Wirtz VAR Call Sparks Drama as Fulham Hold Liverpool at Craven Cottage
Florian Wirtz endured a night of uncertainty as Liverpool were held to a dramatic 2–2 draw by Fulham, with the German midfielder convinced his equaliser would be ruled out for offside during a tense Premier League clash at Craven Cottage.
Harry Wilson struck early to put Fulham ahead before Liverpool responded through Wirtz and Cody Gakpo to flip the contest in their favour. Just as Arne Slot’s side looked set to escape with all three points, Harrison Reed produced a stunning stoppage-time finish to rescue a deserved point for the hosts.
The result underlined the fine margins shaping Liverpool’s season, with late goals once again denying them victory on the road. In a league defined by intensity and VAR scrutiny, the draw leaves Liverpool frustrated ahead of an even tougher schedule, while Fulham continued to show resilience against top opposition.
Craven Cottage was lively from the opening whistle, with Fulham feeding off the home crowd’s energy and pressing aggressively in midfield. Liverpool dominated possession but struggled to impose control early, while Fulham’s compact shape disrupted the visitors’ build-up play.
The defining moment arrived just before the hour when Wirtz finished clinically, only for celebrations to be delayed by a lengthy VAR review. The decision sparked confusion across the stadium, with players and fans unsure whether the goal would stand. The semi-automated offside system ultimately ruled in Liverpool’s favour, using the league’s tolerance margin.
Wilson opened the scoring by punishing a lapse in Liverpool’s defensive organisation, slotting home with confidence. Liverpool’s response gathered momentum after the break, with Wirtz arriving at the right moment to equalise before Gakpo completed the turnaround with a composed finish. Deep into stoppage time, Reed capped Fulham’s persistence with a thunderous strike that left the goalkeeper helpless.
Liverpool raised their tempo after the interval, pressing higher and creating clearer chances as Fulham were pushed back. The visitors looked sharper and more aggressive, but wastefulness and fine margins kept the contest alive despite their improved control.
As Liverpool attempted to manage the closing stages, Fulham refused to retreat. A short corner routine opened space on the edge of the area, and Reed seized the moment with a decisive strike that sent the home crowd into celebration and denied Liverpool at the death.
The draw leaves Liverpool reflecting on missed opportunities and another late setback, with a daunting trip to league leaders Arsenal next on the agenda. For Fulham, the result reinforced their competitive edge, while Wirtz’s controversial goal ensured the match will be remembered as much for VAR debate as for its late drama.