Thursday Fulham Stuff - 11/01/24...

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Cup Results

Tuesday 9/01
Middlesborough	1-0	Chelsea

Wednesday 10/01
Liverpool	2-1	Fulham
		Willian

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Liverpool 2-1 Fulham

Liverpool have won 14 and draw two of their home games this season

Liverpool staged a second-half turnaround to beat Fulham at Anfield in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie.

The visitors had taken the lead in the first half when Willian showed great control inside the area to slot in.

It was no less than Fulham deserved after an impressive first half, but Liverpool stepped it up after the break and fought back with two goals in three minutes.

First, Curtis Jones equalised when his 68th-minute strike from distance took a big deflection off Tosin Adarabioyo to wrong-foot Bernd Leno in the Fulham goal.

Substitute Cody Gakpo then drove in a Darwin Nunez pull-back to send the home crowd wild.

It was the second time in just over a month that Liverpool had denied Fulham success at Anfield. Marco Silva's side had led 3-2 in the final 10 minutes of their Premier League clash on 3 December but lost 4-3.

The two sides will meet again in the second leg at Craven Cottage on Wednesday, 24 January, with Jurgen Klopp's men now in the driving seat as they look to keep alive their hopes of a record-extending 10th League Cup win.

But the Reds boss warned: "It's not over yet.

"I didn't expect a result where we could book the hotel. Hopefully we will be better from the start. We couldn't do more than win the game -I'm absolutely happy."

Subs spark Liverpool in second-half recovery
This had the potential to be a tricky game for Premier League leaders Liverpool, who went into the game with a number of key players missing.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was excellent in their FA Cup third-round win against Arsenal at the weekend, is facing a few weeks out with injury, while Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo are away on international duty.

Fulham gave Liverpool a scare at Anfield last month and having come so close to a result on that occasion, they looked determined to cause an upset this time.

They were good value for their 1-0 lead at half-time with the hosts lacklustre and a little disjointed.

But Klopp's side were a different prospect after the break as they pressed much higher up the pitch and when Gakpo and Nunez were introduced midway through the second period, Fulham's defence was unable to cope.

In the end, Liverpool could have won by a bigger margin with the impressive Nunez once again unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet.

"I don't know how to explain the Darwin situation," added Klopp. "He can't be more unlucky in finishing situations. He does everything right and still sets up the goals.

"To bring Darwin and Cody from the bench is a proper change."

A big positive for Klopp was the performance of Northern Ireland international Conor Bradley. The 20-year-old started at right-back in Alexander-Arnold's absence and impressed throughout.

It is now 16 games unbeaten at Anfield for the Reds - 14 of those victories - as they once again found the will and a way to extend their dominant record on home soil.

Fulham's 'ruthless' first-half pleases Silva
Fulham, meanwhile, will take heart from their first-half display as they look to keep alive their hopes of a first League Cup win.

"We knew it was going to be a tough one," said boss Marco Silva. "You can't play for a final thinking it's not going to be really hard. Even three days ago they were able to play Arsenal away from home in the FA Cup.

"We did really well in the first half, more of a low block than we usually play but we controlled it well. They are a threat with the pace and quality of their attacking players and they can punish you at any time. We were ruthless in the first half, but second half they pushed up a bit more."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67869691

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Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
Fulham fell to a 2-1 defeat at Anfield on Wednesday in our Carabao Cup Semi-Final first leg.

Willian fired us ahead in the first half, but a deflected Curtis Jones strike got the hosts level before Cody Gakpo added a second from close-range just a couple of minutes later.

Having featured in the previous round at Merseyside neighbours Everton, Bernd Leno was brought back into the line-up, while Antonee Robinson was also re-introduced.

Raúl was given the nod up top for this one, with João Palhinha and Willian replacing Saša Lukić and Harry Wilson, who both started on the substitutes bench.

The hosts were enjoying most of the ball in the early stages, and Leno needed to be on his toes five minutes in to get down and smother Curtis Jones' stinging low effort.

Our stopper was called into action again soon after, collecting young Connor Bradley's low cross from the right-hand side.

