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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Dom Smith

Liverpool player ratings vs Fulham: Cody Gakpo inspires Carabao Cup comeback as Conor Bradley takes his chance

Liverpool will take a narrow lead with them into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, after coming from behind to oust Fulham 2-1 at Anfield.

Willian's 19th-minute goal gave the visitors the lead in their first-ever semi-final in this competition.

The nine-time winners ramped up the pressure in the second half, equalising through Curtis Jones's deflected strike before scoring an eventual winner via substitute Cody Gakpo just three minutes later.

Dom Smith was at Anfield to rate the Liverpool players’ performances…

Caoimin Kelleher 6

Could do nothing about Fulham's opener. Made a couple of decent saves.

Conor Bradley 7

He dived in on Willian in the box in a move that showed his lack of experience. It allowed the Brazilian to creep past him and tuck home. His only error on an otherwise really impressive display.

Virgil van Dijk 5

His poor header helped Fulham take the lead. Then got a yellow for pushing Andreas Pereira in the face. Yes, Pereira made the most of it, but it was stupid from the Reds' captain. Off day.

Ibrahima Konate 6

The more composed of Liverpool's two central defenders. Did both sides of the game well.

Curtis Jones 7

Shot straight at Bernd Leno with the first chance of the game. Got Liverpool back on level terms with a deflected equaliser.

Ryan Gravenberch 6

Played very few long passes, preferring to keep Liverpool ticking over in midfield. Came close to equalising, before being replaced shortly after the restart.

Alexis Mac Allister 7

Sat deep and collected the ball from his team-mates whenever they were in danger. A metronomic presence.

Harvey Elliott 6

Had a couple of chances to run at Fulham, but was otherwise quiet before being substituted.

Diogo Jota 6

Like Elliott, had limited involvement in the match — until his good work bringing the ball forward allowing Jones the space to make it all square.

Luis Diaz 5

Part of a front three that flattered to deceive for the majority of this match.

Subs

Darwin Nunez (Gravenberch, 56') 7

Excellent involvement in the winner as he came down the left and crossed for Cody Gakpo. Unlucky not to score, with Leno inspired late in the second half.

Cody Gakpo (Elliott, 56') 7

Really effective as soon as he entered the fray. Scored the winner.

Not used: Alisson Becker, Clark, Gordon, McConnell, Beck, Quansah, Nyoni

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