LONDON (AFP) – Liverpool got back on track after a miserable week as a 3-1 win at Fulham kept their Premier League title bid alive, while Nottingham Forest launched an astonishing rant at the officiating in their 2-0 defeat against Everton on Sunday.
The Reds’ hopes of giving Klopp a glorious farewell were dwindling but they climbed back into the title race with a much-needed first win in three league games.
Liverpool are now in second place, behind leaders Arsenal on goal difference and one point ahead of third placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand on their two title rivals.
“Fulham usually cause us more problems so it was a good performance at the right moment,” Klopp said.
“We want to stay in that race, that’s clear. Arsenal won yesterday, Manchester City will win their game in hand, so we have to win games and that’s what we’ll try.”
Klopp responded to signs of fatigue from his team in recent weeks by dropping Mohamed Salah to the bench among five changes.
And Liverpool took the hint with a more cohesive display by the banks of the River Thames in west London. Trent Alexander-Arnold put Liverpool ahead in the 32nd minute with a superb free-kick that flashed into the top corner.
Fulham defender Timothy Castagne levelled from close-range after Liverpool failed to clear in first half stoppage-time.
Ryan Gravenberch restored Liverpool’s advantage in the 53rd minute with a swerving blast from the edge of the area for his first Premier League goal.
Diogo Jota wrapped up the points in the 72nd minute, drilling a clinical low finish into the far corner.
Elsewhere, Everton took a giant stride towards extending their 70-year stay in the English top-flight in a highly controversial victory over Forest.
The club’s official account on social media platform X called into question the Premier League’s integrity by claiming the video assistant referee official is a fan of relegation rivals Luton.
Aston Villa tightened their grip on Champions League football next season with a 3-1 win over Bournemouth.
David Moyes’ future as West Ham manager looks more uncertain after they were thrashed 5-2 at Crystal Palace.
