Reds return to Premier League summit

Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League but needed James Milner's late penalty to avoid dropping points at Fulham.

In-form Sadio Mane opened the scoring in the 26th minute with his 17th strike of the season. The Senegalese started and finished a flowing move, directing Roberto Firmino's cutback past Sergio Rico for his ninth league goal in his last nine appearances.

Liverpool failed to convert a series of chances, before Scott Parker's side were rewarded for their persistence when former Reds winger Ryan Babel capitalised upon a defensive mix-up to tap in from close range on 74 minutes during his 100th Premier League match.

However, the title chasers clinched three points from the spot. Rico spilt Mohamed Salah's shot before fouling Mane when chasing the rebound. Liverpool substitute Milner stepped up to score the 81st-minute penalty.

The result means Liverpool are two points clear at the top of the Premier League, but second-place Manchester City have played one game less. Fulham have lost their last seven and remain 19th.

Scott Parker: "Gutted, disappointed, mainly for the players really. I said before the day how hard everyone has been working this week. Even as slow as we were in the first half in the attacking third, I saw things which were part of what we want, and then certainly second half."

Jurgen Klopp: "We go for perfection but it is rare that you get it. People will say we need to be more convincing, but we are at the start of a development, not the end. They are cool enough. On our day we are a flying team, that's all there, but the consistency is rare."