Liverpool denied by late drama at Fulham, United held by Leeds

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LONDON: Harrison Reed struck a stunning equaliser for Fulham to salvage a 2-2 draw against Liverpool as both sides scored in stoppage time, while Manchester United were held 1-1 at Leeds on Sunday.

Liverpool looked set to consolidate their place in the Premier League’s top four when they came from behind to lead at Craven Cottage.

Harry Wilson opened the scoring against his former club to give Fulham a deserved half-time lead.

Florian Wirtz levelled before Cody Gakpo steered home Jeremie Frimpong’s cross in the 94th minute.

However, the visitors’ celebrations were cut short when Reed took aim from outside the box and blasted into the top corner for his first goal in three years.

A point keeps Liverpool three points ahead of fifth-placed United in the battle for a place in next season’s Champions League.

The Red Devils were headed to a rare defeat at Elland Road as the sides rekindled their historic rivalry after Leeds’ two-year absence from the Premier League.

Brenden Aaronson’s strike early in the second half sparked wild scenes of jubilation among the home fans, but Matheus Cunha quickly levelled to ensure United did not fall to a first defeat against Leeds in 16 years.

Tottenham did little to ease the pressure on Thomas Frank in a 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland.

Ben Davies put Spurs in front, but they were unable to hold out for just a second home league win since the opening weekend of the season.

Brian Brobbey’s equalised 10 minutes from time for Sunderland to extend their unbeaten run to five games.

Spurs slip to 13th, three points behind eighth-placed Sunderland.

Igor Thiago’s hat-trick fired Brentford up to seventh with a 4-2 win at Everton. Nathan Collins was also on target for the Bees, who climb to within four points of the top four.

Newcastle are also back in the running for a place in next season’s Champions League after a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Second half goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Malick Thiaw lifted the Magpies up to ninth and within five points of Liverpool.

Late on Saturday, Declan Rice scored twice as Arsenal shrugged off a poor start to beat Bournemouth 3-2 away and open up a commanding six-point lead at the top of the table.

Rice slotted a shot past Dorde Petrovic early in the second half to put Arsenal in front and found the net again after being set up by substitute Bukayo Saka.

Bournemouth were gifted the lead in the 10th minute when Arsenal’s usually impeccable defender Gabriel passed straight to home striker Evanilson who finished with ease.

But Gabriel soon made amends for his rare error as he fired in an equaliser six minutes later.

Arsenal appeared to be cruising after Rice’s double but substitute Junior Kroupi smashed a shot past David Raya to set up an anxious finale for the visitors.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2026

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