Liverpool’s Diogo Jota delivered a clutch performance to secure a 2-2 draw against Fulham at Anfield, rescuing the Premier League leaders after Andy Robertson’s early red card left them in a precarious position.
With just four minutes left on the clock, Jota’s precise finish ensured Liverpool extended their unbeaten streak in all competitions to 19 matches, a run dating back to September.
The match started poorly for Liverpool as Fulham stunned the home crowd in the 11th minute.
Andreas Pereira connected with Antonee Robinson’s cross to fire Fulham into the lead, his agile volley taking a fortunate deflection off Robertson to beat Alisson.
Liverpool’s woes deepened six minutes later when Robertson was sent off for a professional foul on Harry Wilson, leaving the Reds with 10 men for the remainder of the game.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Liverpool displayed their trademark resilience. Cody Gakpo restored parity early in the second half, stooping low to head Mohamed Salah’s pinpoint cross into the net.
The Dutchman’s ninth goal of the season sparked a spell of intense Liverpool pressure as they sought to seize control of the match.
However, Fulham regained the lead in the 76th minute when Rodrigo Muniz bundled in a scrappy goal from another excellent Robinson delivery.
With Anfield on edge, it was Jota who rose to the occasion, firing a composed shot past Bernd Leno in the 86th minute to earn a hard-fought point for the league leaders.
The result means Liverpool sit five points clear at the top of the table, with Chelsea having the chance to close the gap when they face Brentford at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Liverpool, however, will need to rediscover their winning form quickly, having drawn their last two league matches.
In North London, Arsenal suffered a setback in their title challenge, playing out a frustrating goalless draw against Everton.
Despite dominating possession and attempting to break down a resolute Everton defense, the Gunners lacked cutting-edge creativity in the final third.
Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces has been a strength, with 23 goals from corners since the start of last season, but their failure to score from open play remains a concern.
The result leaves Arsenal six points behind Liverpool in third place, with a game in hand. Mikel Arteta’s side has now drawn two consecutive league matches, potentially damaging their momentum in the title race.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Newcastle delivered a statement performance with a commanding 4-0 victory over Leicester at St. James’ Park.
Jacob Murphy scored twice, while Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak added to the tally, handing Ruud van Nistelrooy his first defeat as Leicester manager. The loss leaves Leicester precariously positioned just two points above the relegation zone.
In a crucial relegation clash, Ipswich secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Wolves at Molineux. Matt Doherty’s own goal gave Ipswich the lead before Matheus Cunha equalized for Wolves.
However, Jack Taylor’s stoppage-time header sealed a vital three points for Ipswich, who remain just one point away from safety.
Wolves, on the other hand, are now three points adrift of Ipswich and facing mounting pressure on manager Gary O’Neil after 11 losses in 16 matches.
The Premier League’s latest round of fixtures highlights the unpredictable nature of the competition, with title challengers, mid-table teams, and relegation strugglers all battling for crucial points as the season approaches its halfway mark.
