Sports
Liverpool Held By Fulham After Last-Gasp Reed Rocket
- /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/gfjhjv.jpg&description=Liverpool Held By Fulham After Last-Gasp Reed Rocket', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/gfjhjv.jpg&description=Liverpool Held By Fulham After Last-Gasp Reed Rocket', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
Liverpool were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Fulham on Sunday as Harrison Reed scored a stunning stoppage-time equaliser just moments after Cody Gakpo netted for the Reds.
Gakpo had seemingly put Liverpool on course for victory at Craven Cottage with his strike in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
But Reed hauled Fulham level with a superb long-range blast to dent Liverpool’s push to finish in the Premier League’s top four.
On a controversial afternoon in west London, Arne Slot’s side had trailed to Harry Wilson’s first-half goal.
Fulham’s opener had been awarded after VAR rejected the initial offside decision against Wilson.
While that appeared to be the correct decision, there was far more doubt about Florian Wirtz’s leveller.
The German was originally ruled offside, and Fulham’s players were so confident that it was the right call that they had virtually stopped before Wirtz took his shot.
However, the VAR official disagreed, ruling that Wirtz was played onside by the narrowest of margins, even though his foot seemed in an offside position.
Fourth-placed Liverpool are now unbeaten in their last nine games in all competitions ahead of a trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Thursday.
But it was another far from convincing display from the Reds following the goalless stalemate against Leeds on New Year’s Day.
French striker Hugo Ekitike was absent due to a hamstring injury, and, with Alexander Isak also injured and Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations, Slot used Wirtz, Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai in his makeshift attack.
After kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes due to a medical emergency at Craven Cottage, Liverpool immediately looked out of sync.
Gakpo wasted two early opportunities with a deflected strike that whistled wide before he made a hash of finishing off Curtis Jones’ pass.
Liverpool were punished for their spluttering start in the 17th minute when Raul Jimenez’s pass beat the Fulham offside trap.
With Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk flat-footed, Wilson scampered onto the through ball and planted a composed finish past Alisson Becker.
The goal was initially disallowed for offside before a VAR check allowed Wilson to celebrate scoring against his former club.
Alexis Mac Allister nearly ended Liverpool’s malaise with a thumping header that smacked off the bar from Szoboszlai’s corner early in the second half.
That was the spark for Liverpool’s 57th-minute equaliser.
Conor Bradley surged through the heart of the Fulham defence and slipped a pass to Wirtz, who slotted into the far corner from six yards.
The German’s celebrations were initially curtailed by the offside flag, but after a lengthy review, he celebrated his second goal since his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen.
Liverpool had an incredible escape when Jimenez was unable to finish after bursting through, Wilson chipping the rebound onto the bar before Van Dijk cleared the follow-up off the line.
They looked set to make the most of that let-off when Gakpo prodded Jeremie Frimpong’s cross into the net from close range in the dying moments.
But Reed had other ideas, leaving Liverpool stunned as he drove a sublime strike into the top corner from 30 yards for his first goal since April 2023.
Arsenal are exploring a deal to sign winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.
According to The Athletic, a move for Tzolis would not impact the Gunners’ interest in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers or an alternative target.
The club’s sporting director, Andrea Bertea, continues to work in the market to strengthen their attack.
Sources believe a deal for Tzolis could be possible for around €40million.
The 24-year-old scored 43 goals for Club Brugge across two seasons, having found the net 23 times for Fortuna Dusseldorf in 2. Bundesliga in 2023-24.
Arsenal are looking to bring in a new left winger, and have inquired about Juventus’ 21-year-old Turkey international Kenan Yildiz.
Ghana have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening match at the 2026 World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey was reportedly denied entry into Canada.
Partey will be unavailable to play in Ghana opening match against Panama in Canada on June 17, access denied.
The Black Stars are scheduled to face Panama on Wednesday in their first Group game at the BMO Field in Toronto.
However, Partey will not be available for the encounter after being unable to travel to Canada, according to The Athletic.
The development comes as a major blow to Ghana’s preparations, with the former Arsenal midfielder expected to play a key role in the team’s campaign.
Partey’s absence means Ghana will have to make changes to its midfield plans for the match against Panama.
The reason for the entry denial was not officially stated by Ghanaian football authorities, but the Canadian government website states that “if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into Canada.”
Partey was recently charged with sexual assault, but he is awaiting trial and has not been convicted.
The former Arsenal star has denied the charges.
His unavailability leaves Ghana without one of their most experienced players as they begin their World Cup campaign in Toronto.
Ghana will be hoping to begin their campaign on a strong note despite Partey’s absence.
The Black Stars are among the African teams expected to make an impact at the tournament, but the latest development has added pressure on the coaching crew ahead of the opener.
The team will now have to rely on other midfield options to fill the gap left by Partey as they seek victory against Panama.
Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
Mexico’s forward #16 Julian Quinones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
The 29-year-old struck in the ninth minute, his powerful shot going between the legs of the South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to send the 80,000 spectators wild.
Mexico’s forward Julian Quinones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
It was the earliest first goal at a World Cup since 2006, when Philipp Lahm netted for Germany against Costa Rica after six minutes.
The South Africa players have been exchanging some short passes, trying to open up the opposition’s defence and hit them swiftly on the break, but the co-hosts have been dominant so far.
South Africa’s forward Iqraam Rayners and Mexico’s defender Johan Vasquez fight for the ball during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
Before the kickoff, the 80,000-strong crowd was entertained by Nigerian star Burna Boy, Colombian singer Shakira and a host of performers in an opening ceremony.
More to follow…
Channels
AKPABIO’S THREE YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE AND IMPACTFUL LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP
Security operatives arrest six wanted suspects in Enugu
VAT collections rise to N2.42tr in Q1 2026 – NBS
-
News15 hours agoMy Nasty Experience With Police During June 12 Struggle, How I was Detained Over the Word Charade in my Release – Hon TeeJay Yusuf
-
Economy24 hours agoNigeria exceeds OPEC quota as crude production hits 11-month high
-
News24 hours agoSenate Extends 2025 Capital Budget Implementation to September
-
News24 hours ago258 Nigerians return from S’Africa, barred from re-entry for five years
-
News23 hours agoDEMOCRACY DAY: Tinubu honours seasoned journalists, Lad Bonuola, Louis Odion, Delee Alake, others with National awards
-
News21 hours agoAbandoned health facility for 40years gets new lease of life as Senator Manu moves for its completion(Photos)
-
News19 hours ago33rd Anniversary of June 12: NUPENG Calls on Politicians to Uphold Democratic Values*
-
News24 hours agoDelta court remands four over gun running, cultism charges