Liverpool ground out a 1-0 win against Mark Hughes' Fulham side last night as a determined display helped to secure Kenny Dalglish's first home victory since his recent return to the club, and took the Reds up to the dizzying heights of seventh in the Premier League.
However, a performance devoid of creativity and bereft of goalmouth action did little to get pulses racing on an instantly forgettable night at Anfield. That will mean little to Dalglish and his troops though as the all important three points were secured, alleviating fears of relegation and building up momentum for the rest of the season.
Skipper Steven Gerrard returned from suspension to replace the injured Lucas Leiva in the only change to the team that comprehensively defeated Wolves on the weekend and, with positivity abounding after such a successful away game, many expected Liverpool to ease past a Fulham side enduring a disappointing season and suffering horrific away form. Unfortunately that wasn't the case as Liverpool laboured to a hard fought victory, ultimately sealed thanks to an incredibly scruffy own goal from Pantsil that summed up the match perfectly.
The hosts started the game the better and had the ball in the back of the net after only six minutes when Fernando Torres slotted past Stockdale after he had raced onto Meireles' pass, continuing the flourishing relationship struck up between the dynamic duo over recent weeks. Disappointingly, and contrary to later TV replays, Torres' goal was chalked off for offside.
Meireles was involved again four minutes later when Stockdale tipped his shot around the post after the exciting Kelly had centred the ball for the Portugese. Martin Skrtel headed the resulting corner into the side netting. Kelly, who has earned the admiration of the manager with his robust yet forward thinking performances, swung another ball into the box soon after, only to see Stockdale pull off a good save to stop Steven Gerrard's shot.
Liverpool remained in control of the contest as Fulham refused to come out of their defensive shell, however, unlike previous matches, chances were at a premium as the home side endeavoured fruitlessly in front of a subdued Anfield. The Reds failed to create another opening until midway through the first period when a barn-storming run and dipping drive from Glen Johnson forced Fulham keeper Stockdale into another good save.
The visitors surprisingly had two inviting opportunities to claim the lead on the half hour mark as Dempsey's stinging strike drew a block from Reina following a rare error from Kelly, before Moussa Dembele squandered a fantastic chance as he failed to make proper contact at point blank range after Andy Johnson's cut back had fell perfectly for the Belgian winger. Fortunately this allowed Reina to fend the ball away and to preserve his clean sheet.
Daniel Agger's left footed shot flew wide of goal and Torres headed Kelly's delivery wide of target before the break as the home side went into the interval desperately searching for a moment of inspiration to spark an improved second half display. Meanwhile the Cottagers were just pleased to retain parity and surely must have set their sights on securing their third consecutive goalless draw at Anfield.
That aim was swiftly squashed though as the Londoners self destructed to gift Liverpool the lead only seven minutes into the second period. Kuyt nicked the ball from an opponent and found Torres on the edge of the box. The Spaniard's shot following a quick turn ricocheted off Hangeland and bounced against the post, leaving Stockdale grounded and several Fulham defenders desperately scrambling to clear the danger under pressure from the prowling Raul Meireles. The away side's backline only succeeded in finding the back of their net, as Pantsil sliced the ball comically over the line to give Liverpool a scruffy yet significant lead.
This failed to have the expected galvanising effect on the Merseysiders, as Liverpool struggled to create similar opportunities for the rest of the encounter, with both sides lacking a regular attacking threat to liven up the match. In fact, it was Fulham, and more specifically the rumoured Liverpool transfer target Clint Dempsey, who had the next two sights of goal with Pepe Reina stopping the American's goal bound shot before his second effort missed the target on the hour mark.
It wasn't until the 74th minute that Liverpool tested Stockdale again, this time forcing the 25-year old to divert the ball round the post after a rapid break away from the Reds had culminated in Meireles and Torres combining to test the English keeper.
With little to lose Fulham threw off their defensive shackles and threw everything at Liverpool in the closing stages, with Hughes' effort bringing the best out of Reina before Hangeland ominously headed goalwards only to see Raul Meireles clear off the line to the relief of the vast majority of the 40,446 inside Anfield.
There was still time for Reina to thwart Dembele in the 90th minute, however the final whistle eventually blew, signalling the end of the match and the completion of a second crucial victory in the space of five days. After Liverpool's away form had returned following an emphatic three goal triumph over Wolves, the Reds showed grit and determination to claim all three points last night when they probably only deserved one.
Although Gerrard's influence was minimal, Meireles and Torres were on the same wavelength and showed promising signs that their relationship could develop into a vital aspect of our team in the coming months. Moreover, Liverpool's back four was strong and solid while Johnson and Kelly provided good width at times.
The FA Cup returns on the weekend, granting Liverpool a full week of rest ahead of our next home match against Stoke City. Hopefully, as Kenny continues to imprint his style, method and unique touch into the team, another three points will be collected, preferably with a more expansive showing from the men in red.
YNWA
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