Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hailed their dramatic late 4-3 Premier League win over Fulham as a “game you will never forget” after his side scored twice in the final four minutes of normal time.
The hosts looked to be heading for a first Anfield defeat since February – when Real Madrid, no less, were victorious – only for Wataru Endo and Trent Alexander-Arnold to snatch an 11th-successive home win this season.
It was just reward for Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s vice-captain, as his brilliant free-kick to open the score was credited as a Bernd Leno own goal after the ball went in via the underside of the crossbar and the goalkeeper.
Alexis Mac Allister’s first goal for the club since his move from Brighton in the summer was even better – a rising 30-yard drive into the top corner to re-establish their lead after former Liverpool forward Harry Wilson had equalised.
But more shaky defending allowed Kenny Tete to make it 2-2 before half-time and substitute Bobby De Cordova-Reid thought he had snatched three points in the 80th minute, only for Liverpool to produce a late rally.
“The feeling after the game was exceptional. During the game it was slightly different in moments,” said Klopp.
“I told the boys after the game turned out, the game we saw, because we were a bit dumb.
Scenes. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/6fyCw9NzrX
— Trent Alexander-Arnold (@TrentAA) December 3, 2023
“But at 3-3 everyone could see the boys wanted more and because we were a bit lucky today, we got it.
“An outstanding experience for everyone who was here. I don’t think anyone would have thought before the game that Liverpool v Fulham will be a game that you will never forget in your life. But… you’re welcome.
“I never saw a competitive game with this amount of ‘worldies’. Trent’s free-kick: unbelievable. Macca, before the game you could see his foot was right today and I thought today, ‘You better try it’ and he obviously thought the same.”
The win was not without setbacks however with centre-back Joel Matip expected to be sidelined for some time with a knee problem.
“We lost today Joel and we have obviously no scan yet but after all you hear and can see that will not be a short one. Unlucky, but we have to get through this,” added Klopp.
Fulham boss Marco Silva saw his side end the week having scored six times in two Premier League matches – after just 10 in their previous 12 – and was frustrated not to have got something from their trip to Anfield.
“Clearly we deserved much more from the game than what we took,” he said.
A proud Marco thought his team deserved more today. 🗣#LIVFUL
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 3, 2023
“To come to Anfield and play the way we did – twice we scored to equalise – and then at the end of the second half to be able to score a great team goal and be leading is not an easy thing.
“We know the game is never 100 per cent under control against these types of sides and these types of crowds but the game was more or less under control.
“(Then) one long ball, a good second ball from them and another great finish from the edge of the box and in that moment I knew it was the end of the match.”
