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Fulham logo
Premier League
Feb 12, 2014 at 8pm UK
 
Liverpool logo

2-3

Toure (8' og.), Richardson (63')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Sturridge (41'), Coutinho (72'), Gerrard (90' pen.)

Match Analysis: Fulham 2-3 Liverpool

Sports Mole analyses the Premier League match between Fulham and Liverpool.

A late penalty from Steven Gerrard has earned Liverpool a 3-2 victory away at Fulham.

Kolo Toure put through his own net after eight minutes before Daniel Sturridge restored parity for Liverpool shortly before the break.

Kieran Richardson converted from close range to regain the lead for Fulham, but after a long-range strike from Coutinho, Gerrard powered the ball past David Stockdale in the first minute of added-on time.

Below, Sports Mole assesses whether Liverpool were deserving of the three points.

Match statistics

Fulham
Shots: 10
On target: 3
Possession: 31%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 7

Liverpool
Shots: 21
On target: 7
Possession: 69%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 9

Was the result fair?

For their intent going forward, you have to say that Liverpool deserved the three points, but it was really harsh on Fulham. They carried on from their encouraging display at Old Trafford with a lively performance against the Merseyside outfit, but one poor decision from Sascha Riether has cost them a point and allowed Liverpool to move to within four points of the lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Fulham's performance

Fulham head coach Rene Meulensteen has every reason to be happy with the way that his team performed, but he will be disappointed that they couldn't come away with a result. Lewis Holtby and Steve Sidwell were industrious in midfield, while Kieran Richardson was terrific. It's been a busy week for the Cottagers, and maybe a weekend off will give them the opportunity to get over this defeat.

Liverpool's performance

Liverpool looked uneasy in defence, but their fluency in attack is up there with the top three in the Premier League. Luis Suarez was a constant threat and Daniel Sturridge always appeared ready to create a piece of magic, but Coutinho stood out with his creativity behind the front two. Steven Gerrard's penalty sparked jubilant scenes in the Liverpool dugout, and this could be a huge three points for Brendan Rodgers's team.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Coutinho: Coutinho just about edged Luis Suarez out for this award. The Brazilian endured a mid-season lull, but he was back to his best in West London. His goal in the second half was slightly fortuitous, but it provided the foundation for Liverpool's late assault on the Fulham goal.

Biggest gaffe

There can only be one winner for this. Kolo Toure has had a nightmare couple of weeks for Liverpool, and it got no better for him tonight. He appeared to be left with a simple clearance on the edge of his six-yard box, but the ball spooned off his right boot to fly past the stranded Simon Mignolet.

Referee performance

Phil Dowd dished out seven yellow cards during an eventful evening, but he produced a solid-enough performance. Some referees may have deemed that Daniel Sturridge had fallen to the floor too easily for Liverpool's penalty, but there can be little complaint from Fulham.

What next?

Fulham: Fulham face a huge trip to West Bromwich Albion a week on Saturday before entertaining neighbours Chelsea at Craven Cottage.

Liverpool: Liverpool will attempt to earn another win over Arsenal when they travel to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

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Written by
Darren Plant
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Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool celebrates scoring their second goal with team mates during the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage on February 12, 2014
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool18143145172845
2Arsenal19116238172139
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1911442619737
4Chelsea19105438231535
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle1995532211132
6Manchester CityMan City199463226631
7Bournemouth198652923630
8Fulham197842825329
9Aston Villa198562831-329
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton196942928127
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1973941281324
12Brentford197393335-224
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham196582335-1223
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd196492126-522
15Crystal Palace194872027-720
16Everton183871524-917
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich1936101833-1515
19Leicester CityLeicester1935112242-2014
20Southampton1913151239-276


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