Klopp hails sensational result after average game against Fulham

LONDON: Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp described Sunday's 2-1 win over Fulham as an average game, but a sensational result as they returned to the top of the Premier League by grinding out victory at Craven Cottage.

A nervy victory enabled the Merseyside club to leap two points above Manchester City into pole position in the table, although the champions have a game in hand.

It looked, however, like Liverpool would drop points before a stroke of luck allowed substitute James Milner to slot home an 81st-minute penalty.

After taking a first-half lead through Sadio Mane's 11th goal in as many games in all competitions, Liverpool missed several chances and looked bereft of energy in the second half.

A howler by Virgin van Dijk, who had twice gone close to making it 2-0 with a pair of headers, gifted Fulham the equaliser before Mane won the spot kick thanks to Fulham keeper Sergio Rico's error.

Klopp acknowledged the result somewhat flattered Liverpool's performance, which was affected by the exertions of an impressive 3-1 Champions League win at Bayern Munich on Wednesday.



"It was an average game but a sensational result," Klopp said.

"For five-10 minutes before the equaliser we had so many little mistakes. We had controlled the game completely then we gave Fulham the ball. We had a very intense week. "I was sure we wouldn't panic and wouldn't show the nerves that you are all waiting for. We are long enough in this situation. It's difficult for other teams to beat us so that means we have a chance to win (the title)." Klopp is banking on his team maintaining momentum in a bid to win their first league title since 1990 and, with little room for error, backed his side to take the race down to the wire.

"It doesn't look like City will drop a lot of points so we have to win and win," he said. "It's very important we won today. You could see our reaction after the game. Now it's important (the players) come back healthy (from the international break)."

Everton sink Chelsea 2-0 to upset their top-four plans

Goals from forward Richarlison and midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson helped Everton beat Chelsea 2-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, denting the London side's hopes of finishing in the top four.

Brazil's Richarlison headed Marco Silva's side in front from close range in the 49th minute after Kepa Arrizabalaga had kept out striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin's powerful header from Sigurdsson's corner.

Everton went 2-0 up in the 72nd minute when Sigurdsson tucked the ball in past Arrizabalaga after his penalty kick was saved by the Chelsea goalkeeper following a foul in the box on Richarlison by Marcos Alonso.



The hosts were a transformed side after a poor opening half and went close two minutes after the restart with Arrizabalaga pushing away midfielder Andre Gomes's stinging left-footed shot from distance.

Chelsea had been unlucky not to score after a bright start. Eden Hazard's low drive was saved by Jordan Pickford in the sixth minute, before he cut in and hit the post a minute later and Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain had a shot cleared off the line.

Defeat for sixth-placed Chelsea left them with 57 points from 30 matches, a point behind Manchester United above them and three points behind Arsenal in fourth.