Liverpool See Fulham Off 1-0 at Anfield

Liverpool continued their pervious game's form in the first two-thirds of the field with strong possession and sharp passes, but they lacked the final element in their offensive third. Despite the lack of finishing, they left the game winners courtesy of an own goal by Fulham's defender, John Pantsil.

Six minutes into the game, Raul Meireles made a fine pass to Fernando Torres who put the ball in the back of the net. The goal was then called off by an offsides call made by the line-referee, but replays suggest that the wrong call had been made.

The team carried on undiscouraged by the call and had a fair number of chances on goal. Fulham rarely had a chance to put together an attack because of a fine display of defensive by the Liverpool squad. Glen Johnson had a superb game at left back and got in a few well placed crosses.

Torres got another chance at goal at the 51st minute mark. His shot was defelcted into the post, but created havoc on the bounce-back. Pantsil had two chances to clear the ball, but his clearance was mistimed and instead he sliced the ball into his own net.

Fulham's came back strong after that, but their best offensive threat culminated in Meireles clearing the ball off the Liverpool goal line.

This win moves Liverpool up to seventh in the Premier League standings, while Fulham are now in fifteenth. The own goal was a lucky break for the Reds, but it is a good sign that they can find a way to win, even when they are not clicking at all cylinders.

The Reds currently lie nine points away from a Champions League qualification spot.

premierleague.com

Here is a video of the game's highlights:

[video credit to Free Football Highlights Online]