LONDON (AP) — Mohamed Salah converted a 79th-minute penalty to earn Liverpool a point from a sloppy display in a 1-1 draw at Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday.
The champions looked like they were heading for the second loss of their title defense when a free-kick attempt at goal by Georginio Wijnaldum struck the outstretched elbow of Aboubakar Kamara in the defensive wall.
A spot kick was awarded and, although Salah struck his attempt close to Alphonse Areola down the middle, the Fulham goalkeeper was unable to keep the ball out.
Bobby De Cordova-Reid gave Fulham the lead in the 25th minute with a fierce, angled shot from the right, one of a series of openings created by the home team in a one-sided first half.
Before that, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker had produced smart saves to deny Ivan Cavaleiro and, twice, Ademola Lookman as the visitors’ defense was opened up time and again.
It was the kind of performance that appeared to show a lengthening injury list might be catching up with the champions.
Diogo Jota and back-up left back Kostas Tsimikas are the latest players to add to the list of absentees after getting hurt on Champions League duty in midweek — Jurgen Klopp said Jota could be missing for up to two months — and Joel Matip had to be substituted at halftime because of a suspected back issue.
With Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez already out with long-term injuries, Matip was Klopp’s only senior, fit center back. Liverpool played the second half with two central midfielders — Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson — at center back.
Liverpool ended the 12th round of games in second place, tied on 25 points with leader Tottenham.
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