Steven Gerrard scored a late penalty to hand Liverpool a comeback win over Fulham in their Premier League clash at Craven Cottage this evening.
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The Cottagers got off to the perfect start in the game when Kieran Richardson found space down the left flank and he crossed into the box. Kolo Toure looked to have intercepted, but somehow miskicked the ball into his own net to hand the home side the lead.
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Liverpool tried to get back into the game immediately as Luis Suarez collected the ball outside the area and beat a couple of defenders before firing a shot at goal. However, Maarten Stekelenburg was there to make the save.
The home side could have moved further ahead but Darren Bent and Lewis Holtby were both guilty of missing chances, as Bent headed over from Richardson's cross while the German fired a shot wide.
Fulham were to rue those opportunities when the Reds equalised as Steven Gerrard hit a great pass to release Sturridge, who beat Stekelenburg in the 41st minute.
After the break, Suarez became more involved in the game and he came close to firing his side ahead as first he fired wide from 12 yards. Then minutes later he struck the woodwork as his right-footed effort beat the outstretched hand of Stekelenburg but clattered the post.
However, despite Liverpool's dominance it was Fulham who regained the lead as the visitors failed to clear their lines from a cross into the area, and the ball fell to Richardson who fired the ball into the net.
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Fulham's lead was not to last for long as the Reds got themselves back into the game when Philippe Coutinho raided forward and found space for a shot. His effort took a deflection and beat Stekelenburg to draw his side level.
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Liverpool pushed for a winner late on but it didn't look to be their day as Suarez was denied again and again by the Cottagers.
However, just when it looked like ending in a draw Sturridge was brought down in the penalty area by Sacha Riether and Steven Gerrard made no mistake, firing past substitute keeper David Stockdale to hand his side three vital points.
Simon Sinclair
