Steven Gerrard’s stoppage-time penalty secured a huge victory for Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification, as they came from behind to beat Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night.

The home side raced into an early lead as Kieran Richardson, bursting down the flank and hitting the byline, sent in a dangerous low cross that was sliced into the back of his own net by Kolo Toure.

Brendan Rodgers’ men pressed for an equaliser, though, and clinched it with half-time closing in as Daniel Sturridge latched onto Steven Gerrard’s through-ball and calmly struck the ball into the bottom corner.

Luis Suarez looked most likely to claim the next goal, twice sending placed shots inches wide of either post, before whacking the woodwork with a powerful effort, but it was Fulham who struck again.

With the Reds’ backline failing clear a hopeful cross into the area, Richardson made the most of the confusion to dart into the six-yard box and poke the ball beneath Simon Mignolet.

Liverpool, unperturbed, continued to press forward and duly levelled the scores a second time as Coutinho found space on the edge of the box before curling the ball into the far corner.

With time running out, Sascha Riether felled Sturridge inside the box and, after the referee pointed to the spot, Gerrard duly stepped up to power the ball into the back of the net and cement the Reds’ top-four credentials as they chase down the top three.

More to follow…