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Dempsey stuns 10-man Liverpool

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Pepe Reina made a good early save but had egg on his face later in the game
© PA Photos


Fulham survived a barrage before Clint Dempsey popped up with five minutes remaining to sink 10-man Liverpool 1-0 at Craven Cottage.

The Reds dominated the contest, forcing a string of saves from Mark Schwarzer, but their momentum was checked by the controversial dismissal of Jay Spearing with 18 minutes remaining and their mood was soured when Dempsey pounced on an error from Pepe Reina to grab three vital points in Fulham's relegation battle.

Fulham made a bright start and should arguably have opened the scoring on five minutes but Moussa Dembele shot straight at Reina after scampering beyond the Liverpool backline.

But following the scare, it was Liverpool who controlled the play. A flowing move involving Charlie Adam and Luis Suarez fashioned an opening for Andy Carroll. The £35m man struck his shot well but it went straight at Mark Schwarzer who shovelled the ball away.

Moments later Schwarzer made a fine save to deny Adam, while at the other end Reina had to be alert to push away a fierce drive from Dembele.

Jordan Henderson has come under scrutiny following his big-money move from Sunderland and he came agonisingly close to opening the scoring on the half hour. His shot beat Schwarzer but spun off the inside of the post, across the line and away.

Liverpool continued to dominate after the break, with Jose Enrique's excellent volley forcing a reaction save from Schwarzer.

Philippe Senderos halted a lightning Liverpool break by hauling down Adam on the edge of the box, with Craig Bellamy's fierce free kick being deflected away.

Suarez thought he had made the breakthrough on 63 minutes when slipping the ball beyond the Fulham keeper, but he was adjudged to have been fractionally offside.

Liverpool's momentum was checked when Spearing was dismissed with 18 minutes remaining. The midfielder, taking up the anchor role following the injury to Lucas, cleanly won the ball in a challenge with Dembele but his follow through caught the Fulham man and referee Kevin Friend deemed it worthy of a straight red card.

With a man advantage, Fulham came into the game and Dempsey crashed a shot against the bar before pouncing for the winner.

Former Liverpool man Danny Murphy tried his luck from 20 yards but their appeared little danger as the shot was straight at Reina. However, the usually reliable Spaniard spilled the shot and Dempsey was on hand to stab home.



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Crucial win for Fulham

Fulham's jumped up to 13th on the English Premier League football ladder after edging Liverpool 1-0 at Craven Cottage.

American Clint Dempsey scored the match-winner for Fulham in the 85th minute.

Liverpool remain seventh on the table, five points outside the top four.


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Dempsey strike sinks Liverpool

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Dempsey hit the only goal as Liverpool's unbeaten run came to an end

Fulham 1-0 Liverpool

Clint Dempsey pounced late on to end Liverpool's 11-match unbeaten run.
The USA international ensured Fulham took advantage of their numerical advantage following Jay Spearing's red card as he fired in from close range after a Jose Reina fumble with just five minutes to go.
Kenny Dalglish's side hit the post twice, with Jordan Henderson's first-half curling effort coming back off the inside of the upright and Stewart Downing seeing a left-foot drive tipped on to the woodwork by Mark Schwarzer in the second half.
Fulham were also denied by the frame of the goal as a Dempsey shot hit the bar shortly after Spearing's sending off for a foul on Moussa Dembele - but the American had the final say.



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Fulham 1 Liverpool 0: Spearing has off night as midfielder walks for reckless challenge

Few grounds can be decorated for the season of goodwill quite as cosily as Craven Cottage, bedecked with fairy lights and holly and a giant Christmas tree outside the dressing rooms.

But if ever a game defied its quaint location then here it was: a thrilling and pulsating skirmish laced with bitter feeling and controversy.

Clint Dempsey scored the only goal, tucking in a rebound after Pepe Reina spilled a shot he ought to have held from Danny Murphy, five minutes from time.

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Jumping for joy: Clint Dempsey celebrates after scoring Fulham's winner against Liverpool

Liverpool were already a man down after Kevin Friend decided Jay Spearing's aggressive midfield challenge on Moussa Dembele was reckless enough to be worthy of a  red card in the 72nd minute.

Spearing won the ball cleanly but he followed through hard into Dembele's ankle and left the Belgian writhing on the ground.

Martin Jol thought it was a red card but Liverpool certainly did not, with seven players surrounding referee Friend to dispute the decision, which could easily lead to an FA charge for intimidation.

There was no shortage of flashpoints or talking points. Dempsey clashed angrily with Craig Bellamy in the second half, with Fulham's match-winner fortunate to stay on the pitch after going head to head and screaming in Bellamy's face.

It seemed an over-reaction to a clumsy challenge from the Liverpool striker, who stepped on Dempsey's foot as he chased him from behind. Bellamy pleaded his innocence, wiping his face to suggest he might have been sprayed with spit. Both players were booked.

Philippe Senderos, too, could have been dismissed. He was booked for a cynical foul on Charlie Adam on the edge of the penalty area. It was very close. It could easily have been interpreted as a penalty. Bellamy's free-kick took a deflection and flashed wide.

Soon after, Senderos dragged Andy Carroll down in an off-the-ball clash. It was caught on the television cameras but it escaped the officials.

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Winner: Dempsey slots home after Pepe Reina spilled Danny Murphy's effort

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From start to finish there was also a running battle between the home crowd and Luis Suarez, which ended with the Uruguayan flicking a finger towards the stands as he left the pitch after the final whistle to chants of 'Cheat, cheat, cheat'.

He had worked hard up front alongside the largely anonymous Carroll and his frustration built up and boiled over as Liverpool dominated the first half but failed to beat the excellent Mark Schwarzer.

The Aussie keeper made a string of brilliant saves from Carroll, Adam and Jose Enrique but kept his best for the closing minutes, when he tipped a long-range effort from his former Middlesbrough team-mate Stewart Downing on to the post.

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Out of order: Liverpool's Luis Suarez made a gesture to Fulham fans after they had taunted the striker

Jordan Henderson also rattled the woodwork in the first half. Collecting the ball on the left, the midfielder quickened his pace and skipped between Dempsey and Murphy before curling the ball towards the far corner.

This time, Schwarzer was well beaten and relieved to see it thud into the post and bounce away to safety. Henderson was involved again, moments later, linking up well to produce another glimpse of goal for Carroll but this time Hangeland's challenge was enough to deny the £35million England striker.

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Harsh? Jay Spearing was sent off for this foul on Fulham's Mousa Dembele

Suarez took issue with what he thought was too much physical attention from Fulham's central defenders, Hangeland and Senderos, in the first half.

He raised the issue with referee Friend, who seemed to respond by encouraging the striker to try harder to stay on his feet but the next time Suarez went to ground, Friend blew for a free-kick. Dembele, who made the challenge, kicked the ball away in a temper.

Suarez was jeered off at half-time and tension resurfaced when he burrowed into the Fulham penalty area once again, fell under an innocuous challenge from Hangeland and grabbed the ball.

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Incensed: Kenny Dalglish felt Spearing was harshly treated by Kevin Friend

On the advice of his linesman, the referee gave a free-kick to Fulham.

Ultimately, Spearing's red card changed the game, giving Fulham a little extra hope and a little extra space in midfield at a time when they were bracing themselves for a late onslaught from the visitors.

Liverpool had dominated but Jol's team had always been dangerous on the break and their slick approach helped contribute to a wonderful spectacle.

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Controversy: Spearing is given his marching orders (above) as Liverpool's players protest (below)

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The initial tackle appeared to have been made just outside the line, but contact continued well inside the area.

Friend was well positioned and refused to award a penalty with Bellamy hitting the free-kick into the wall.

Carroll, Liverpool's £35million signing from Newcastle, saw a shot head towards the corner flag and was taunted with chants of 'what a waste of money'.

Suarez had his goal disallowed and Liverpool's frustration boiled over in the 72nd minute when Spearing was sent off for his challenge on Dembele.

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Crunch: Dempsey and Craig Bellamy came together as they challenged for the ball

Reina made a good save after only six minutes to thwart Dembele, then another from Dempsey, who also hit the bar with a vicious strike before he scored the winner.

The victory, Fulham's first at home in the Premier League since they thrashed Queens Park Rangers 6-0 two months ago, relieved the pressure on Jol and eased the team a couple of places away from the relegation zone.

An ankle injury to Murphy in stoppage time, however, marred the celebrations but Fulham's  disappointment will be as nothing compared to Liverpool's.

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Poor show: Andy Carroll (centre) had an off night in front of goal as the striker's struggles continued

Kenny Dalglish brought the Reds to Craven Cottage after six away wins in succession. They won twice in the neighbourhood against Chelsea and three points last night would have launched them back into the top six, primed for a festive assault on the top spots.

It did not quite go to plan. Spearing's red card gives the manager a midfield problem after the long-term knee injury suffered by Lucas Leiva, Carroll continues to look like a very expensive misfit and Suarez could be back in bother.

MATCH FACTS
Fulham: Schwarzer, Kelly, Hangeland, Senderos, Riise, Dempsey, Murphy (Gecov 90), Etuhu, Ruiz, Dembele, Zamora (Johnson 71).
Subs Not Used: Etheridge, Kasami, Hughes, Frei, Briggs.
Booked: Dembele, Dempsey, Senderos.
Goals: Dempsey 85.
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Jose Enrique, Henderson, Spearing, Adam, Bellamy (Downing 77), Suarez, Carroll (Kuyt 77).
Subs Not Used: Doni, Maxi, Coates, Carragher, Kelly.
Sent Off: Spearing (72).
Booked: Bellamy.
Att: 25,688
Ref: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2070381/Fulham-1-Liverpool-0-Christmas-comes-early-Jol-Reina-gifts-Cottagers-win.html#ixzz1fjt2aDjT (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2070381/Fulham-1-Liverpool-0-Christmas-comes-early-Jol-Reina-gifts-Cottagers-win.html#ixzz1fjt2aDjT)

 
Dempsey downs Reds
Cottagers edge out 10-man Liverpool

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Liverpool's unbeaten run came to an abrupt halt at Fulham, with a forgettable night seeing them reduced to 10 men in a 1-0 Premier League defeat.

Clint Dempsey grabbed the only goal of the game for the Cottagers, with the hosts able to edge an entertaining encounter that swept from end-to-end.

Jordan Henderson came closest to forcing a breakthrough in the first half, but he saw a dipping effort cannon back off the post.

Liverpool continued to create opportunities after the interval, but saw their cause severely hampered on 72 minutes when Jay Spearingwas dismissed for a lunging tackle on Moussa Dembele.
Dempsey then crashed the ball off the crossbar, before Mark Schzwarzer tipped a Stewart Downing effort onto the woodwork at the opposite end of the field.

It appeared as though the spoils would be shared as time ticked down, but Fulham snatched a winner five minutes from time when Jose Reinaspilled a shot from Danny Murphy and Dempsey was on hand to turn the ball home from close range.

Unpicked

The result denied Liverpool a record-equalling seventh successive away win in all competitions as they endured their first defeat in 12 games.

They dominated long spells of the game yet their defence was unpicked with five minutes gone, Bryan Ruiz finding Dembele with a wonderful through-ball.

Dembele was through on goal but his first touch was disappointing, giving Reina the time to close down the space.

The lively start continued when Luis Suarez picked out Andy Carroll only for the England striker to stab his shot straight at Schwarzer.

Schwarzer was then forced to dive to his right to deny Charlie Adam following some inventive build-up play from Liverpool.

