Sports

Liverpool defeat Fulham to take Carabao Cup semi-final lead

Liverpool, on Wednesday night, produced another comeback after conceding first to take a 2-1 lead over Fulham into the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Willian fired the visitors in front in their first ever Carabao Cup semi-final at Anfield.

Two goals in three second-half minutes from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo, however, gave Liverpool a slender advantage ahead of the second leg at Craven Cottage on January 24.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have now fallen behind in 14 games this season, but have won seven of those matches and lost just three.

Liverpool were without Mohamed Salah due to his participation at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Trent Alexander-Arnold was among a number of injury absentees and it showed in a sluggish first half.

Fulham could not have wished for a better start when Willian opened the scoring on 19 minutes.

READ ALSO: Middlesbrough beat Chelsea to take Carabao Cup semi-final lead

Virgil van Dijk was twice at fault as his weak header was pounced on by Andreas Pereira.

Willian then got the break of the ball inside the penalty area before firing through Van Dijk’s legs beyond Caoimhin Kelleher.

Fulham were left to curse their fortune after the break, but the visitors were architects of their own downfall for not taking the chance to extend their lead.

Speaking to reporters, Gakpo said: “It’s the mentality in the group, in the club, in the city. Everybody is like this.

“Just keep going no matter what happens. We showed it again today. If you’ve got that mentality, a lot of beautiful things can happen.”

On his part, Fulham manager, Marco Silva, said: “Second half we had really good moments, we should have scored another goal at least.

“Even so the game is at half-time. We are losing 2-1 but we will go for it for sure.

“At home, with our fans behind us, it is going to be a great night for Fulham FC.”

Liverpool remain the strong favourites to reach the Wembley final against either Middlesbrough or Chelsea next month.

However, Fulham do have hope with home advantage to come in the second leg.

The Star

Segun Ojo

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