Fulham vs Liverpool result: James Milner penalty sends Reds back top

The Reds survived a scare at Craven Cottage

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hails 'world class' Sadio Mane

James Milner's penalty sent Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League but they were far from impressive in a 2-1 win at Fulham.

Milner had to climb off the bench to rescue his side with an 81st-minute spot-kick as Jurgen Klopp's men looked like they were going to drop two vital points in the title race.

A below-par Liverpool had gone ahead through Sadio Mane's first-half strike, but a poor error from Virgil Van Dijk was capitalised on by former winger Ryan Babel to level for Fulham in the 74th minute.

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[17 March 2019 13:00 · Ben Burrows]

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the Premier League.

It's a packed afternoon of action with Millwall and Brighton also squaring off in the FA Cup but our first focus will be at Craven Cottage where Fulham host Liverpool.

The Reds can return to the top of the table with a win in west London - albeit having played a game more than rivals Manchester City. 

Jurgen Klopp's men will be keen to seize the advantage after Pep Guardiola's side were in FA Cup action this weekend at Swansea City.

They won't have it all their own way, however, with the hosts in desperate need of all three points themselves as they continue to battle against the drop.

We will have all the latest updates from Craven Cottage throughout the afternoon.

[17 March 2019 13:18 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Team News

[17 March 2019 13:28 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Liverpool make two changes for this crucial visit of Craven Cottage: Fabinho and Adam Lallana replace Jordan Henderson and James Milner in midfield. Xherdan Shaqiri is on the bench once again.

Fulham, meanwhile, make four changes. Scott Parker's side are desperate for points today.

[17 March 2019 13:37 · Callum Rice-Coates]

A win this afternoon would be significant for Liverpool, who can move back top and put the pressure on Manchester City with three points. They face a Fulham side in dismal form and staring down the barrel of relegation. The Cottagers have lost six Premier League games in a row and will need a miracle - starting with an unlikely victory today - to avoid the drop.

Jurgen Klopp's side, on the back of an impressive 3-1 win at Bayern Munich last week, will be strong favourites today. For Fulham, though, there is very little left to lose. 

[17 March 2019 13:54 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Some pre-match reading. Jurgen Klopp, to the relief of Liverpool fans, isn't heading off to Bayern any time soon:

[17 March 2019 14:05 · Callum Rice-Coates]

[17 March 2019 14:15 · Callum Rice-Coates]

The teams are out at Craven Cottage! Kick off is just moments away now.

[17 March 2019 14:16 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Fulham, in white and black, get us underway!

[17 March 2019 14:18 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Fulham 0-0 Liverpool

3 minutes

It's been a lively enough start from Fulham, who've had most of the ball in the opening stages and look comfortable. Liverpool haven't quite got going yet.

[17 March 2019 14:20 · Callum Rice-Coates]

Fulham 0-0 Liverpool

4 minutes

A first sight of goal for Salah, who latches onto a looping through ball from Lallana and looks to prod a shot towards the near post. He doesn't catch it right, though, and the ball trickles wide.