A late penalty from Steven Gerrard has earned Liverpool a 3-2 victory away at Fulham.

Kolo Toure put through his own net after eight minutes before Daniel Sturridge restored parity for Liverpool shortly before the break.

Kieran Richardson converted from close range to regain the lead for Fulham, but after a long-range strike from Coutinho, Gerrard powered the ball past David Stockdale in the first minute of added-on time.

Below, Sports Mole assesses whether Liverpool were deserving of the three points.

Match statistics

Fulham
Shots: 10
On target: 3
Possession: 31%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 7

Liverpool
Shots: 21
On target: 7
Possession: 69%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 9

Was the result fair?

For their intent going forward, you have to say that Liverpool deserved the three points, but it was really harsh on Fulham. They carried on from their encouraging display at Old Trafford with a lively performance against the Merseyside outfit, but one poor decision from Sascha Riether has cost them a point and allowed Liverpool to move to within four points of the lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Fulham's performance

Fulham head coach Rene Meulensteen has every reason to be happy with the way that his team performed, but he will be disappointed that they couldn't come away with a result. Lewis Holtby and Steve Sidwell were industrious in midfield, while Kieran Richardson was terrific. It's been a busy week for the Cottagers, and maybe a weekend off will give them the opportunity to get over this defeat.

Liverpool's performance

Liverpool looked uneasy in defence, but their fluency in attack is up there with the top three in the Premier League. Luis Suarez was a constant threat and Daniel Sturridge always appeared ready to create a piece of magic, but Coutinho stood out with his creativity behind the front two. Steven Gerrard's penalty sparked jubilant scenes in the Liverpool dugout, and this could be a huge three points for Brendan Rodgers's team.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Coutinho: Coutinho just about edged Luis Suarez out for this award. The Brazilian endured a mid-season lull, but he was back to his best in West London. His goal in the second half was slightly fortuitous, but it provided the foundation for Liverpool's late assault on the Fulham goal.

Biggest gaffe

There can only be one winner for this. Kolo Toure has had a nightmare couple of weeks for Liverpool, and it got no better for him tonight. He appeared to be left with a simple clearance on the edge of his six-yard box, but the ball spooned off his right boot to fly past the stranded Simon Mignolet.

Referee performance

Phil Dowd dished out seven yellow cards during an eventful evening, but he produced a solid-enough performance. Some referees may have deemed that Daniel Sturridge had fallen to the floor too easily for Liverpool's penalty, but there can be little complaint from Fulham.

What next?

Fulham: Fulham face a huge trip to West Bromwich Albion a week on Saturday before entertaining neighbours Chelsea at Craven Cottage.

Liverpool: Liverpool will attempt to earn another win over Arsenal when they travel to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.