In the first leg of their League Cup semi-final at a frigid Anfield on Wednesday, Liverpool overcame a goal deficit to defeat Fulham 2-1 thanks to goals from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo, who each scored three minutes apart.

After Willian’s goal in the 19th minute, Fulham seemed set to hand the record nine-time League Cup winners their first home loss in all competitions this year. The Brazilian scored by slotting the ball between goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher’s legs from the edge of the six-yard box, taking advantage of Virgil van Dijk’s clumsy clearance.

After dominating possession, Premier League-leading Liverpool eventually overcame Fulham’s disciplined defense when Jones scored in the 68th minute. His effort from 25 meters away took a significant deflection off the back of Tosin Adarabioyo.

Substitute Gakpo fired Liverpool in front in the 71st, tapping in Darwin Nunez’s cross at the near post.

Mail Sport’s Joe Bernstein takes a look at some of the things you might have missed.

Conor Bradley started at right-back against Fulham in only his fifth start for Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold eyes swift return

Conor Bradley’s tenure with the Liverpool first squad may be limited as Trent Alexander-Arnold intends to make his Premier League debut on January 31 against Chelsea.

Bradley, 20, started at right back for the first time for the club against Fulham, just his fifth appearance overall under Jurgen Klopp.

Due to his hyperextended knee, Alexander-Arnold will now forgo his chance for a “break” or to engage in any warm-weather training in favor of attending daily rehabilitation sessions at the AXA Training Centre.

The vice captain will miss Liverpool’s FA Cup fourth round fixture, second leg against Fulham in the Carabao Cup semifinal, and league match against Bournemouth on January 21.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is eyeing Liverpool’s clash against Chelsea on January 31 for his return

Nunez is achieving cult status

Darwin Nunez already achieving cult status at Liverpool. 

Goalscorers Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo must have been puzzled as they celebrated to hear The Kop chanting ‘Noo-nez, Noo-nez’ instead for providing the assists.

Jurgen Klopp started the Uruguayan on the bench but brought him on after 56 minutes with Liverpool trailing and the crowd making their opinion known.

Sub Darwin Nunez delighted The Kop by making an instant impact in the win over Fulham

Willian finally gets show on the road

Willian debunked the idea that he’s a bit of a “home bird” when it comes to scoring with a neat goal that put Fulham ahead after 19 minutes.

The 35-year-old winger’s last away goal dates back to October 2022 at Elland Road against Leeds. His previous eight goals had all been at Craven Cottage.

The Brazilian’s status as a serial champion in contrast to his most recent club is another peculiarity. During his trophy-filled tenure at Chelsea, Willian won the FA Cup, League Cup, Europa League, and the Premier League thrice. 

However, Fulham has yet to win a major title in their existence.

Tribute to Merseyside football legend

At Anfield, local rivalry was set aside to mourn the loss of Peter Johnson, the former chairman of Tranmere and Everton.

Johnson was in charge of Everton when they won the 1995 FA Cup, which is still their last major prize. Johnson passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84.

During his three stints with Tranmere, he supported Liverpool legend John Aldridge in his role as manager, which helped the team reach the 2000 League Cup final.

Steve McMahon scored four goals in Liverpool’s 10-0 rout of Fulham in the League Cup in 1986, which stands as the team’s largest domestic football victory ever. 

When Kenny Dalglish’s team showed up for the rematch, they were amused to see that the Fulham program included information about extra time and penalties needed if the final scores were tied! Back then, second round ties were played over two legs!

Gomez runs are too left field

Joe Gomez standing in at left back on his 200th appearance, tried to replicate the runs of regulars Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas but it’s fair to say he looks more comfortable in the tackle. 

Gomez did try to take up some advanced positions. 

But when he arrived, the quality was lacking. 

There were groans when he sliced a cross or shot into the side-netting.

Joe Gomez tried to replicate the runs of left back regulars Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas