Liverpool top four hopes suffer as Fulham ease pressure with win
Published:Having wasted a plethora of glorious chances at Craven Cottage last night, Liverpool will have left London wondering how they managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Whilst unlucky with regards to the controversial sending off of midfielder Jay Spearing, the lack of ruthlessness in front of goal demonstrated by the Merseyside club has seen their odds of achieving a top four spot extend slightly to 2/1.
The Reds will need to achieve a greater level of consistency if they are to challenge for Champions League qualification, having drawn almost as many games as they have won so far this season.
Last night represented only their second defeat of the campaign though, and Kenny Dalglish’s men still have a game in hand on the majority of their main contenders for a top four position.
They meet QPR at Anfield in their next outing, yet Liverpool have unusually performed better on their travels so far this season.
Steven Gerrard and co will be keen to rectify that as soon as possible, and 1/3 is the price attributed to a home win.
Other promoted teams Swansea and Norwich managed draws on Merseyside however, and punters may be tempted by the 7/2 odds on the draw, and the monster 10/1 on an away victory.
Fulham meanwhile, will be hoping that this somewhat unexpected victory will be the turning point of their season.
Experiencing the type of luck that has been hard to come by all season for the Cottagers, Clint Dempsey’s strike last night was an early Christmas present from Pepe Reina, and saw the home side move away from the relegation zone.
This proof that Martin Jol’s side can achieve positive results against the Premier League’s better sides has seen the odds on Fulham to be relegated lengthen to 16/1, and this is understandable considering the form of the clubs that currently remain below them.