We found ourselves under some pressure again as the clock ticked past the 15-minute mark. Diogo Jota flashed a dangerous ball across our six-yard box and thankfully, away from danger.

Despite our difficult start under the Anfield lights, we went ahead courtesy of Willian. The Brazilian received the ball from Andreas before rounding a couple of players and slotting past Caoimhin Kelleher at his near post.

Jedi did brilliantly for us on 37 minutes, powering forward before aiming an inch-perfect cross towards De Cordova-Reid. The delivery was pinged in with power and Bobby's heavy touch meant the chance went begging.

We kept the Reds at bay for the remainder of the half, with Joe Gomez coming closest just before the break when his half-volley bounced just wide.

The first decent chance after the interval went to Liverpool, when Ryan Gravenberch cut the ball onto his right on the edge of the area before drilling wide. A decent opportunity for the Dutchman.

Leno stayed calm a couple of minutes later to catch a fairly tame Jones effort from range.

After a quieter spell, we broke away via Bobby down the right-hand side. He had Andreas for company in the middle but opted to go for goal and his strike was well saved.

The hosts got themselves level with a stroke of luck as we approached the 70th minute. Jones' attempt from range cannoned off Tosin before wrong-footing Leno and bouncing into the top right corner.

The goal gave Liverpool the boost they needed and they added a second just a few minutes later. The two substitutes combined, as Gakpo poked in from close-range after latching onto a Darwin Nunez cross.

Nunez was making an impact and forced Leno into an excellent diving save to punch away his decent header, which was travelling towards the top corner.

Leno made an even better save to deny Nunez with three minutes of normal time remaining. Our 'keeper came rushing off his line to block his venomous effort from a Bradley cross.

The result means it'll all be to play for in the second leg at the Cottage in a couple of weeks.

Liverpool: Kelleher, Bradley, Konaté, van Dijk, Gomez, Gravenberch (Núñez 56'), Mac Allister, Jones, Elliott (Gakpo 56'), Diogo Jota, Díaz

Subs: Alisson Becker, Núñez, Gakpo, Clark, Gordon, McConnell, Beck, Quansah, Nyoni

Fulham FC: Leno, Castagne, Tosin, Diop, Robinson, Reed (Lukić 83'), João Palhinha, De Cordova-Reid, Andreas Pereira (Cairney 72'), Willian (Wilson 72'), Jiménez

Subs: Rodák, Tete, Wilson, Cairney, Ream, Rodrigo Muniz, Lukić, Carlos Vinícius, Francois



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/january/10/Liverpool-2-1-Fulham/

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Liverpool 2-1 Fulham: Cody Gakpo scores winner as Reds come from behind to take advantage in Carabao Cup semi-final
A spirited Fulham performance was not met with reward as Liverpool came from behind to earn a 2-1 win in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. Willian struck in the 19th minute for the visitors but two goals inside three minutes from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo ensured the Reds take a narrow advantage to Craven Cottage for the second leg on January 24.

Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones were on target as Liverpool came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 in the first leg of a hard-fought Carabao Cup semi-final at Anfield.

The visitors frustrated the Premier League leaders for long spells and got off to a flyer when Willian made the most of an error by Virgil van Dijk to drill a low shot home on 19 minutes.

Liverpool were missing the creative force of the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold and struggled to test Bernd Leno throughout a lacklustre first half.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid had a chance to double Fulham's lead following the interval and it proved to be a significant moment as Jurgen Klopp's men then turned the contest in their favour.

A two-goal blast in just three minutes saw Jones fortuitously level through a deflected 20-yard strike before substitutes Darwin Nunez and Gakpo combined for the Dutchman to steer in an excellent first-time finish.

Leno then made a wonder save to keep out Nunez late on as the Reds came close to increasing their advantage heading into the second leg at Craven Cottage on January 24.

Liverpool are next in action on January 21 when they visit Bournemouth in the Premier League. Fulham visit Chelsea this Saturday lunch time.

Talking Point – Liverpool find a way yet again
The Reds have made a habit of turning around deficits and recovering from adversity on various occasion this season and they were at it once more here. For long spells Fulham frustrated the visitors and looked the more likely on the counter attack.

