Last gasp Gerrard penalty secures win for Reds

A 90th minute penalty from captain Steven Gerrard secured all three points for Liverpool against bottom-of-the-table Fulham at Craven Cottage yesterday evening.

A catastrophic own goal from Kolo Toure put Rene Meulensteen’s men in front on eight minutes, only for Daniel Sturridge to draw the Reds level four minutes before half time with his nineteenth goal of the season.

The England striker has now scored in seven consecutive Premier League matches, a feat not ever achieved by anyone else at the club.

Kieran Richardson restored the hosts lead shortly after the hour mark after capitalising on a mistake by Martin Skrtel, though Brendan Rodgers’ side were soon back on terms thanks to Philippe Coutniho’s fine strike from twenty yards.

Then, with Fulham looking to have secured a second 2-2 draw in the space of four days, defender Sascha Riether clumsily fouled Sturridge inside the area, giving Gerrard the opportunity to win the match for Liverpool, which he duly took.

The Merseyside club remain in fourth place, just four points behind leaders Chelsea, and will now turn their attention to Sunday’s FA Cup fifth round tie against Arsenal, before returning to league action at home to Swansea City seven days later.