Steven Gerrard has hailed Yossi Benayoun's "fantastic" late winner after Liverpool went top of the Premier League by beating Fulham.
And Reds captain Gerrard insists the goal could prove crucial in the title race, with Liverpool, favourites Manchester United and Chelsea still jostling for the league trophy.
Benayoun struck in stoppage-time at Craven Cottage to give Liverpool a 1-0 win, after they had missed a stack of chances to claim a comfortable victory.
Gerrard said: "It's a massive three points. We knew before the game that a defeat or a draw was no good for us.
"It was important we put some pressure on United. It was a massive performance and I thought it was thoroughly deserved. I know the goal came late but we hit the woodwork four or five times.
"There were times towards the end when I thought it was not going to be our day."
Gerrard added: "But Yossi popped up with a fantastic strike and I thought it was the least we deserved. He pops up with important goals. That goal could be big for us."