However, a double change that saw Gakpo and Nunez introduced, as well as a slice of luck with Jones' equaliser, completely transformed the contest and in the end Marco Silva may well be relieved to have come away with just the one-goal deficit.

Much has been made of Liverpool's injury list and players missing on international duty, and that could yet hamper their targets in a busy couple of weeks, but key attackers again stepped up in the absence of Mo Salah to keep them on the path towards another Wembley final and the chance to fight for a record-extending 10th League Cup triumph.

Player of the match
Curtis Jones (Liverpool) The midfielder continues to impress with his driving runs and confidence on the ball. Dragged his side level with a deflected strike and looks like being an obvious candidate to be in Klopp's first-choice midfield when everyone is fit.

Player Ratings
LIVERPOOL: Kelleher 6, Bradley 8, Konate 7, Van Dijk 6, Gomez 7, Mac Allister 7, Gravenberch 5, Jones 8*, Elliott 7, Jota 8, Diaz 6. Subs: Nunez 8, Gakpo 8.

FULHAM: Leno 7, Castagne 7, Diop 7, Tosin 7, Robinson 7, Palhinha 7, Reed 7, De Cordova-Reid 7, Pereira 7, Willian 7, Jimenez 7. Subs: Cairney 6, Wilson 6, Lukic n/a.

Match Highlights
18' – GOAL! – Liverpool 0-1 Fulham: (Willian). Willian side steps a challenge and drills a low shot through Van Dijk and into the net after the Liverpool captain's error had allowed Andreas to cut the ball back from the right.
63' – FULHAM CHANCE! Reid spins into the right channel and is clear on goal. He drills in a low shot from a tough angle and forces a decent save out of Kelleher. His boss, Marco Silva is fuming on the touchline. He wanted Reid to square it for Andreas to convert a tap-in on the far side.
68' – GOAL! – Liverpool 1-1 Fulham: (Jones). Curtis Jones drags the hosts level with a 20-yard shot that hits Tosin and flies past Leno.
71' – GOAL! – Liverpool 2-1 Fulham: (Gakpo). The Reds turn it around as Gakpo darts to the near post to apply a first-time finish to Nunez's low pass from the left.
89' – LIVERPOOL CHANCE! Nunez sees a close-range volley brilliantly kept out by Leno following a sumptuous, low cross from Bradley.



https://www.tntsports.co.uk/football/league-cup/2023-2024/liverpool-v-fulham-carabao-cup-semi-final-live_sto9948825/story.shtml

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Fulham have fighting chance despite Liverpool's first-leg comeback
Liverpool scored twice in the space of three second-half minutes to win the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Willian put Fulham ahead at Anfield before goals from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo.

It means Liverpool will take a lead into the second leg at Craven Cottage, but the Whites still have a fighting chance of reaching Wembley.

Fulham frustrated the hosts during the first half and went ahead when Virgil van Dijk failed to deal with a ball into the box and Andreas Pereira teed up Willian, who showed great footwork to evade a couple of challenges and fire home.

Winning the away leg would have been a fantastic result for Fulham, who battled hard to protect their lead and were unlucky to concede an equaliser when Jones' shot went in via a huge deflection off Tosin Adarabioyo.

And after good work by Diogo Jota on the left, Liverpool quickly netted again.

Jota found Darwin Nunez, who pulled the ball back for fellow substitute Gakpo to score with a first-time finish.

Liverpool continued to attack and three late saves by keeper Bernd Leno to deny Nunez could yet prove to be crucial.
Fulham: Leno, Castagne, Tosin, Diop, Robinson, Reed (Lukic 83), Palhinha, De Cordova-Reid, Perreira (Cairney 72), Willian (Wilson 72), Jimenez.
Subs not used: Rodak, Tete, Ream, Francois, Muniz, Vinicius.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/sport/fulham-have-fighting-chance-despite-liverpools-first-leg-comeback

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Cottagers denied by Jones and Gakpo as Liverpool seize Carabao Cup semi-final advantage
Carabao Cup semi-final, first leg

Liverpool 2 Fulham 1

Julian Taylor at Anfield

For around an hour or so, it was all going so well for Fulham.