It was then Reina's turn to scramble across goal as Dembele directed a fine effort towards the bottom-left corner, and moments later Dempsey tested the Spaniard.

Liverpool were the more incisive side going forward, though they could ill-afford any lapses in concentration with Fulham showing flourishes in attack.

Combined
Henderson struck the right post having expertly glided his way into a shooting position and shortly after he combined with Carroll to set up a chance for Suarez that crept wide.

On two occasions Dempsey tried his luck from just outside the area, but Reina was alert to one while the second struck the advertising boards.

Suarez was hacked down on the edge of the area but Adam's kick was easily dealt with by Philippe Senderos.

Craig Bellamy brought down Dempsey, resulting in a face-off between the two with Fulham's American forward the aggressor, though referee Kevin Friend booked both players.

Jose Enrique fired a dangerous shot that Schwarzer did well to palm clear of danger as Liverpool controlled the early exchanges of the second half.

Fulham were lucky to escape a penalty in the 59th minute when Senderos brought down Adam.

The initial tackle appeared to have been made just outside the line, but contact continued well inside the area.

Taunted
Friend was well positioned and refused to award a penalty with Bellamy hitting the free-kick into the wall.

Carroll, Liverpool's £35million signing from Newcastle, saw a shot head towards the corner flag and was taunted with chants of "what a waste of money".

Suarez had a goal disallowed and Liverpool's frustration boiled over in the 72nd minute when Spearing was sent off for his challenge on Dembele.

Dembele had the bit between his teeth as Fulham pushed for the winner, going close on two occasions.

At the other end substitute Downing hit the left post as a frantic climax beckoned.

The killer blow landed with five minutes of normal time remaining, starting with Murphy pulling the trigger from well outside the area.

Reina failed to control the ball and the lurking Dempsey was able to convert from close range.



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Fulham's Clint Dempsey fells Liverpool after Jay Spearing red card

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The referee Kevin Friend sends off Liverpool's Jay Spearing, left, as Jordan
Henderson, right, remonstrates during the 1-0 defeat at Fulham.
Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Action Images

A hard-fought match was settled by miscalculation. The Liverpool goalkeeper, Pepe Reina, mishandled Danny Murphy's attempt in the 85th minute and Clint Dempsey knocked home the loose ball for the only goal. The errors had started long before that, though, and the referee, Kevin Friend, will endure complaints about players who might have had a second yellow shown to them.

The one man to be sent off was Liverpool's Jay Spearing. He was dismissed for an uncontrolled challenge on the forward Moussa Dembélé after 72 minutes. Although the midfielder made contact with the ball as well there was an uncontrolled tone to the attempt that risks punishment in modern football.

Kenny Dalglish's side had polish and, on occasion, command but could not capitalise. Martin Jol's team, with this win, will feel even more confident of pulling away from relegation fears. Before this match there had been a single Fulham Premier League victory here and, although that 6-0 rout of Queens Park Rangers might have been cherished by supporters, Jol's squad need the sort of consistency on the domestic front shown in the Europa League, where they are on the verge of progressing from the group phase.

There was endeavour here from hosts and visitors alike in a match inclined towards adventure, even if goals hardly flowed despite the early attacks. With six minutes gone Bryan Ruiz had fed Dembélé, with the striker's effort blocked by Reina. Dalglish's team had every intention of responding with their three-man attack but openings were scarce.

It is easy to understand why they had notched just 17 league goals before this fixture. Liverpool have only domestic matters to concern them and, although that could help them concentrate on rebuilding their status, it makes life a little humdrum. Dalglish has still had reason to be encouraged and arrived at Fulham with hopes of a fourth consecutive away victory in the league.

That record looked less surprising when Jordan Henderson cut in from the left to bend a shot that came off the inside of a post before rolling along the line to safety in the 28th minute. There has been sorrow over the long-term injury to Lucas Leiva but little occurred in the opening 45 minutes to highlight the value of the absent defensive midfielder.

For the most part, Liverpool at that stage made it seem less of shock that they had lately taken two wins at Chelsea, in Premier League and Carling Cup. If there was purpose here it owed something to the fact that Fulham do have firepower, as they ultimately showed. A tally of 11 goals from half a dozen home fixtures in the league before this match spoke of a side with the potential to rise.

Dempsey's appetite for adventure ran particularly deep. Some attempts were dealt with and others ran a little wide but the truly exceptional reaction demanded came from Dembélé's drive that was pushed to the left by the leaping Reina after 17 minutes. It was Liverpool, all the same, who had the greater intent to attack, or perhaps just the superior means to do so. The £35m striker Andy Carroll had close support from Craig Bellamy and Luis Suárez, yet there were no overtones of the last encounter by these sides here, when Liverpool took a 5-2 victory in May.

Liverpool have far to go before the standing of old is regained but there is scope to the squad. The task here was to get more menace from the line-up, even if they had come close to an opener before the interval. The purposefulness of Liverpool was immediately apparent following the interval and so, too, was a trace of antagonism, with Bellamy and Dempsey booked after a confrontation. So far as the match was concerned, aggressive intent was embodied most by Liverpool but Fulham had built an enhanced desire to mount sustained attacks.

The mood here was heightened, too, when the home fans took exception to what seemed a dive by Suárez. It still had the tone of a pseudo-controversy that kept onlookers occupied as they waited for some crucial deed in the game. The home crowd almost had to endure it but Philippe Senderos fouled Charlie Adam a fraction outside the area in the 59th minute. There was a yellow card rather than a penalty.

The match seemed, by mere fractions, to be avoiding critical moments. That was not for the want of effort and the boldness discovered by Fulham put the contest even more obviously in the balance. Liverpool should have taken the lead in the 66th minute but Suárez was wrongly deemed offside from José Enrique's pass as he was neatly taking the ball away from Mark Schwarzer to finish.

It had been a very tight call for the assistant referee on an occasion when there was little to separate the sides until Reina's lapse.



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Dempsey downs 10-man Liverpool

Fulham striker Clint Dempsey struck a late winner as Liverpool's outstanding form on the road ended with a controversial 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage.

Dempsey stabbed home a long-range 85th-minute shot by Danny Murphy that had bounced off the arms of Jose Reina, to secure only Fulham's third Barclays Premier League win of the season.

However, a sense of grievance cloaked Liverpool's night after they were denied a strong claim to a penalty and a legitimate goal from Luis Suarez was disallowed for offside, before Jay Spearing was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Moussa Dembele.

Philippe Senderos hacked down Charlie Adam with referee Kevin Friend claiming the tackle was executed just outside the area in what was a desperately tight call. Worse was to come when Suarez produced a brilliant finish after jinking his way clear, only for a flag to be raised even though the Uruguay striker was onside.

The final insult was delivered in the 72nd minute when Spearing, making his first Premier League start of the season, was dismissed.

Spearing, who had replaced knee-injury victim Lucas Leiva in the starting line-up, caught Dembele with a sliding challenge, but only after cleanly winning the ball in what was a harsh call.

The killer blow landed with six minutes of normal time remaining, starting with Murphy pulling the trigger from well outside the area.

Reina failed to control the ball and the lurking Dempsey was able to convert from close range

The result denied Liverpool a record-equalling seventh successive away win in all competitions as they endured their first defeat in 12 games.

They dominated long spells of the game and were unlucky not to snatch a last-gasp point when Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer produced a stunning save to tip substitute Stewart Downing's shot on to the left-hand post in a frantic climax.



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American sinks the Reds again
Fulham 1-0 Liverpool

Clint Dempsey punished an error from Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina to score five minutes from full-time and guide Fulham to a famous 1-0 win at Craven Cottage.

The result was reminiscent of the Cottagers' 1-0 win over the Reds in May 2007, when Dempsey scored his first goal for the club to secure their top flight status.

The win may not be as significant tonight as it was back then, but the West Londoners can certainly use the three points to show that the talent within their squad is worthy of more success than they have had thus far in the campaign.

However, the three points were arguably even more important for a Liverpool side that was trailing fourth-place Chelsea by five points and desperately needed a result to stay in touch with the Champions League qualification spots.

After a lively first half, it even appeared that they were in the driving seat but a controversial straight red card shown to Jay Spearing for a late challenge on Moussa Dembele brought Kenny Dalglish's side down to 10 men.

Still, Stewart Downing had a cracker of a chance moments later, only to be denied by the finger tips of Mark Schwarzer as well as the post.

The momentum then suddenly shifted towards Fulham, who were unlucky not to have led when Dempsey's shot beat Reina only to hit the cross-bar.

In the 85th minute, though, the hosts would finally take the lead when Danny Murphy tested Reina with a shot from distance.

The Spaniard could not gather Murphy's attempt, leaking it right into the path of Dempsey, who made no mistake in converting from point blank range.

The result moves Fulham into 13th place with 15 points, five clear of the relegation zone while the Reds are now 15 points behind league leaders Manchester City and 10 adrift of defending champions Manchester United.



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PREMIER LEAGUE: Fulham put the brakes on Liverpool's away run

Fulham have recorded a famous 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Craven Cottage tonight to wrap up Week 14 of the 2011/12 Premier League season.

We saw a high-tempo contest at a cold Craven Cottage with both sides having multiple goalscoring chances but ultimately it was the sending off of Reds youngster Jay Spearing, who had replaced the injured Lucas Leiva in midfield, with just under 20 minutes remaining which proved the difference.

The ball was there to be won and although Spearing did arrive first, he made plenty of contact with Moussa Dembele as both feet were off the ground, prompting referee Kevin Friend to brandish a red card leaving the visitors a man down.

Fulham took advantage of that and netted the only goal of the open affair with five minutes remaining when Danny Murphy edged past Glen Johnson on the left side of the Fulham penalty area and forced Pepe Reina into a low save which he could only parry as far as Clint Dempsey who used his predatory skills to turn it home for his fourth of the campaign.

Reina was solid earlier with a strong save from Dembele's 5th minute attempt before he was later tested by the Belgian who struck a sizzling shot from range, forcing the Spaniard to use a diving hand. He was involved moments later when Dempsey hit a dangerous curving volley and the USA international managed to test Reina again late in the first half with a swerving shot.

Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer was also kept very busy and produced a number of vital saves, namely when Andy Carroll hit his 8th minute close range shot too straight before the Australian did well to hold onto Charlie Adam's lash from outside the area which took a couple of deflections on the way through.

Jordan Henderson was desperately unlucky prior to the half-hour mark when he curled the ball around Schwarzer from just inside the area on the left channel but was denied by the inside of the far upright before the Cottagers was again called on early in the second half when Jose Enrique hit a goalbound volley after a corner as the attacking continued at both ends.

In the final ten minutes, Dempsey was again agonisingly close when he took an early shot from just inside the area which curled onto the crossbar with a very similar look to Henderson's earlier brush with the woodwork moments before Dembele hit his close range attempt straight at Reina in what was a huge let-off for the Reds.

Dembele was just wide of the upright when he dazzled the visiting defence before Liverpool almost stole the show when Schwarzer made a fantastic save onto the woodwork from substitute Stewart Downing's curving effort but in the end it was Dempsey's 85th minute finish which enabled the Cottagers to jump to 13th as Liverpool remained 7th with their first non-winning result away from Anfield in four matches.

TRIBAL ASKS: Are Fulham good enough to push into Europa League contention? Was Jay Spearing's sending off too harsh?

