Gerrard hails Yossi last-gasp winner

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."

Liverpool beat the curse of the Cottage

Schwarzer: Fulham fear no-one at home

Mark Schwarzer has laughed off suggestions Fulham are favourites to beat Liverpool on Saturday - but is adamant Roy Hodgson's men fear no-one at Craven Cottage. Fulham's last home game saw them beat Manchester United 2-0, and they have already beaten Arsenal and drawn with Chelsea on the banks of the Thames. And the Australian goalkeeper believes Fulham have all the quality to trip up title-chasing Liverpool for the second time this season, having drawn 0-0 at Anfield back in November.

Footballnews

Fulham v Liverpool Preview

Liverpool go to Fulham, knowing that a point will knock Manchester United off the top of the table for at least 22 hours, and boost confidence ahead of Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg, home to Chelsea.

The Merseysiders are chasing four wins on the bounce for the first time since October, which would put them two points ahead of the Red Devils with seven to play. United would then have two games in hand, beginning with Sunday's home fixture against Aston Villa.

Fulham are pursuing back-to-back wins against 'Big Four' clubs after pulling off one of the most amazing victories of the entire season; 2-0, home to Manchester United on 21 March. They're also hunting three wins on the spin for the first time since their sensational status-saving end to last season.

No club has scored more Premier League goals in stoppage time than Liverpool's seven; Fulham (and Bolton) have not scored any in added time.

Only Aston Villa have fielded fewer players in Premier League matches this season (21), than Liverpool (23) and Fulham (24).

Liverpool travel in search of their 25th league victory over Fulham . They've won three times as many Premier League games over the Cottagers as they lost; won nine, lost three, drawn three.