Liverpool 2-1 Fulham

Liverpool staged a comeback against Fulham in the League Cup semifinal's first leg at a chilly Anfield on Wednesday, with Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo scoring within three minutes of each other to secure a 2-1 victory.

Fulham initially took the lead in the first half through Willian, capitalizing on a defensive error from Virgil van Dijk. The Brazilian slotted the ball home from the edge of the six-yard box, putting Liverpool on the back foot.

Despite frustrations for Juergen Klopp's side, they maintained their determination. In the 68th minute, Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo turned the tide with quick-succession goals, showcasing the team's resilience.

Gakpo, reflecting on the team's mentality, stated, "It's the mentality in the group, in the club, in the city, just keep going and it doesn't matter what happens, and we showed that again today." He emphasized the impact of a strong mindset in achieving success.

Fulham aimed to hand Liverpool their first home defeat of the season, but Liverpool's dominance in possession eventually paid off. Jones' goal came from 25 meters out, deflecting off Tosin Adarabioyo, while Gakpo secured the lead in the 71st minute by tapping in Darwin Núñez's cross at the near post.

Klopp acknowledged that it wasn't their best game but highlighted the human aspect of the team. The introduction of Gakpo and Núñez in the second half made a significant difference, with Liverpool registering 21 shots to Fulham's six.

Missing key players like Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool showcased the depth of their squad. Klopp praised the performance of 20-year-old Conor Bradley, who stepped in for Alexander-Arnold in defense, describing him as "exceptional."

Liverpool, extending their remarkable home record, secured their 14th victory and two draws this season. The second leg is set to take place at Craven Cottage on January 24. Fulham manager Marco Silva acknowledged the challenge but looked forward to a great night for Fulham with the home advantage.

In the other semifinal, Chelsea suffered a surprise 1-0 loss to Middlesbrough in the first leg on Tuesday.