Fulham: 1 (Clint Dempsey 85')
Liverpool: 0
Craven Cottage, Southwest London

Yellow cards: FUL - Moussa Dembele 45', Clint Dempsey 49', Philippe Senderos 59'
LIV - Craig Bellamy 49'

Red card: LIV - Jay Spearing 72'



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Dempsey strikes for Fulham after Spearing walks
Fulham 1 Liverpool 0

Liverpool were looking comfortable at Craven Cottage, but the game's dimensions changed when Spearing was sent off in the 72nd minute.

The academy graduate was handed a straight red card during an innocuous passage of play, apparently for following through with a kick on Dembele having won the ball cleanly in the tackle.

Spearing's departure saw Fulham attack in numbers and rattle the crossbar with 10 minutes remaining as Dempsey found space on the edge of the box to curl in an effort.

Dembele had a shot parried by Reina as the Cottagers pushed for a winner, before the Belgium international then saw an effort sneak just wide.

Fulham had Schwarzer to thank for tipping substitute Stewart Downing's shot onto the post moments later, before Dempsey fired home the winner at the other end.

Former Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise unleashed a powerful shot that Reina could only palm into the path of Dempsey, who finished from close range to secure the home side three points.

Intro: Clint Dempsey's last-gasp goal earned Fulham victory against 10-man Liverpool this evening.

After an even first period, Liverpool looked rejuvenated and dominated proceedings until Jay Spearing was controversially sent off in the 72nd minute.

The red card swayed the match in Fulham's favour and their pressure paid dividends when Dempsey tucked home from close range five minutes from time after Jose Reina could only parry a shot from John Arne Riise.


http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/dempsey-strikes-for-fulham-after-spearing-walks-6272784.html? (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/dempsey-strikes-for-fulham-after-spearing-walks-6272784.html?)

 
Craven Cottage match zone: Liverpool's £35m man Carroll fluffs his lines again

Andy Carroll made his first Premier League start since Liverpool's 0-0 draw against Swansea on November 5. He had a glorious chance after seven minutes but hit his shot straight at Mark Schwarzer.

That miss seemed to affect him as he failed to impose himself against Fulham's centre-half pairing of Brede Hangeland and Philippe Senderos. The £35million striker was replaced by Dirk Kuyt with 12 minutes to go.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/05/article-0-0F10DD5D00000578-167_468x348.jpg)
Swing and a miss: Andy Carroll was again wasteful in front of goal

Suarez has to calm down

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/05/article-0-0F10D79A00000578-704_306x423.jpg)
Having a strop: Luis Suarez

The advice to Luiz Suarez should be: chill out. He grew visibly annoyed as things failed to go his and Liverpool's way in the first half. As his frustration grew he dropped deeper, when he's have been better off nearer the opposition goal.

He spent a fair bit of the first half on the deck in several blatant attempts to win free-kicks, greeted by cries of 'Cheat, cheat' from the home fans.

Kenny needs Gerrard in leading role

It Sounds obvious, but Kenny Dalglish surely can't wait for Steven Gerrard to return from injury. Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson kept things ticking along quite nicely in Liverpool's midfield — but the visitors' engine room would have benefited from Gerrard's drive and quality as they looked to unlock Fulham's defence.

The return of the Anfield talisman can't come soon enough for manager Dalglish.

Strike two
Bobby Zamora is Fulham's attacking focal point but Moussa Dembele is also becoming a big threat. The Belgium star has the skill, poise and vision of a top Premier League performer and was excellent again.

Unfriendly
Referee Kevin Friend was spot on with his decision not to award Liverpool a penalty when Philippe Senderos brought down Charlie Adam just outside the box. Friend later sent off Jay Spearing.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/05/article-2070391-0F10E26200000578-653_306x423.jpg)
Dynamic display: Craig Bellamy

IN FOCUS
John Arne Riise
The former Liverpool left back forgot about the job at hand for just a moment in the tunnel before last night's match, sharing a laugh and joke with ex- team-mates Pepe Reina and Daniel Agger.

Craig Bellamy
He stood with his head bowed, full of emotion, during the minute's applause for his good friend and former Wales team-mate Gary Speed. Bellamy then put in another typically all-action display.

Dickson Etuhu
The midfielder is keen to leave Fulham in January. On last night's display, manager Martin Jol should try and keep him. Danny Murphy and Steve Sidwell have been keeping Etuhu out of the first-choice starting XI.

Mark Schwarzer
Fulham were grateful for their keeper's experience, especially in the first half. His handling was safe and when it mattered his positioning was perfect to keep out Andy Carroll's shot from point-blank range.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2070391/Craven-Cottage-match-zone-Andy-Carroll-fluffs-lines.html#ixzz1fjwVgOmP (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2070391/Craven-Cottage-match-zone-Andy-Carroll-fluffs-lines.html#ixzz1fjwVgOmP)

 
Fulham compound Liverpool woes with 1-0 win

Clint Dempsey pounced for an 85th-minute winner as Fulham beat Liverpool 1-0 in a dramatic Premier League match at Craven Cottage on Monday after a rare mistake from keeper Pepe Reina.

The pulsating game, in which Liverpool were reduced to 10 men when Jay Spearing was sent off after 72 minutes, appeared to be heading for a draw when Reina spilled a shot from Danny Murphy and American international Dempsey scored from close range.

Fulham, outplayed in the first half, came back strongly in the second but Liverpool were on the wrong end of three decisions from referee Kevin Friend which otherwise might have turned the game their way.

Fulham defender Philippe Senderos was lucky not to concede a penalty after 59 minutes when he clattered into Charlie Adam inside the box.

The officials also ruled that Luis Suarez was offside putting the ball in the Fulham net when he looked level with the last defender, and Spearing was shown a red card for a foul on Moussa Dembele when he caught the Fulham player with his trailing leg after playing the ball first.

"It's frustrating because no-one ever tells us what the level of acceptance (from referees) is," Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish told reporters.

"Jay had it in his mind to win the ball and he did win it, but the referee didn't think so.

"I don't think we were going to get anything tonight were we? The goal that Luis scored could have gone either way and we could have got a penalty when he got pulled down. We did not play as well as we have been playing, but it was enough to win the game.

"But we never got it, we will just have to brush ourselves down and get on with it."

SENT OFF

Fulham manager Martin Jol thought Spearing should have been sent off.

"It was a bad challenge," he said before concentrating on his team's first league win since the end of October.

"It was a very welcome three points, we needed that. We had more space after the sending-off and Clint had a good game, got us a much needed win and I am very pleased. We had the rub of the green tonight, it was an even game but we took the chance."

Liverpool, unbeaten in their previous 11 matches in all competitions, came to Craven Cottage seeking to equal a club record run of seven successive away wins, which included two at neighbouring Chelsea in the Premier League and League Cup.

In contrast, Fulham were looking to improve a poor home record in the league in which they had won just one of eight matches since Liverpool won 5-2 at Craven Cottage at the end of last season.

Liverpool went closest to a goal after 28 minutes when a lofted shot from Jordan Henderson beat Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer before hitting the inside of the post and bouncing away.

Substitute Stewart Downing also hit the post for Liverpool in the second half and Dempsey struck the crossbar before scoring.

The win lifted Fulham away from the relegation zone to 13th in the table on 15 points from 14 games while Liverpool stayed seventh on 23 points, three behind Newcastle United. Manchester City lead the standings with 38 points.

- Reuters



http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/6092823/Fulham-compound-Liverpool-woes-with-1-0-win? (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/6092823/Fulham-compound-Liverpool-woes-with-1-0-win?)

 
Fulham Defeats Liverpool 1-0 to Climb to 13th in Premier League Standings

Fulham defeated Liverpool 1-0 last night as Clint Dempsey's 85th-minute goal pushed the Cottagers up to 13th place in English soccer's Premier League.

The American forward reacted quickly to put the home side ahead when Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina fumbled a Danny Murphy shot. Liverpool, which missed a chance to move to fifth place, was reduced to 10 men in the 71st minute when Jay Spearing was sent off for a tackle on Moussa Dembele.

Liverpool could have leapfrogged Arsenal and Newcastle with a win, but finished the night in seventh place with 23 points. Fulham, which was two points above the relegation zone in 16th place before the match, moved above Wolverhampton, Swansea and West Brom. The Cottagers have 15 points, one fewer than 9th placed Aston Villa.

"We have been playing well but not getting the rub of the green," Fulham's Stephen Kelly told the British Broadcasting Corp. "As soon as their player got sent off, we created more chances and got at them."

Dempsey and Liverpool's Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson had shots hit the woodwork.



http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-05/fulham-defeats-liverpool-1-0-to-climb-to-13th-in-premier-league-standings.html? (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-05/fulham-defeats-liverpool-1-0-to-climb-to-13th-in-premier-league-standings.html?)

 
Liverpool FC crash to defeat at Fulham

FULHAM striker Clint Dempsey struck a late winner as Liverpool's outstanding form on the road ended during a controversial evening at Craven Cottage.

Dempsey stabbed home a long-range 85th-minute shot by Danny Murphy that had bounced off the arms of Pepe Reina, to secure only Fulham's third Barclays Premier League win of the season.

However, a sense of grievance cloaked Liverpool's night after they were denied a strong claim to a penalty and a legitimate goal from Luis Suarez was disallowed for offside, before Jay Spearing was shown a straight red card.

Philippe Senderos hacked down Charlie Adam with referee Kevin Friend claiming the tackle was executed just outside the area in what was a desperately tight call.

Worse was to come when Suarez produced a brilliant finish after jinking his way clear, only for a flag to be raised even though the Uruguay striker was onside.

The final insult was delivered in the 72nd minute when Spearing, making his first Premier League start of the season, was shown a straight red card.

Spearing, who had replaced knee-injury victim Lucas Leiva in the starting line-up, caught Mousa Dembele with a sliding challenge, but only after cleanly winning the ball in what was a harsh call.

The result denied Liverpool a record-equalling seventh successive away win in all competitions as they endured their first defeat in 12 games.

They dominated long spells of the game yet their defence was unpicked with five minutes gone, Bryan Ruiz finding Dembele with a wonderful through-ball.

Dembele was through on goal but his first touch was disappointing, giving Reina the time to close down the space.

The lively start continued when Suarez picked out Andy Carroll only for the England striker to stab his shot straight at Mark Schwarzer.

Schwarzer was then forced to dive to his right to deny Adam following some inventive build-up play from Liverpool.

It was then Reina's turn to scramble across goal as Dembele directed a fine effort towards the bottom-left corner, and moments later Dempsey tested the Spaniard.

Liverpool were the more incisive side going forward, though they could ill-afford any lapses in concentration with Fulham showing flourishes in attack.

Jordan Henderson struck the right post having expertly glided his way into a shooting position and shortly after he combined with Carroll to set up a chance for Suarez that crept wide.

On two occasions Dempsey tried his luck from just outside the area, but Reina was alert to one while the second struck the advertising boards.

Suarez was hacked down on the edge of the area but Adam's kick was easily dealt with by Senderos.

Bellamy brought down Dempsey, resulting in a face-off between the two with Fulham's American forward the aggressor, though Friend booked both players.

Jose Enrique fired a dangerous shot that Schwarzer did well to palm clear of danger as Liverpool controlled the early exchanges of the second half.

Fulham were lucky to escape a penalty in the 59th minute when Senderos brought down Adam.

The initial tackle appeared to have been made just outside the line, but contact continued well inside the area.

Friend was well positioned and refused to award a penalty with Bellamy hitting the free-kick into the wall.

