Marco Silva says Liverpool win would have been “completely unfair”

Marco Silva insisted Liverpool would not have deserved all three points after Fulham salvaged a dramatic 2–2 draw at Craven Cottage.

The hosts looked set for heartbreak when Cody Gakpo fired Liverpool ahead deep into stoppage time, only for substitute Harrison Reed to strike back moments later with a stunning long-range equaliser.

Fulham had taken a first-half lead through Harry Wilson, before Florian Wirtz levelled after the break.

Silva felt the late Liverpool lead was unjustified given the balance of the contest.

“For some reason we were about to lose a game, which was completely unfair,” he said. “To be 2-1 down was completely unfair given everything we did throughout the game.”

The Fulham boss explained his tactical approach, highlighting the decision to start Tom Cairney centrally to retain control and counter Liverpool’s wide overloads.

“Our possession was good in the first half,” Silva added. “The first goal was top level. Harry is in a moment where everything he does is magical.”

Silva accepted that Liverpool enjoyed a spell of dominance after their equaliser but praised his side’s reaction.

“We should have reacted better for their equaliser,” he admitted. “After that they were better for 15 minutes and pushed us back, but we reacted well.”

Late changes injected fresh energy, though Fulham briefly found themselves behind before Reed’s decisive intervention.

“What a moment from Harrison,” Silva said. “Total inspiration. I know he can do it, but I wouldn’t expect him to score from there.”

Wirtz’s goal was initially ruled out for offside before being awarded following a lengthy VAR review, a decision that drew audible frustration inside the stadium.

Silva remained measured but unconvinced.

“It took a long time for something that should be automatic,” he said. “We have to believe in the system, but they must be 100 per cent sure.”

Fulham’s resilience and tactical discipline will encourage Silva as his side continue to compete with the league’s elite. While Liverpool escaped with only a point, the hosts left believing they were the team closer to victory over the 90 minutes.