once again in the final and believes the blues will be out for revenge for their loss two years ago.
What next for Liverpool and Fulham
The Reds will be looking to continue their good form when they face Norwich in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday. From there, we will all have an early final preview when they lock horns with Chelsea on Wednesday 31st January. They will be hoping to establish dominance and keep their title hopes alive.
Fulham on the other hand host Newcastle in the FA Cup on Saturday and continue their premier league season against Everton three days later on 30th.