Carroll, Liverpool's £35million signing from Newcastle, saw a shot head towards the corner flag and was taunted with chants of "what a waste of money".

Suarez had his goal disallowed and Liverpool's frustration boiled over in the 72nd minute when Spearing was sent off for his challenge on Dembele.

Dembele had the bit between his teeth as Fulham pushed for the winner, going close on two occasions.

At the other end substitute Stewart Downing hit the left post as a frantic climax beckoned.

The killer blow landed with six minutes of normal time remaining, starting with Murphy pulling the trigger from well outside the area.

Reina failed to control the ball and the lurking Dempsey was able to convert from close range.




Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-match-reports/2011/12/05/liverpool-fc-crash-to-defeat-at-fulham-100252-29901141/?#ixzz1fjyLk172 (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-match-reports/2011/12/05/liverpool-fc-crash-to-defeat-at-fulham-100252-29901141/?#ixzz1fjyLk172)

Just 1 pre exam post for me


http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/12/06/fulham-winger-closes-in-on-comeback-82029-29901845/ (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/12/06/fulham-winger-closes-in-on-comeback-82029-29901845/)

Fulham winger closes in on comeback

(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/jul2011/6/8/simon-davies-image-3-750957056.jpg)

SIMON Davies is set to make his first appearance for more than four months in this afternoon's development game with West Brom.

The Fulham winger has been sidelined with a knee injury since the Europa League win against NSI Runavik back in June.

Davies had minor surgery in a bid to clear up the problem, but is back in full training at Motspur Park.

The Welshman has been pencilled in for a run-out in the game with a Baggies second-string, and boss Martin Jol is hopeful he could return to the first-team fold in a couple of weeks.

 
Fulham's Dempsey sinks Liverpool late

Fulham striker Clint Dempsey struck a late winner as Liverpool's outstanding form on the road ended during a controversial evening at Craven Cottage.

Dempsey stabbed home a long-range 85th-minute shot by Danny Murphy that had bounced off the arms of Jose Reina, to secure only Fulham's third English Premier League win of the season. However, a sense of grievance cloaked Liverpool's night after they were denied a strong claim to a penalty and a goal from Luis Suarez was called back for offside, before Jay Spearing was shown a straight red card.

Philippe Senderos hacked down Charlie Adam with referee Kevin Friend claiming the tackle was executed just outside the area in what was a tight call. Worse was to come when Suarez produced a brilliant finish after jinking his way clear, only for a flag to be raised even though the Uruguay striker appeared to be onside. The final insult was delivered in the 72nd minute when Spearing, making his first Premier League start of the season, was shown a straight red card.

Spearing, who had replaced knee-injury victim Lucas Leiva in the starting line-up, caught Mousa Dembele with a sliding challenge, but only after cleanly winning the ball. The result denied Liverpool a record-equalling seventh successive away win in all competitions as they endured their first defeat in 12 games.

Action-packed opening
They dominated long spells of the game yet their defence was unpicked with five minutes gone, Bryan Ruiz finding Dembele with a wonderful through-ball. Dembele was through on goal but his first touch was disappointing, giving Reina the time to close down the space.

The lively start continued when Suarez picked out Andy Carroll only for the England striker to stab his shot straight at Mark Schwarzer. Schwarzer was then forced to dive to his right to deny Adam following some inventive build-up play from Liverpool.

It was then Reina's turn to scramble across goal as Dembele directed a fine effort towards the bottom-left corner, and moments later Dempsey tested the Spaniard. Liverpool were the more incisive side going forward, though they could ill-afford any lapses in concentration with Fulham showing flourishes in attack. Jordan Henderson struck the right post having expertly glided his way into a shooting position and shortly after he combined with Carroll to set up a chance for Suarez that crept wide.

On two occasions Dempsey tried his luck from just outside the area, but Reina was alert to one while the second struck the advertising boards. Suarez was hacked down on the edge of the area but Adam's kick was easily dealt with by Senderos.

Bellamy brought down Dempsey, resulting in a face-off between the two with Fulham's American forward the aggressor, though Friend booked both players. Jose Enrique then fired a dangerous shot that Schwarzer did well to palm clear of danger as Liverpool controlled the early exchanges of the second half.

Fulham were lucky to escape a penalty in the 59th minute when Senderos brought down Adam. The initial tackle appeared to have been made just outside the line, but contact continued well inside the area. Friend was well positioned and refused to award a penalty with Bellamy hitting the free-kick into the wall.

Carroll, Liverpool's £35million signing from Newcastle, saw a shot head towards the corner flag and was taunted with chants of "what a waste of money". Suarez had his goal disallowed and Liverpool's frustration boiled over in the 72nd minute when Spearing was sent off for his challenge on Dembele.

Dembele had the bit between his teeth as Fulham pushed for the winner, going close on two occasions. At the other end substitute Stewart Downing hit the left post as a frantic climax beckoned.

The killer blow landed with six minutes of normal time remaining, starting with Murphy pulling the trigger from well outside the area. Reina failed to control the ball and the lurking Dempsey was able to convert from close range.



http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1552501.html?cid=rssfeed&att= (http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1552501.html?cid=rssfeed&att=)

 
Fulham 1 Liverpool 0: match report
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage on Monday Dec 05 2011.

A game that took time to come to life ended with Liverpool fuming and Fulham celebrating.

For a half, this Premier League match meandered like the Thames before controversy ensued. When Jay Spearing was dismissed for what Kevin Friend deemed a reckless challenge on Mousa Dembélé, Fulham seized the initiative and the points through Clint Dempsey.

It was hardly deserved as Liverpool had dominated for long periods yet Andy Carroll again failed to impose himself. Luis Suárez attempted to insinuate his way behind Fulham's defence. Yet the game revolved around Spearing's tackle on Dembélé. He was clearly going for the ball but his studs followed through and caught the Fulham man; under current edicts, Friend promptly reached for the red card.

Martin Jol's side poured forward, settling the game when Pepe Reina should have done better with a Danny Murphy shot, allowing it to fall to Dempsey. Adding to Liverpool's sense of iniquity was the feeling that Dempsey should have been dismissed earlier for an incident with Craig Bellamy.

Liverpool enjoyed plenty of possession as the game unfolded but still could not breach the thick white line protecting Mark Schwarzer's goal. When Liverpool did break through, Jordan Henderson cutting in from the left, Fulham were rescued by the post.

Henderson was pushing on from midfield, which was missing the tireless anchoring services of the sadly injured Lucas. Jay Spearing assumed the defensive-midfield responsibilities while Charlie Adam sought to join Henderson in finding a way through.

Liverpool's three-man attack was a blend of broadsword and rapier.

Andy Carroll tried to muscle his way through the middle, attempting to exploit the threaded passes of the quicksilver pair of Suárez and Bellamy, but Fulham stood firm.

The England striker, whose £35 million fee drew occasional ridicule from the terrace wags, still managed to conjure up moments of hope before the break, including a shot that Schwarzer dealt with well. Adam also tested the Australian's reflexes.

As so often with Liverpool this year, much of their most threatening work flowed from the quick feet and mind of Suárez. If he fell to the floor too often for local tastes, the Uruguayan still took the frozen breath away with some of his passing. Fulham managed some moments to warm their fans on a cold night.

Mousa Dembélé, playing just off Bobby Zamora and occasionally drifting wide, was catching the eye with some of his runs, and bringing a good save from Reina. The Spaniard also had to deal with a couple of efforts from Dempsey.

Dempsey lost his temper with Bellamy early in the second half, reacting angrily to the Welshman's challenge. It was hardly the most aggressive of tackles, yet Dempsey pushed his face alarmingly close to Bellamy's, never the safest of actions. Kevin Friend, who had attempted to let the game flow, brought the pair together for peace talks. Friend booked both foes.

Like the on-field temperature, the tempo was rising too. Adam swung in a corner that Schwarzer punched out. The ball fell to José Enrique, who met it with that trusty left foot, demanding a strong reaction save from Schwarzer. The noise grew, soon dissolving into chants of "cheat, cheat" from the Fulham fans when Suárez took the long way round Hangeland, and fell as John Arne Riise arrived. The striker looked bemused as he sat on the Thameside tundra, beseeching the linesman for a penalty. No joy.

A good game was breaking out, Fulham contributing in full measure, attacking the Hammersmith End with gusto. Riise was lively down the left against his old team.

Zamora fashioned an opening, but was denied by a superb block from Daniel Agger.

Back came Liverpool, storming down the Putney End, Adam leading the charge. Patently brought down in cynical style by Philippe Senderos, Adam fell inside the area but Friend ruled the offence just outside.

It looked on the 18-yard line and Liverpool had reason to feel aggrieved at not winning a penalty. Their frustration deepened when Bellamy's free-kick crashed into the wall.

Controversy then ensued. Spearing went in on Dembélé, winning the ball but following through and catching the striker. Friend deemed the challenge reckless and had no hesitation in brandishing the red card. Liverpool were incensed, Bellamy leading the protests. Yet the game should soon have been 10 versus 10.

Senderos, already cautioned for bringing down Adam, then clearly pulled back Carroll. Friend failed to spot the offence. Fulham were attempting to make their numerical advantage count.

Stewart Downing gave Liverpool brief hope, bending a strike on to the Fulham post, before the hosts eventually took the lead. Murphy gave his old team real problems down the left, cutting inside Glen Johnson and letting fly. Reina failed to hold the ball and there was Dempsey playing the poacher form close range.

Liverpool refused to go quietly. Adam again raced forward, attempting to drag Liverpool level but Fulham's backline would not yield. They almost stole a second with a late counter but Andrew Johnson fired wide. Still Liverpool refused to surrender and Schwarzer needed to resist a late bombardment before the final whistle drew a huge roar from the Fulham fans. Jol held his arms aloft.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8931196/Fulham-1-Liverpool-0-match-report.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8931196/Fulham-1-Liverpool-0-match-report.html)

 
Dempsey hails important win
Cottagers hero feels red card allowed hosts to break through

(http://img.skysports.com/11/12/660x350/Fulham-v-Liverpool-Clint-Dempsey-celeb_2687339.jpg)
Clint Dempsey: Was on target with the winner for Fulham

Fulham goalscorer Clint Dempsey admits the dismissal of Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing was crucial on Monday night as the Cottagers celebrated a 1-0 victory.

Dempsey's opportunist goal five minutes from time settled the Craven Cottage game in Fulham's favour, though they only came into the ascendancy after Spearing saw red for a challenge on Moussa Dembele 13 minutes previously.

The midfielder clearly won the ball but followed through recklessly with both feet and caught the Cottagers forward just above the ankle.

The net result of the decision was summed up by Dempsey, who told Sky Sports: "We had more space, more time on ball and we were able to open them up.

"We've not been able to score enough goals but we got one tonight and it's an important win."

Spilled

The goal came when the United States international followed in after visiting keeper Jose Reinauncharacteristically spilled Danny Murphy's low shot.

And Dempsey said: "You've always got to take a chance. Danny did a good job getting the shot off and you've got to be in the right place at the right time. Sometimes you get lucky and it falls to you.

"Any points right now are big because the table's so tight. We're just happy to get the win."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7355168/? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7355168/?)

 
Report: Fulham v Liverpool

Dempsey downs 10-man Liverpool Fulham striker Clint Dempsey struck a late winner as Liverpool's outstanding form on the road ended with a controversial 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage.

Dempsey stabbed home a long-range 85th-minute shot by Danny Murphy that had bounced off the arms of Jose Reina, to secure only Fulham's third Barclays Premier League win of the season.