Yet the Cottagers found themselves leaving Merseyside with defeat for the second time in a couple of months at Anfield. There is no shame in this, considering Liverpool are leading the Premier League, fighting on four fronts and almost irresistible at home.

Willian had put Marco Silva's men into a great position with a goal in the first half which was causing no little alarm for the Reds in this tense Carabao Cup semi-final, first leg.

However, responses in a quick spell by Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo sent Liverpool into the second leg at Craven Cottage with the advantage, albeit slender.

There is some consolation for Fulham chief Silva in that the tie remains open - his team did well to just about withstand late pressure to add to the two-goal tally. However, the reality is the Cottagers looked visibly shaken in the final twenty minutes; their earlier composure having evaporated amid the Anfield cauldron. It will take quite the effort from to turn the contest around in west London if Fulham are to have any chance of capturing the Carabao Cup.

Some of the pre-match build up centred on Fulham's 145 year quest to win a major trophy; an almost inexplicable - and unwanted - feature of the club's history. And while there remains a second leg to be played at Craven Cottage, hope is alive.

Silva's side had been surveying the scene of Merseyside of late with some impact. The Cottagers gave Liverpool a scare in December before going down 4-3 in agonising fashion on Premier League duty, while seeing off Everton in the previous round of the cup at Goodison Park, prevailing on penalties amid a tense night. Here they were, again. One of the Cottagers' biggest games, since facing Atletico Madrid in the famous run to the Europa League final in 2010.

Intent

Fulham had, therefore, served notice of their intent, which was remarked upon by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in the match programme. "Fulham's quality is not an unknown quantity," he noted. "They have shown on so many occasions that they have the tools and the know-how to give many problems." And there is still the second leg to go, so Klopp knows a lot remains in this semi-final.

The west Londoners arrived on Merseyside without Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi, both on international duty at the AFCON with Nigeria. It was, naturally, a much stronger line up than the one - with eight changes - which eked past Rotherham United at the weekend in the FA Cup. All eyes from Craven Cottage and Silva were on tonight's big test instead. The vast experience of Raul Jimenez and Joao Palhinha were potentially key to extracting any glory within this most intense of environments, with former Liverpool player Harry Wilson on the bench.

Liverpool, meanwhile, welcomed back Virgil Van Dijk - but were missing the talismanic Mo Salah, away on international action, and man-in-vogue Trent Alexander-Arnold, who sustained a knee injury during the Reds' last outing, an impressive 2-0 win at Arsenal in the FA Cup. Others, such as Andy Robertson were absent too, giving Klopp a headache. Time for the Cottagers to seize a sliver of opportunity?

Liverpool were full of intent in the opening stages, where a similar tone was set in the previous round at Anfield, when West Ham found themselves systematically dismantled. Still, an angled shot past the post by Diogo Jota in the 16th minute was all the Reds managed to offer.

Any concerns were roundly dispelled when Fulham grabbed an opportunity - and how it was taken with aplomb by Willian after 19 minutes.

Lapse

In what was essentially the Cottagers' first proper foray, a rare lapse inside the box by Van Dijk allowed Andreas Pereira to slip in and assist the Brazilian, who composed himself with a couple of neat touches before squeezing the ball under home keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

Unsurprisingly, Fulham - content to maintain a counter-attacking strategy - were thereafter obliged to resist large swathes of pressure from Klopp's stunned players. Jones was a particular menace at times for the visitors who remained a threat on the break throughout the first half. Kelleher was forced to save from a rangy effort by Pereira as Liverpool appeared oddly laboured, lacking speed and incision.

Predictably, there was more purpose from the Reds immediately after the break, with Ryan Gravenberch shooting just a yard past Bernd Leno's post, amplifying the noise from the Kop.

Antonee Robinson was perhaps fortunate to escape being punished for a handball inside his own penalty area - but any Liverpool frustration was soon eclisped with a 67th minute leveller.

With Fulham failing to clear the mounting danger, Jones let fly with a 25 yard left footed drive - a slight deflection off Tosin was enough to send the ball spinning into the top of Leno's net.

Invigorated

Suitably invigorated, Liverpool quickly added a second goal two minutes later, a vindication of Klopp's substitutions moments before.

