Liverpool fight back to take League Cup first leg lead
Liverpool produced another fightback after conceding first to take a 2-1 lead over Fulham into the second leg of their League Cup semi-final. Willian fired the visitors in front in their first ever League Cup semi-final at Anfield. But two goals in three second-half minutes from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo gave the Reds a slender advantage ahead of the second leg at Craven Cottage on January 24. Jurgen Klopp's men have now fallen behind in 14 games this season, but have lost just three and needed their powers of recovery once more after a sluggish first half. Fulham could not have wished for a better start when Willian opened the scoring on 19 minutes.  He got the break of the ball inside the penalty area before firing through Virgil Van Dijk's legs beyond Caoimhin Kelleher. The Liverpool captain was then lucky to escape a second yellow card before half-time as Van Dijk trod on Pereira. Liverpool were struggling to make their numbers in attacking areas count until Jones' long-range effort deflected off the unfortunate Tosin Adarabioyo and beyond the helpless Bernd Leno. Moments later the record nine-time League Cup winners led. Two substitutes combined as Darwin Nunez's low cross was turned home by Cody Gakpo at the near post. Liverpool remain the strong favourites to reach the Wembley final against either Middlesbrough or Chelsea next month.  However, Fulham do have hope with home advantage to come in the second leg. (AFP)