However, a sense of grievance cloaked Liverpool's night after they were denied a strong claim to a penalty and a legitimate goal from Luis Suarez was disallowed for offside, before Jay Spearing was shown a straight red card.

Philippe Senderos hacked down Charlie Adam with referee Kevin Friend claiming the tackle was executed just outside the area in what was a desperately tight call.

Worse was to come when Suarez produced a brilliant finish after jinking his way clear, only for a flag to be raised even though the Uruguay striker was onside.

The final insult was delivered in the 72nd minute when Spearing, making his first Premier League start of the season, was shown a straight red card.

Spearing, who had replaced knee-injury victim Lucas Leiva in the starting line-up, caught Mousa Dembele with a sliding challenge, but only after cleanly winning the ball in what was a harsh call.

The result denied Liverpool a record-equalling seventh successive away win in all competitions as they endured their first defeat in 12 games.

They dominated long spells of the game yet their defence was unpicked with five minutes gone, Bryan Ruiz finding Dembele with a wonderful through-ball.

Dembele was through on goal but his first touch was disappointing, giving Reina the time to close down the space.

The lively start continued when Suarez picked out Andy Carroll only for the England striker to stab his shot straight at Mark Schwarzer.

Schwarzer was then forced to dive to his right to deny Adam following some inventive build-up play from Liverpool.

It was then Reina's turn to scramble across goal as Dembele directed a fine effort towards the bottom-left corner, and moments later Dempsey tested the Spaniard.

Liverpool were the more incisive side going forward, though they could ill-afford any lapses in concentration with Fulham showing flourishes in attack.

Jordan Henderson struck the right post having expertly glided his way into a shooting position and shortly after he combined with Carroll to set up a chance for Suarez that crept wide.

On two occasions Dempsey tried his luck from just outside the area, but Reina was alert to one while the second struck the advertising boards.

Suarez was hacked down on the edge of the area but Adam's kick was easily dealt with by Senderos.

Bellamy brought down Dempsey, resulting in a face-off between the two with Fulham's American forward the aggressor, though Friend booked both players.

Jose Enrique fired a dangerous shot that Schwarzer did well to palm clear of danger as Liverpool controlled the early exchanges of the second half.

Fulham were lucky to escape a penalty in the 59th minute when Senderos brought down Adam.

The initial tackle appeared to have been made just outside the line, but contact continued well inside the area.

Friend was well positioned and refused to award a penalty with Bellamy hitting the free-kick into the wall.

Carroll, Liverpool's #35million signing from Newcastle, saw a shot head towards the corner flag and was taunted with chants of "what a waste of money".

Suarez had his goal disallowed and Liverpool's frustration boiled over in the 72nd minute when Spearing was sent off for his challenge on Dembele.

Dembele had the bit between his teeth as Fulham pushed for the winner, going close on two occasions.

At the other end substitute Stewart Downing hit the left post as a frantic climax beckoned.

The killer blow landed with six minutes of normal time remaining, starting with Murphy pulling the trigger from well outside the area.

Reina failed to control the ball and the lurking Dempsey was able to convert from close range.



http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/matchreports/report-fulham-v-liverpool-94875/? (http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/matchreports/report-fulham-v-liverpool-94875/?)

 
Fulham 1, Liverpool 0: No Luck, No Finishing, No Fun

(http://liverpool.theoffside.com/files/2011/12/reinaspill.jpg)
Fulham 1: Dempsey 85′
Liverpool 0

Same old song and dance for Liverpool with a questionable sending-off and a Pepe Reina error to spice things up, as the hosts get a late winner and the wasteful guests spend most of their possession not finishing chances. Posts were hit, fouls weren't given, upper hand was wasted. Frighteningly and frustratingly familiar for the Reds, who now go from nibbling at the edges of the top four to needing a run of results to get themselves back in the hunt. Not season-defining by any stretch, but part of a pattern that we're all too used to.
For the first time in recent memory, a leaked team sheet turned out to be accurate; it found its way out around half an hour before kickoff, accompanied by a collective uproar that Maxi had been left out again after another good display against Chelsea. With a return to the first-choice backline from recent weeks, the biggest questions were left for the midfield and attack, with Jay Spearing, Charlie Adam, and Jordan Henderson starting in midfield, and Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll, and Craig Bellamy starting together up front for the first time this season.
As it turned out, Liverpool would start in something resembling a 4-3-3, with Henderson and Adam either side of a deeper-lying Spearing, and Suarez and Bellamy flanking Carroll up top. And early on it looked to be paying dividends, with the guests getting the better of possession and finding their way forward patiently. Fulham darted in with a chance through Bobby Zamora, whose threaded ball found a streaking Dembele, but Pepe Reina came forward well and cleared any danger. The Liverpool response was encouraging, as they quickly pieced together a counter attack, and a cut back for Andy Carroll from Luis Suarez on the left gave them their best chance of the opening minutes.
It would continue this way for most of the first half—possession for Liverpool, Fulham stealing a chance here and there, neither side looking particularly sharp. Jordan Henderson's driving run and curled effort off the post was the pick of the lot, and around the time of Suarez' second cut-back for Carroll it looked like only a matter of time before Liverpool scored. A brief spell of Fulham pressure rounded things out before the break, though, and both sides failed to piece anything meaningful together as the half wore down.
The opening minutes of the second half were marked by a strange incident between Clint Dempsey and Craig Bellamy, as the American was incensed after Bellamy tackled from behind. It was never an illegal challenge and didn't look like there was much in it, but the resulting confrontation left both players with a yellow card. Dempsey was the clear instigator, leading with his forehead and making sure he stayed in Bellamy's face, but, as was the case all night, Kevin Friend left us scratching our heads.

(http://liverpool.theoffside.com/files/2011/12/spearingtackle-202x300.jpg)

Liverpool had a share of chances shortly after, first with Jose Enrique volleying an effort straight at Mark Schwarzer from a corner, and then with Charlie Adam dragged down just outside the edge of the area. Daniel Agger's header went wide from the resulting corner, and Craig Bellamy dragged a shot wide after being played in by Glen Johnson. Jose Enrique's chipped ball for Luis Suarez rounded off the dangerous spell for Liverpool, as the Uruguayan did wonderfully to get past Schwarzer and finish before being ruled offside. Replays would show it was very close, and probably incorrect, but you know, love.

As Fulham started to press, they'd get one of the nuttier decisions of the day—Jay Spearing's clearance involved a follow-through, and when he lost his footing his studs found the leg of the onrushing Moussa Dembele. It looked much worse than it actually was, and there was never any intent, but Friend saw fit to send Spearing packing.

Kenny Dalglish brought on Dirk Kuyt and Stewart Downing shortly after, and the move very nearly paid off ten minutes later when Downing saw a twenty-yard effort tip onto the post by Schwarzer. Liverpool were punished almost straight away, as Danny Murphy's shot at the near post was uncharacteristically spilled by Pepe Reina and pushed home by Clint Dempsey. Huff and puff with nothing to show once again, and Fulham came away with all three points.
*
There's plenty of questions to answer after this one, and while it's not anything to lose your mind over, it's certainly curious that Dalglish and company saw fit to relegate Dirk Kuyt and, more questionably, Maxi to the bench after both were involved in last season's drubbing. The choice to go with Andy Carroll against two lumbering center-backs, ostensibly in an effort to match physicality, proved to render Carroll anonymous and negate any sort of consistent fluidity in the Liverpool attack.

Having a bad taste in my mouth about the result and the way things went tonight makes it especially tough to single out anybody on the positive end; I thought Pepe Reina was solid and read the match well prior to spilling Danny Murphy's shot, and the back line was once again mostly impressive. Jay Spearing had spells where he looked very good (and some where he looked equally not so good), and Jordan Henderson was phenomenal for the stretch that saw him occupy space through the center part of the midfield.

(http://liverpool.theoffside.com/files/2011/12/dalglishjol-186x300.jpg)

And while it certainly wasn't for lack of trying, Andy Carroll will once again come under fire for not getting on the score sheet.

With he and Suarez both in the eleven it's a guarantee that the one who cost more will get most of the criticism, even though both (along with Craig Bellamy) put in maximum effort up top. Carroll's less flashy and decidedly less pleasing on the eye, which is a fair enough criticism, but it's not really his fault that he was once again put into a position where success wasn't necessarily the most likely outcome. Which, in a roundabout way, is basically an admission that he shouldn't be in the eleven. Not a positive enough impact right now, and the consistent forcing of him into a situation that just isn't working doesn't help anyone.
It's easy to feel pissed off after today's loss, and Kevin Friend is the go-to hate figure for those looking to project the result outward. The sending off was the flashpoint, and a litany of ignored fouls on Suarez didn't help matters. But in the end, it all could have been negated if Liverpool had taken the chances they got, which is the all too familiar narrative of this season.

More painfully, Friend's incompetence might not have been highlighted had Liverpool's approach not been so spectacularly wrong. The loss of Lucas made selection difficult, but the demolition in May was all about movement, which hasn't been a strong suit of an eleven with Andy Carroll involved. With the addition of Phillippe Senderos to the back line to accompany Brede Hangeland, who was terrorized by Luis Suarez last time out, it seemed tailor-made for a similar eleven to the one that got the win at Stamford Bridge in league two weeks ago. Also, Maxi.

The one bright spot is that we won't have to wait too long for Liverpool to get back in action, as they host QPR in five days. While we're not quite to "must-win" territory yet, the rest of December is going to be a pivotal stretch for the club. We know it's there, and when they get it right it's fantastic. Now it's just a matter of finding it on a consistent basis.



http://liverpool.theoffside.com/premier-league/fulham-1-liverpool-0-no-luck-no-finishing-no-fun.html? (http://liverpool.theoffside.com/premier-league/fulham-1-liverpool-0-no-luck-no-finishing-no-fun.html?)

 
'Wee' Jay Spearing Dismissed For Tackle on Mousa Dembele in Liverpool's Loss at Fulham

(http://mt.nesn.com/.a/6a0115709f071f970b015437e4f1cc970c-400wi)

Jay Spearing was Kenny Dalglish's first choice to replace injured midfielder Lucas in the Liverpool starting lineup. But the diminuitive Spearing faces a three-game ban after he was dismissed in the second half of Liverpoo's 1-0 loss at Fulham on Monday.

Spearing received his marching orders after going in hard on a 50-50 ball with Mousa Dembele and upending the Belgian attacker with a two-footed tackle. Referee Kevin Friend showed Spearing a straight red card, reducing Liverpool to 10 men.

The 23-year-old was impressing in his first English Premier League start of the season. He was growing in influence as the game progressed, breaking up Fulham's attacks and neatly passing the ball to teammates with great effect.

Fulham would go on to snatch a victory from Liverpool. The Reds will leave Craven Cottage with serious worthy gripes about Friend's performance.

To give Spearing a red card on the tackle was, at best, a contentious decision. The Reds will also note two penalty appeals that were denied. Luis Suarez and Charlie Adam were fouled in and around the Fulham penalty area on seperate occasions, but friend did not point to the spot in either case. Suarez also had goal disallowed in the second half because he was judged to be offside. Replays showed he was even with the last defender.



http://www.nesn.com/2011/12/wee-jay-spearing-dismissed-for-tackle-on-mousa-dembele-in-liverpools-loss-at-fulham.html? (http://www.nesn.com/2011/12/wee-jay-spearing-dismissed-for-tackle-on-mousa-dembele-in-liverpools-loss-at-fulham.html?)