With Fulham beginning to lose a little concentration, Darwin Nunez managed to get into a great position down the left - and his cross was met by Gakpo who moved across the Cottagers' defenders to steer the ball in at the near post, to much relief from the home support.

This was the classic case of goals changing the mood of a team and a tie, with Liverpool much more like their usual confident selves. In 79 minutes, Leno had to tip over a great header by Nunez as Fulham tried to restrict the damage.

They did that much, at least on what could have been a much more damaging night.

Cottagers: Leno, Tosin, Diop, Robinson, Castagne, Reed (Lukic 82), Palhinha, Willian (Cairney 72), Jimenez, Decordova-Reid, Pereira (Wilson 72)



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/cottagers-denied-by-jones-and-gakpo-as-liverpool-seize-carabao-cup-semi-final-advantage

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Fulham player ratings - 'Superb' 8/10 but 'embarrassing' 5 and 'wasteful' 3 in Liverpool defeat
Fulham came close to humbling Liverpool at Anfield but will head back to London disappointed not to be ahead after the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Fulham may have taken a one-goal deficit before kick-off at Anfield but will head back down to London disappointed not to have claimed a scalp on Merseyside.

The Cottagers looked to be holding onto the lead provided through a classy 19th minute William goal but a deflected Curtis Jones strike saw Jurgen Klopp's men seize the impetus. Cody Gakpo had the ball in the net just minutes later and the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final finished at 2-1.

Marco Silva's side will go into the reverse fixture later this month with the belief that a home win can still see them into a first League Cup final. Here's how the players rated on Wednesday night.

1. Bernd Leno - 7
Could do little to prevent the goals but there when he could be. Made a brilliant save to prevent a third at the feet of Darwin Nunez.

2. Antonee Robinson - 7
Used his pace well to drive up the flank. Liverpool goals came on the opposite side of the pitch to Robinson.

3. Issa Diop - 6
Long legs often in the right place to thwart Liverpool attacks. Looked to be marshalling a brilliant Fulham defensive performance until the first goal looped in.

4. Tosin Adarabioyo - 5
As often, moments of real promise overshadowed by unnecessary risks. Could have been braver to prevent deflection for Liverpool opener and looked stuck in the mud for second.

5. Timothy Castagne - 7
Looked well off the pace early on but grew into the game and made some crucial interventions in the second half. Could've been sharper to stop second Liverpool goal.

6. Joao Palhinha - 7
His usual self, winning tackles and popping up all over the pitch.

7. Harrison Reed - 8
Reed was a tireless runner who helped keep Fulham organised and impossible to breach for 68 minutes.

8. Bobby Decordova-Reid - 5

An infuriating performance from the #14. Full of endeavour and making brilliant runs on the break but fluffed two huge chances that Fulham will rue.

9. Andreas Pereira - 7
Did not need a second invitation to latch onto the Van Dijk error and set up Willian's goal. Always looked capable of a pass to split the Liverpool defence

10. Willian - 8
Such a cool customer for his goal as he nipped around the Liverpool defence and slotted home superbly. Was always a threat running forward and did his defensive work diligently.

11. Raul Jiminez - 5
Jiminez held the ball up well at times but never looked a goal threat. A failed rabona cross was an embarrassing waste of possession.

12. SUB - Harry Wilson - 3
Wasteful cameo. Misplaced a pass and picked up a yellow card for a foul seconds later. Fired a last ditch free kick straight into the Liverpool wall.

13. Tom Cairney - 6
A respectable cameo. Perhaps could have had more influence with more time.

14. Sasa Lukic - 4
Did little to change the game and saw a late challenge given as a foul.

15. Marek Rodak - N/A
Unused sub.

16. Kenny Tete - N/A
Unused sub.

17. Tim Ream - N/A
Unused sub.

18. Rodrigo Muniz - N/A
Unused sub.

19. Carlos Vinicus - N/A
Unused sub.

20. Tyrese Francois - N/A
Unused sub.




https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-player-ratings-superb-810-but-embarrassing-5-and-wasteful-3-in-liverpool-defeat-4473717

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Why Fulham must take heart from Liverpool loss with Carabao Cup dream alive
The Londoners proved a match for the Merseyside opponents ahead of the semi-final second leg

Beating Liverpool at home is akin to finding a needle in a haystack.

