Liverpool faced the sixth defeat in a row at Anfield, this time by in-form visitors who have every chance of making a comeback.
Fulham increased their survival chances by defeating the Premier League champions 1-0 at Anfield for the sixth successive Premier League home loss.
Mario Lemina’s goal just before halftime gave the visitors a well-deserved three points, putting them in a position where only goal difference separates them from relegation.
Putting their chances of qualifying for some form of European football next season in danger, it also prolonged the Premier League champions’ poor run of form.
Fulham got off to a better start, no doubt buoyed by their opponents’ poor recent form.
With Josh Maja flicking an acrobatic effort just past the post they came close twice, and Ademola Lookman shooting wide after cutting into the box too quickly.
Liverpool attempted to reply through Mohamed Salah, but the Egyptian was unable to find the goal after falling behind twice.
Only a brave Alisson save and as Fulham piled on the pressure, an excellent Neco Williams block denied Maja and Lookman, respectively.
Lemina picked Salah’s pocket at the edge of the box, who arrowed a brilliant low effort into the far corner.
Liverpool improved following the break, with Diogo Jota stinging Alphonse Areola’s palms with a well-struck left-footed volley just inside the box.
But that was the closest Liverpool got in a final quarter-hour that contained relatively few tense moments for Fulham, who were well worth their victory.
Liverpool 0 – 1 Fulham
Goals: 0-1 Lemina 45
Bookings: Jota, Keita; Lemina, Tete
Liverpool: Alisson, Robertson, Phillips, Williams, Williams, Keita, Wijnaldum, Milner, Jota, Salah, Shaqiri
Substituions: Fabinho, Mane, Alexander-Arnold
Fulham: Areola, Tete, Andersen, Adarabioyo, Aina, Cavaleiro, Lemina, Reed, Reid, Maja, Lookman
Substitutions: Mitrovic, Robinson, Loftus-Cheek