 
Jol - Fortune favoured us
Cottagers boss delighted with win but sees Murphy pick up knock

Martin Jol was delighted to see Fulham get 'the rub of the green' in a 1-0 win over Liverpool, but was dealt a blow by an injury to Danny Murphy.

The Dutchman saw the Cottagers edge out the Reds in an entertaining encounter on Monday night, with Clint Dempseygrabbing what proved to be the winner five minutes from time.

Liverpool had been reduced to 10 men by that stage, with Jay Spearing dismissed for a lunging challenge on Moussa Dembele.
Jol admits his side profited from the Reds' misfortune, but believes Fulham offered enough to justify their success.

"It was a very good performance," he told Sky Sports.

"Liverpool are a good team. It was an even game, they had a few chances and we had a few chances as well.

Advantage

"Every time we had the ball in their half, they broke us and I have to say that after the sending off we had a little bit more space and we took advantage of that.

"Tonight we probably had the rub of the green. It was even, we had a couple of chances and even with 10 men they had an unbelievable shot but Mark Schwarzer is one of the best in the business and he saved us. After that we scored and it was very much needed."

While Jol was delighted to pick up three points that help to move Fulham away from the Premier League drop zone, he is sweating on the fitness of club captain Murphy.
"I think it's a bad one," he said after seeing the midfielder hobble off in the closing stages.

"His ankle is swollen up and I don't think he will play in the next match, or couple of matches.

"First we will celebrate the win and then we will have an assessment tomorrow, but I think it's a bad one."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7355171/? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7355171/?)

 
Dalglish queries Spearing red
Reds boss believes his side deserved something at Craven Cottage

(http://img.skysports.com/11/12/660x350/Jay-Spearing-Sent-Off-Liverpool-Premier-Leagu_2687324.jpg)
Jay Spearing: Saw red for a lunging challenge on Moussa Dembele

Kenny Dalglish wants to see greater consistency from match officials after Jay Spearing's red card cost Liverpool in a 1-0 defeat at Fulham.

The Reds midfielder was dismissed after 72 minutes of a keenly-fought encounter at Craven Cottage.

Spearing dived in on Moussa Dembele, catching the Cottagers forward after first winning the ball.

Leaving the ground went against the 23-year-old, with his challenge deemed to be reckless.

Dalglish believes Spearing might have got away with the tackle on a different day, with 'interpretation' now a buzz word in Premier League refereeing.

"He has won the ball with the first thing but he has probably upset the referee with his follow through," the Reds boss told Sky Sports.

Decision

"But he has won the ball first and it's not his fault somebody is standing there. Sometimes you see them result in a red, sometimes they get away with it.

"You can go through every referee decision and find a problem with it, I think the problem everyone has at the moment is the level of interpretation and that's not consistent."

While disappointed with that particular call, Dalglish believes Liverpool were unfortunate to leave the capital empty-handed on Monday night.

"I think we would have taken something from the game if we had been left with 11 men," he said.

"For us, we played as well as we have been playing but you have to do enough to win the game. I think we did enough to come away with something, but we haven't done it.

"We need to brush ourselves down and get on with it and not feel sorry for ourselves. The lads put in a great effort to try and win the game, even when we went down to 10 men we had a couple of close things."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7355173/? (http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7355173/?)

 
Fulham has Liverpool seeing red

(http://images.theage.com.au/2011/12/06/2820205/---art_clint_dempsey_20111206095922653231-420x0.jpg)
Clint Dempsey of Fulham slots home the winner against Liverpool.
Photo: Getty Images

Clint Dempsey struck a late winner for Fulham to hand Liverpool a 1-0 defeat in a match which saw the losing side controversially reduced to 10 men at Craven Cottage on Monday.
Jay Spearing was dismissed for a tackle on Mousa Dembele with 18 minutes remaining of the English Premier League clash.

THE EPL TABLE
It was the turning point of the game with Spearing taking the ball but also sending his opponent into the air and referee Kevin Friend issued a straight red card.

Dempsey struck in the 85th minute after goalkeeper Pepe Reina spilled the ball, bringing an end to the run of six straight away wins for Kenny Dalglish's side.

Despite Fulham struggling for goals this season and Liverpool conceding the fewest goals in the league, both teams created chances throughout an open first half.

Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise, former team-mates who clashed off the pitch while at Liverpool, faced each on the right flank and the Fulham full-back was fortunate not to be booked for one tackle.

From the other wing, Jordan Henderson cut inside and struck the post with a toe-poke just before the half-hour mark, with the ball fortuitously bouncing to safety for Fulham.

It also took a last-gasp tackle from Brede Hangeland to deny Andy Carroll after Luis Suarez had set up another chance for his strike partner.

Liverpool appeared to be on top but Dempsey had two efforts before the break. One went wide, and the other was saved well by Reina.

Bellamy and Dempsey were booked just after the restart when they confronted each other after a tackle, while Philippe Senderos was also cautioned when he brought down Charlie Adam when the Scotland midfielder was racing through.

Liverpool were creating the better chances. Jose Enrique met Mark Schwarzer's punch with a volley and the goalkeeper had to be down sharply to save.

Suarez was accused of diving when he went into the penalty area next and tried to get around Hangeland, with the assistant referee flagging for simulation.

Liverpool thought they had taken the lead when Enrique chipped over the defence and Suarez took the ball past Schwarzer and volleyed in, but play was called back for offside.

AFP



Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/fulham-has-liverpool-seeing-red-20111206-1og32.html#ixzz1fk2qgzQY (http://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/fulham-has-liverpool-seeing-red-20111206-1og32.html#ixzz1fk2qgzQY)

 
Dempsey ends Liverpool's road reign
Fulham 1 Liverpool 0: Fulham striker Clint Dempsey struck a late winner as Liverpool's outstanding form on the road ended during a controversial evening at Craven Cottage.

Dempsey stabbed home a long-range 85th-minute shot by Danny Murphy that had bounced off the arms of Jose Reina, to secure only Fulham's third Premier League win of the season.

However, a sense of grievance cloaked Liverpool's night after they were denied a strong claim to a penalty and a legitimate goal from Luis Suarez was disallowed for offside, before Jay Spearing was shown a straight red card.

Philippe Senderos hacked down Charlie Adam with referee Kevin Friend claiming the tackle was executed just outside the area in what was a desperately tight call.

Worse was to come when Suarez produced a brilliant finish after jinking his way clear, only for a flag to be raised even though the Uruguay striker was onside.

The final insult was delivered in the 72nd minute when Spearing, making his first Premier League start of the season, was shown a straight red card.

Spearing, who had replaced knee-injury victim Lucas Leiva in the starting line-up, caught Mousa Dembele with a sliding challenge, but only after cleanly winning the ball in what was a harsh call.

The result denied Liverpool a record-equalling seventh successive away win in all competitions as they endured their first defeat in 12 games.

The goal came when the United States international Dempsey followed in after visiting goalkeeper Jose Reina uncharacteristically spilled Danny Murphy's low shot.

And Dempsey said: "You've always got to take a chance. Danny did a good job getting the shot off and you've got to be in the right place at the right time. Sometimes you get lucky and it falls to you.

"Any points right now are big because the table's so tight. We're just happy to get the win."

Liverpool manager boss Kenny Dalglish was frustrated by the dismissal of Spearing and felt it changed the outcome of the game.

"He won the ball, he probably upset the referee with his follow-through but it's not his fault there's somebody standing there.

"You see them sometimes get a red card, other times they get away with it. The problem everybody has is the level of interpretation, that's not consistent.

"I think we would have taken something if we'd been left with 11 men. I don't think we played as well as we have been but we did enough to come away with something but we haven't done it."



http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2011/1205/1224308619731.html? (http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2011/1205/1224308619731.html?)

 
Fulham 1-0 Liverpool


These dark nights by the Thames aren't half special, eh?  A lively 0-0 turned into a scintillating 1-0 win, Clint Dempsey's late goal nicking the points with five minutes left.  We more or less deserved them, riding our luck to a degree but mainly doing enough, then taking advantage when Liverpool lost a man after Spearing's red card.

That was key. Before that we couldn't find space anywhere, so the dismissal solved that issue and all of a sudden a win seemed not just possible but likely. The team's buildups got that bit sharper, shots started pinging Reina's way, and it felt like something had to give, if only we could break through before time ran out.  We did: Senderos reversed a lovely ball wide to Murphy, Murphy scuffed in a shot that Reina couldn't hold, Dempsey pounced from a yard out, his lime green boots whirling through the air to send the ball crashing into the net.  YES!

Before that Dempsey's shots had mainly been from distance, his speculative efforts often coming close and serving to maintain some semblence of pressure (we couldn't get into the area so had to shoot from outside it). Dembele was marauding again, Dickson Etuhu had as good a 45 minutes as he'll ever have in the first half, and the teams left the field after 45 engrossing minutes with no goals but plenty to think about.  Fulham had to work out how to find space, but also how to deny it to Liverpool: it felt like we were living on the edge, slightly, particularly down the right flank where Kelly perhaps wasn't getting the protection he'd have liked and was often isolated.

The second half was just as fun.  True, Fulham's buildup was frustratingly slow, but Liverpool's defence was excellent.  At the other end Mark Schwarzer made some fine saves, notably palming the ball onto the post following a Downing drive.  Johnson came on, not for Ruiz (showing flashes of brilliance while giving the ball away too often), but for the again disappointing Zamora.  What would this mean?  But we maintained forward progress and Johnson's running offered something we didn't have before: he made the most of his time on the pitch.

Liverpool kept up their pressure but it didn't feel like they'd have enough to get through.   Charlie Adam was pulling strings, but doing so rather like a puppeteer who's got a bit drunk and thinks he's better than he really is.  He looks the part but not all of his passing is what it could be, and Danny Murphy taught him a nice lesson in when to expand and when to play safe. Pantomime villain Saurez tumbled hither and thither, Bellamy buzzed around annoyingly, too, but nobody in the side looked really dangerous.  And for that we must thank our defence, who stood up tremendously well under pressure.

A great win then, earned against a good team playing quite well.  It's been a while since we took down one of the biggies, so Martin Jol will be delighted.

(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/spearing.jpg?w=600&h=450)



http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/12/05/fulham-1-0-liverpool/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/12/05/fulham-1-0-liverpool/?)

 
Dalglish rues Spearing dismissal

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish felt the dismissal of Jay Spearing at Craven Cottage proved decisive to the outcome of his side's 1-0 loss against Fulham.

With Monday night's Premier League match delicately poised, Liverpool's hopes of coming away with victory were dented when Spearing, starting in place of the injured Lucas Leiva, was handed a straight red card by referee Kevin Friend.

Friend deemed that Spearing's challenge on Moussa Dembele was worthy of a sending off, after the midfielder took the ball but also caught the Belgium international on the ankle.

Fulham's Clint Dempsey went on to score the winner, and Dalglish was left to rue the defeat, in particular after seeing his rivals for a top four finish all claim victories at the weekend.

"He won the ball," the Scot told Sky Sports 1. "He probably upset the referee with his follow-through but it's not his fault there's somebody standing there.

"You see them sometimes get a red card, other times they get away with it. The problem everybody has is the level of interpretation - that's not consistent.

"I think we would have taken something if we'd been left with 11 men. I don't think we played as well as we have been but we did enough to come away with something but we haven't done it."