For the second time this winter, though, Fulham thought they had cracked the code to victory at Anfield. But, for the second time this winter, two goals in three minutes saw the Reds claim the spoils.

Wednesday night's Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg loss was not as heartbreaking as their league defeat a few weeks ago. Tonight they lead until 22 minutes from time, back in December the equaliser came in the 86th minute.

It is all too easy to say now that this latest Liverpool comeback win was inevitable, because for the majority of this enticing battle on Merseyside, a goal — let alone a result — did not look like a foregone conclusion.

Rather than criticism of Jurgen Klopp's side for having a supposed off day, there instead ought to be immense credit for Fulham. Marco Silva's men went toe-to-toe with the Premier League leaders, and it was by doing so — winning second balls, upsetting their rhythm — that Fulham masterminded a near-perfect first-half display.

They had a lead to take into the dressing room, too, courtesy of a couple of poor individual errors from the nine-time champions of this competition.

First, the returning Virgil van Dijk headed straight to Andreas Pereira. Then Pereira's pass into Willian was easily controlled by the Brazilian thanks to young Conor Bradley's naïve sliding tackle to try and win it. Willian skipped past him, sized up Van Dijk, and tucked home.

Fulham knew what lay ahead for them. They bedded in and defended excellently — Tosin Adarabioyo and Joao Palhinha winning crucial tackles, and Harrison Reed shuttling around in midfield like a bluebottle that Liverpool just couldn't get rid of.

Liverpool always posed a threat, but nothing looked like materialising from their immense share of possession until Klopp brought Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo into the fray.

Curtis Jones's shot took a huge deflection off Adarabioyo on 68 minutes and flew past Bernd Leno. Then, three minutes later, Nunez ran to the byline and crossed for Gakpo to slot home and become the Carabao Cup's joint-top scorer this season with four goals.

Fulham were in danger of letting Liverpool run away with it, but Leno's brilliance and Nunez's poor luck in front of goal ensured it stayed 2-1.

Yes, it was another defeat from a winning position for Silva's Fulham. But plenty still to play for in the second leg in a fortnight. That was the crucial thing here.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-vs-carabao-cup-liverpool-marco-silva-b1131572.html

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Fulham boss' fitness revelation on 'tireless' star ahead of Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United clashes
Harrison Reed needed treatment at half-time for a knock but still returned to the pitch for Fulham against Liverpool.

Fulham manager Marco Silva has provided an update on midfielder Harrison Reed after the Cottagers midfielder was subbed with just 10 minutes left to play at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The 28-year-old put in a gutsy performance against Jurgen Klopp's side as he marshalled Fulham towards what looked like could be a narrow victory until the home team found the net in the 68th minute. Reed was replaced by Sasa Lukic with 83 minutes on the clock.

Fulham supporters had feared that Reed was set for a substitution at half-time as his thigh appeared to sustain a blow from Reds goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher's knee. Reed stayed on the turf as players left the pitch and received treatment before slowly hobbling off to the changing room.

The midfielder appeared to have shaken off the knock after the break as he joined his colleagues on the field and completed another 38 minutes at Anfield.

Speaking after the match to Sky Sports, Fulham boss Marco Silva addressed his man's condition and seemed unworried about the coming together with Kelleher. He said: "Today during the morning and in the afternoon, he didn't feel really well. He was a little unwell. We spoke with him before the match and he was in condition to play. It came much more from how he felt in the afternoon than that moment in the game."

Reed, who put in a 'tireless' performance in the Carabao Cup semi-final but has not started a Premier League game since the start of December, could miss Saturday's derby at Chelsea - but fans will take solace from Silva's suggestion it is not a serious problem.

