Curtis Jones: Fulham’s last-gasp equaliser was hard to take for Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones admitted Fulham’s last-gasp equaliser in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage was hard to take as the champions missed the chance to take charge in the race for the Premier League’s top four.

The Reds looked to have snatched a hard-earned three points when Cody Gakpo bundled the ball over the line in the fourth minute of stoppage time to put his side in front for the first time.

It came after Arne Slot’s side had struggled badly to create chances in the absence of their three principal goal threats, with Hugo Ekitike left out as a precaution following an MRI scan and Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak also unavailable.

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Earlier Florian Wirtz had wiped out the lead given to Fulham by Harry Wilson’s first-half goal, but after Gakpo had seemingly won it, substitute Harrison Reed unleashed a rocket in the seventh added minute to cap a wild finale.

“At half-time we spoke about that we’ve got to show more heart,” said Jones, after Liverpool failed to manage a shot on target in the first 45 minutes.

“That’s what we went and did. We came back with two goals and then they go and score a goal like that. It’s hard to take.”

Another lacklustre attacking display was the last thing Slot needed following the dour goalless draw at home to Leeds on New Year’s Day.

His team did at least show signs of improvement in the second half. Alexis Mac Allister hit the crossbar from a corner before a wonderful run from Conor Bradley set up Wirtz to equalise.

Gakpo’s goal came from an excellent cross from substitute Jeremie Frimpong before Fulham struck back.

“If you’re giving away a lead, especially at a time like this when we need all our points, it’s always hard,” said Jones. “I definitely think it was a better game all round than the Leeds game, 100 per cent.

“We always want to come away with all three points. It doesn’t matter if we’re playing against any team away, for the talent on the pitch I feel like we should go and win games like that.”

Liverpool are fourth on 34 points, three points ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea, and play Arsenal at the Emirates on Thursday.

“It’s a big one, but all games are big,” said Jones. “Arsenal is a huge, huge game. They are on a great run and obviously they are top of the league.”

Fulham boss Marco Silva reflected on a fair point for his team.

“For some reason we were about to lose a game, which was completely unfair,” he said. “To be 2-1 down was completely unfair given everything we did throughout the game.

“What a moment from Harrison, an incredible moment. Total inspiration from himself. It’s something he is capable of doing, but I wouldn’t expect him to score from there.

“It was a fair result, it wasn’t a game we should have lost.”