Fulham boss Martin Jol, however, felt the red card was justified. He said: "I think it was a bad tackle. His ankle was there and I think it was a sending-off."

Jol also reserved praise for match-winner Dempsey, who capitalised on a mistake from goalkeeper Pepe Reina to pounce for the decisive goal with five minutes remaining.

The Dutch coach said: "Clint is a good player. He scored 13 goals in the league last year and tonight it was a much-needed goal and a much-needed win.

"We dropped points at home against Everton when we were the better team - we were pretty unlucky. Tonight we had the rub of the green. We weren't the better team but it was even.

"Mark Schwarzer is one of the best in the business and he saved us."


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/992943/liverpool-manager-kenny-dalglish-rues-jay-spearing-dismissal?&cc=5739 (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/992943/liverpool-manager-kenny-dalglish-rues-jay-spearing-dismissal?&cc=5739)

 
Liverpool deserved to beat Fulham says striker

Liverpool deserved to beat Fulham on Monday night, according to Reds striker Luis Suarez.

Kenny Dalgish's side lost 1-0 at Craven Cottage thanks to a late strike from Clint Dempsey after Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing had been shown a straight red in controversial circumstances.

Speaking on Twitter, Suarez said: "We lost a game that We deserved to win, I'm very upset with what happened tonight ... Cheer up everyone!"

In an open match, both sides has their chances with Downing hitting the post for Liverpool before Pepe Reina fumbled Danny Murphy's shot which led to Dempsey's goal.



http://www.cleansheetsallround.co.uk/2011/12/liverpool-deserved-to-beat-fulham-says-striker? (http://www.cleansheetsallround.co.uk/2011/12/liverpool-deserved-to-beat-fulham-says-striker?)

 
Fulham forward Clint Dempsey becomes top American goalscorer ever in the Premier League with winner against Liverpool
The USA star's late winner at Craven Cottage takes him past Brian McBride as the most successful American goalscorer in the English top flight

(http://u.goal.com/157100/157117hp2.jpg)
Getty Images
Fulham star Clint Dempsey will have more reason than most to celebrate his late winner against Liverpool on Monday night, as it set a Premier League record.

The USA international became the highest scoring American player in Premier League history, after he knocked in his 85-minute goal.

The forward took advantage of a rare mistake by Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina to score his 37th goal for Fulham, topping former Cottagers striker Brian McBride's previous tally of 36 goals. The goal was Dempsey's sixth of the season.

The win takes the Cottagers up to 13th in the table.


http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/12/05/2789552/fulham-forward-clint-dempsey-becomes-top-american-goalscorer? (http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/12/05/2789552/fulham-forward-clint-dempsey-becomes-top-american-goalscorer?)

 
Suarez flips! Race-row striker loses cool over taunts by Fulham fans

Luis Suarez - who is already facing a racism charge - could find himself in more hot water with the FA after making an obscene gesture towards Fulham supporters after Liverpool's 1-0 defeat.

The Anfield striker was given a torrid time by the home support throughout the clash at Craven Cottage as he was subjected to chants of 'cheat' for what Fulham supporters perceived to be his constant diving.

And Suarez cracked after the final whistle by making an explicit hand gesture towards Cottagers fans.  Wembley disciplinary chiefs will decide on Tuesday whether to investigate the incident further.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/05/article-0-0F11010000000578-816_468x286.jpg)
Out of order: Liverpool's Luis Suarez made a gesture to Fulham fans

Suarez has already been charged by the FA for making racist remarks towards Manchester United defender Patrice Evra during the 1-1 draw at Anfield earlier this season.

And Reds manager Kenny Dalglish admitted he could be forced to talk to Suarez about his conduct after the latest controversy to hit the Uruguay international.

'I haven't seen the picture and I'm not taking anybody's word for it,' said Dalglish.

'If you show me the picture and I'm convinced that what you're saying is true, then I've got a decision to make.'

In response to Fulham fans branding Suarez a 'cheat', Dalglish added: 'That's scandalous. We'll look after Luis as best we can, and I think it's about time he got a bit of protection from some people.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/05/article-0-0F110FDC00000578-313_468x301.jpg)
Lunge: Jay Spearing fouls Fulham's Moussa Dembele before being sent off

'His integrity is impeccable. He can look in the mirror and go to bed at night and sleep soundly.'

Liverpool's misery was compounded by Jay Spearing's debatable sending off - the latest incident in a controversial weekend of refereeing decisions.

The Liverpool midfielder clearly made contact with the ball in his challenge with Moussa Dembele  - but was given his marching orders by Kevin Friend after catching the Fulham forward with his follow through.

And Dalglish felt his midfielder was harshly sent off: 'I think, you need to ask the referee what their interpretation is? What the level of acceptance is? 'Jay never had another thought in his mind but to win the ball, and he did win it.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/05/article-0-0F111CBC00000578-746_468x330.jpg)
Turning point: Spearing is sent off as Liverpool's players protest

'As long as the officials are consistent, it's not a problem. But I don't think we were going to get anything tonight, were we?
'The (offside) goal that Luis scored, Charlie [Adam] could have had a penalty. We played well enough to have won the game.'

Fulham boss Martin Jol added: 'Was it a red card?  I think it was a bad tackle. 'If you see from another angle, you saw his ankle up there and I think it was a sending off.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2070424/Luis-Suarez-gives-Fulham-fans-finger.html#ixzz1fk5IMAuZ (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2070424/Luis-Suarez-gives-Fulham-fans-finger.html#ixzz1fk5IMAuZ)

 
Dempsey becomes top American scorer in English Premier League as Fulham beats Liverpool 1-0

LONDON — Clint Dempsey became the American career scoring in the English Premier League, capitalizing on a mistake by goalkeeper Pepe Reina to lead Fulham over Liverpool 1-0 Monday night.

With 37 goals since joining Fulham in 2006, the 28-year-old midfielder from Nacogdoches, Texas, broke a tie with Brian McBride, who played in the Premier League with Everton (2003) and Fulham (2004-08).

After Dempsey hit the crossbar earlier in the match, Reina spilled a shot by former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy in the 85th minute, and Dempsey converted the rebound from close range.

Liverpool played a man short after Jay Spearing was shown a red card for a 72nd-minute tackle on Moussa Dembele.

Fulham (3-5-6) climbed to 13th place with 15 points, five above the relegation zone. Seventh-place Liverpool (6-3-5), which lost for the first time in nine league matches, has 23 points — five behind Chelsea for the final Champions League berth.



http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/dempsey-becomes-top-american-scorer-in-english-premier-league-as-fulham-beats-liverpool-1-0/2011/12/05/gIQA976ZXO_story.html? (http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/dempsey-becomes-top-american-scorer-in-english-premier-league-as-fulham-beats-liverpool-1-0/2011/12/05/gIQA976ZXO_story.html?)

 
Spearing was out of control! Friend had to give Liverpool midfielder his marching orders

Kevin Friend was right to dismiss Jay Spearing for his lunging challenge on Moussa Dembele despite the fact the Liverpool man played the ball before catching his opponent.

Spearing was out of control of his forward movement and the force at which he caught the Fulham forward led Friend to dismiss him for serious foul play.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/05/article-0-0F110FDC00000578-514_468x305.jpg)
Lunge: Jay Spearing fouls Fulham's Moussa Dembele before being sent off

The primary concern for a referee is the safety of the players and if a reckless challenge endangers that safety then the player must be sent off.

Looking at the pictures it is hard to disagree that the challenge was reckless and endangered Dembele's safety. I have long argued that playing the ball does not make a player exempt from disciplinary action; the challenge from Spearing proves that.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/05/article-0-0F10D08B00000578-965_468x303.jpg)
Lucky: Philippe Senderos (left) could have been sent off for Fulham

Liverpool can argue that Fulham should also have been reduced to 10 men as Phillipe Senderos committed two clear cautionable offences. The first was a very good decision from Friend as the Swiss defender brought Charlie Adam down right on the edge of the Fulham penalty area.

It was a close call but a correct one as was the decision to show a yellow card as it was not the denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity.

Senderos was later seen on TV to have pulled Andy Carroll back as Liverpool broke forward; had Friend seen that he would have sent Senderos off.

But of course he doesn't have the luxury of video replays.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2070404/Graham-Poll-Jay-Spearing-sent-off.html#ixzz1fk6PMHq3 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2070404/Graham-Poll-Jay-Spearing-sent-off.html#ixzz1fk6PMHq3)

 
Dempsey delivers vital win
by DAN on DECEMBER 5, 2011

(http://img.skysports.com/11/12/496x259/Clint-Dempsey-Fulham-Premier-League-3_2687332.jpg)

Unbelievable as it might seem now, Clint Dempsey had his detractors at the start of his Fulham career. He was too lightweight, tried too many tricks and was even labelled a luxury player. Roy Hodgson, albeit only half-seriously, suggested that the American midfielder's problem was that he wasn't as good as he thought he was. But Fulham have learnt to depend on Dempsey. He's delivered in the big games: his first goal helped secure their Premier League status in 2007 and plenty of priceless strikes have followed.

Tonight, there was no-one else you wanted a rare fumble from Pepe Reina to fall to. The Spaniard spilled a speculative shot from Danny Murphy and Dempsey was there, quick as a flash, to sweep the rebound into the net from three yards. It was his 37th Premier League goal – a record for an American – and was richly deserved after a night of typically boundless adventure. Dempsey had drew a first-class save from Reina in the first half and crashed a drive against the crossbar just prior to scoring the winner. In between, he was booked for going head-to-head with Craig Bellamy in the centre circle.

Fulham played with a verve and endeavour that was severely lacking in Twente in midweek. As early as the sixth minute, Bryan Ruiz released Moussa Dembele and the Belgian's side-footed shot was smartly saved by Reina. Liverpool were equally bold, fielding Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez alongside Bellamy in attack, and the former Newcastle forward should have shot them in front from their first real attack instead of powering a drive straight at Mark Schwarzer from ten yards.

The Australian could do little about a fine curling effort from the right angle of the box by Jordan Henderson after the young midfielder had cleverly cut inside, but the ball cannoned off the far post and away from danger. Suarez was full of clever running – not to mention the odd eager tumble – but he spurned his best opportunities, shooting wastefully wide after a swift Liverpool break. Fulham, who had earlier tested Reina with speculative shots from Dembele and Dempsey, finished the first period the stronger, with Reina again denying Dempsey.

Liverpool attacked with greater vigour after the break with Schwarzer somehow repelling a venomous 30-yarder from Luis Enrique and Bellamy screwed a shot horribly wide after being found by Glen Johnson. Suarez had a goal ruled out for offside and Fulham survived a shout for a penalty when Senderos, who later escaped a second booking for blocking off Adam, crudely ended a rampaging run from Charlie Adam. Referee Kevin Friend adjudged that the foul was just outside the box, but that wasn't his most controversial decision of the evening. The official reached quickly for his pocket after Jay Spearing's reckless lunge at Dembele and to Liverpool's astonishment produced a red card. Spearing protested that he had won the ball, but Dean decided he had led with his studs.

The visitors could have taken the lead as the game opened up, with Schwarzer managing to turn a terrific effort from substitute Stewart Downing onto the post, but, with five minutes to play, Reina's mistake settled the game. Murphy, perhaps wary of the fact that his choice to pass had ended a promising counter-attack previously, cut inside Johnson and drove a hopeful shot towards the near post. Reina appeared to have it comfortably covered, but when the ball squirmed loose, Dempsey pounced to seal a massive win for Martin Jol.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Schwarzer; Kelly, J.A. Riise, Hangeland, Senderos; Etuhu, Murphy (Gecov 90); Dembele, Dempsey, Ruiz; Zamora (A. Johnson 71). Subs (not used): Etheridge, Briggs, Hughes, Kasami, Frei.