Fulham then face Liverpool at Craven Cottage in the semi-final second leg on January 24 before an FA Cup meeting with Newcastle on January 27. Looking ahead to the next meeting with Liverpool, Silva said: "In the second half we had really good moments, we should have scored another goal at least. It is what it is, it is the top level of football, we are here fighting for it and of course at home with our fans behind us, it's going to be a great night for Fulham Football Club and we are doing our best to play the final at Wembley."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-boss-fitness-revelation-on-tireless-star-ahead-of-chelsea-liverpool-and-newcastle-united-clashes-4473732

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Marco Silva reveals how Fulham will approach second leg vs. Liverpool
Fulham are down but not out in their Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool.

The Cottagers visited Anfield on Wednesday for the first leg of the tie, which was won 2-1 by the Reds. Liverpool came away with the victory despite giving up an early goal to the London side, as a rapid-fire three minutes in the second half saw Curtis Jones equalise in the 68th minute before Cody Gakpo scored the match-winner in the 71st.

"We knew it was going to be a tough one," Fulham manager Marco Silva told Sky Sports. "You can't play for a final thinking it's not going to be really hard. Even three days ago they were able to play Arsenal away from home in the FA Cup.

"We did really well in the first half, more of a low block than we usually play but we controlled it well. They are a threat with the pace and quality of their attacking players and they can punish you at any time. We were ruthless in the first half but second half they pushed up a bit more."

The teams must now wait two weeks for the second leg, scheduled for Jan. 24 at Craven Cottage. With the tie moving to West London, Silva revealed that he intends to have his side play freely against the current Premier League leaders.

"We're playing at home, we're losing 2-1 but we're going to go for it for sure," he said. "In the second half we had good moments and we should've scored another goal at least but it is what it is at the top level of football.

"At home, with our fans behind us, it's going to be a great night for Fulham Football Club."



https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/soccer/marco-silva-reveals-how-fulham-will-approach-second-leg-vs-liverpool/1i7zyr7xyl4gw1qna1lzj1oynn

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Silva: 'We'll go for it at Craven Cottage'
Marco Silva promised Fulham will 'go for it' in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final after suffering a narrow defeat at Liverpool this evening.

The Cottagers' head coach told Sky Sports that it was 'a tough result to take' after his side took the lead through Willian's predatory first-half strike only for second half strikes from Curtis Jones and substitute Cody Gakpo handed Liverpool a slender advantage.

"We knew it was going to be a tough one. You can't play for a final thinking it's not going to be really hard. Even three days ago they were able to play Arsenal away from home in the FA Cup. We did really well in the first half, more of a low block than we usually play but we controlled it well. They are a threat with the pace and quality of their attacking players and they can punish you at any time. We were ruthless in the first half but second half they pushed up a bit more.

We're playing at home, we're losing 2-1 but we're going to go for it for sure. In the second half we had good moments and we should've scored another goal at least but it is what it is at the top level of football. "At home, with our fans behind us, it's going to be a great night for Fulham Football Club."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/01/silva-well-go-for-it-at-craven-cottage/

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'Nothing's finished yet,' says Willian
Fulham winger Willian insists that the League Cup semi-final against Liverpool is far from settled despite Liverpool earning a slender lead after the first leg at Anfield this evening.

The Brazilian veteran fired the visitors ahead with a fabulous first-half goal. but Marco Silva's side will need to overturn a deficit at Craven Cottage in a fortnight's time after conceding second half strikes to Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo.

Willian told FFCTV tonight:

"Nothing's done. We have the second leg to play at home. We knew that it is always hard to play here against Liverpool. I think we played well, we didn't score maybe the second goal to give us more stability but I think we have to focus now on the second leg. Nothing's finished."

The wily winger was rather modest in his assessment of his opening goal, which was superbly taken after a mistake from Virgil van Dijk.

"I had to be sharp and quick at that moment. I had to decide the best action in the situation. I was happy to score the goal. It gave us more courage to play. We controlled more the game, more of the space and, while we didn't score the second goal, we have to focus on the second leg. When they equalised, the game became even more difficult because they pushed more, they come more, they came fast and tried to go direct towards the goal. Then, they scored the second one."

He believes the Fulham faithful can make the difference in the second leg at the Cottage.

"The fans are going to be very important for us. They will come to Craven Cottage to support us.  Today, they were amazing with their support until the last minute. We have to say thank you to them."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/01/nothings-finished-yet-says-willian/