BOOKED: Dembele, Dempsey, Senderos.

GOAL: Dempsey (85).

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3): Reina; G. Johnson, Enrique, Skrtel, Agger; Henderson, Adam, Spearing; Carroll (Kuyt 77), Bellamy (Downing 77), Suarez. Subs (not used): Doni, Coates, Carragher, Kelly, Maxi Rodriguez.

BOOKED: Bellamy.

SENT OFF: Spearing.

REFEREE: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).

ATTENDANCE: 25,688.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/dempsey-delivers-vital-win/? (http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/dempsey-delivers-vital-win/?)

Kenny Dalglish angry about Fulham fans' Suarez chants

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/57146000/jpg/_57146677_suarez.jpg)
Fulham's Danny Murphy voices his anger at Suarez

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish described the chants of "cheat" directed at Luis Suarez during his side's 1-0 defeat by Fulham as "scandalous".

Fulham fans felt Suarez went down too easily at Craven Cottage, yet Dalglish defended the Uruguayan striker.

Asked about the taunts, Dalglish said: "I would like to see you write that in the paper because you would be in a bit of trouble as well.

"It is about time he got a wee bit of protection," the Scot added.

Suarez was photographed making a hand gesture at the end of the match, but Dalglish refused to comment on the incident.

"I've not seen the picture and I am not taking anybody's word for it," he said.

"Until you have proved it is true to me, I won't comment."

LIVERPOOL RUN ENDS
Since losing at Tottenham on September 18, Liverpool had put together an 11-game unbeaten run before being defeated at Fulham.
Liverpool had won three Premier League away games in a row before going to Fulham - but their defeat means they still haven't won four in a row on the road since May 2009.

The Liverpool manager is considering appealing against Jay Spearing's controversial second-half red card though.

Midfielder Spearing was sent off after fouling striker Moussa Dembele with his follow-through in a tackle, having initially won the ball.

Dalglish said: "Jay will be upset, but we will have a little look and see whether it is worthwhile appealing.

"I think you need to ask the referees what the interpretation is."

Spearing was shown a straight red card by referee Kevin Friend after 71 minutes, with the score at 0-0, before Clint Dempsey's late winner sealed victory for Fulham to move them 13th in the league.

Dalglish added: "It is frustrating because nobody tells us what the level of acceptance is. Jay had no other thought on his mind other than to win the ball and he did win it.

"I am not a referee. Sometimes they have been given, sometimes they haven't. As long as they are consistent, there is no problem."

A series of decisions went against Liverpool, with Charlie Adam denied a penalty after being brought down by Philippe Senderos and Luis Suarez having a strike disallowed for offside.

Discussing the game, Dalglish said: "It could have gone either way but I don't think we were going to get anything tonight, were we?

"The goal Luis Suarez scored that was ruled offside could have gone either way. Charlie Adam could have got a penalty when he was pulled down on the edge of the box.

"Tonight wasn't as well as we've been playing, but it was enough to have won the game. We never got the luck but we have just got to brush ourselves off and get on with it."



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16043901.stm? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16043901.stm?)

 
Kevin Friend Made Four Contentious Decisions That Enraged Liverpool Supporters

(http://mt.nesn.com/.a/6a0115709f071f970b01539411a434970b-400wi)

Kevin Friend had a bad day at the office Monday. And Liverpool supporters are holding the referee in their team's 1-0 loss to Fulham responsible for the outcome.

The 40-year-old official has been in charge of English Premier League games for over two years. He will come under scrutiny for several contentious second-half decisions he made that Reds' fans feel swung the game in Fulham's favour.

In the 48th minute, goal-hero Clint Dempsey went nose-to-nose with Craig Bellamy after the Welshman made a clumsy tackle on him. Though the irate Dempsey appeared to headbutt Bellamy, Friend spoke to -- and cautioned -- both players for their roles in the incident. Dempsey could have seen red for seeing red early in the second half.

In the 55th minute, Luis Suarez was brought down in the Fulham penalty area by defender Brede Hangeland. Suarez tricked his way past the towering defender, playing the ball to one side of him and trying to run past him on the other. Hangeland stepped into the path of Suarez, initiating contact, but Friend -- who had seemingly spoken to Suarez about diving earlier in the game -- denied the penalty appeal. It was a clear foul and Friend should have awarded Liverpool a spot-kick.

Four minutes later, Philippe Senderos put a stop to a counterattack when he fouled Charlie Adam near the Fulham area. He initiated the contact outside of the box, but both players fell into the penalty area. Friend awarded a free-kick on the line. He could have called it either way, but he gave the Reds a free-kick that they failed to convert.

In the 67th minute, Suarez appeared to score the opening goal, but he was judged to have been offside on the play (the play is pictured in the photo above). Friend followed his assistant's call and disallowed the goal Suarez scored on the move. Replays showed that Suarez was even with Hangeland at the time the ball was played and the goal should have stood.

Finally, Friend sent off Liverpool's diminutive midfielder Jay Spearing for a challenge on Mousa Dembele in the 72nd minute. The tackle was well-timed but two-footed and Friend showed Spearing a straight red card. The peoples' choice to replace Lucas in th LFC midfield faces a three-game ban for the dismissal.


http://www.nesn.com/2011/12/kevin-friend-made-four-contentious-decisions-that-enraged-liverpool-supporters.html? (http://www.nesn.com/2011/12/kevin-friend-made-four-contentious-decisions-that-enraged-liverpool-supporters.html?)

 
A Much-Needed Win

A late goal from Clint Dempsey was enough to hand Fulham all three points after an entertaining affair at Craven Cottage on Monday night.

Dempsey rounded off a fine team performance when he was first to react after Pepe Reina spilled Danny Murphy's shot.

Speaking after Monday's encounter, Fulham Manager Martin Jol looked back on the match and gave his assessment of the performance and Dempsey's contribution.

"Clint is a good player," Jol explained. "He scored 13 goals in the league last year and tonight it was a much-needed goal and a much-needed win.

"We dropped points at home against Everton when we were the better team - we were pretty unlucky.

"Liverpool are a good team. Every time we had the ball in their half, they broke us and I have to say that after the sending off we had a little bit more space and we took advantage of that.

"Tonight we probably had the rub of the green. It was even, we had a couple of chances and even with 10 men they had an unbelievable shot but Mark Schwarzer is one of the best in the business and he saved us. After that we scored and it was very much needed."



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Kenny on Jay and Fulham

Kenny Dalglish believes the key decisions didn't go in Liverpool's favour on a night they lost 1-0 to Fulham at Craven Cottage and had Jay Spearing sent-off.

Clint Dempsey's late strike brought an end to the Reds' 11-game unbeaten run on a controversial night in London, which saw the Reds reduced to 10 men when Spearing was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Mousa Dembele.

Asked whether he felt the challenge from his midfielder warranted a straight red, Dalglish told his post-match press conference: "I think you need to ask them (referees) what their interpretation is. It's frustrating because no one ever tells us what the interpretation is.

"Jay had no other thought in his mind but to win the ball, and he did win the ball. I'm not a referee so all you can say is sometimes they are given, sometimes they are not, but as long as they are consistent then it's not a problem.

"We'll have a look at it again and see if it's worth appealing."

The Reds also hit the woodwork twice through Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing, while Luis Suarez had a goal disallowed for offside, when television replays suggested he wasn't.

"I don't think we were going to get anything tonight, were we?" added Dalglish.

"Luis scored a goal which didn't count that could have gone either way and Charlie Adam could have got a penalty when he got pulled down.

"They had a couple of good efforts and Pepe made some good saves and they also hit the bar, but I think overall we looked as though we were going to get something from the game - we certainly deserved to.

"We didn't play as well as we have been playing but we still did enough to win the game. We have just got to brush ourselves down now, get on with it and get ourselves ready for QPR on Saturday."

The manager was also asked how frustrating it was to see his side lose their unbeaten run.

He added: "We have done well and given a bit of luck tonight we could have had three points. We will just continue working hard and see where it takes us."

Dalglish was also questioned about Luis Suarez, who came in for some rough treatment on and off the field during the 90 minutes.

He added: "We will look after Luis as best we can and I think it's about time he got a bit of protection from some people."

With Lucas Leiva ruled out for the season through injury and Spearing now facing a ban, the boss was quizzed whether he had any news on captain Steven Gerrard's likely return to action.

"He's closer," said the boss.

"We have never put any time on it and he will be right when he is right. Everything he has done has been very positive and we are delighted with the progress."

Author: Steve Hunter at Craven Cottage


http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/kenny-on-jay-and-fulham? (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/kenny-on-jay-and-fulham?)

 
Fulham 1-0 Liverpool

15th place has never looked so gratifying and neither has Clint Dempsey getting into a spontaneous tussle. The thought of Dempsey applying a cheeky little right hook to the grin of Craig Bellamy was one that couldn't help but cross my mind, but, of course, it is one I wouldn't condone on any level.

But for all the intensity that came with this clash there was only one goal in it. Ironically, it was the result of a goalkeeping error despite a general display of solidarity and composure from both stoppers throughout the evening.

Martin Jol will take anything at the moment, though, and his first ever Premier League win over Liverpool couldn't have come at any better time.



The Ducthman had laid faith in Summer signing Bryan Ruiz, starting the Costa Rican international wide on the right. The winger-cum-striker had a sporadic afternoon in which his deft flicks and fast-thinking approach play were both his highlight and his downfall. On one occasion, he played a wondrous back heel into the path of Danny Murphy but when he replicated the trick barely ten minutes later it went embarrassingly wrong.

With Ruiz starting, however, clearly Jol had a degree of intent coming into the game. Alongside the former Twente man were Bobby Zamora, Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey, and as such, an expansive game ensued.

Dembele had a guilt-edged opportunity to put Fulham up inside five minutes when an incisive pass from Ruiz fed the ball astutely at the feet of Dembele, whom himself had timed his run perfectly. The Belgian could only shoot straight at Pepe Reina, though, when faced with the one-on-one.

Andy Carroll then reflected the feat of wasting a chance at the other end, again placing his shot against the goalkeeper.

Dempsey and Dembele then tested Reina from a fair distance, both times forcing the Spaniard to stretch. For both their efforts, though, it was clear that Fulham weren't creating genuine and clear cut opportunities and a resolute Liverpool defence were restricting the Whites' attack to efforts from outside the area.

Jordan Henderson had the away section celebrating, but it wasn't long before such jubilation was met with mockery from the home fans as the midfielders effort hadn't in fact crossed the line. It was a close call, though, as the ball struck the post and rolled eerily along the line.

Dickson Etuhu, despite the rumours that surround a supposed imminent departure, laid stake to a claim for a first team spot with a display of the greatest graft and resistance. Throughout the evening he tackled hard yet fairly and was a consistent possession gainer in the middle of the park. The Nigerian also proved to be a persistent shackle to an expectedly lively Luis Suarez.

The half drew to a close and while the game seemed finely balanced, Kenny Dalglish probably entered the dressing rooms as a happier manager. His side had carved open the Fulham defence on a few occasions and most could sense there was a goal in the game - either way.

As the game restarted, Liverpool had clearly been ordered to step up a gear. A series of corners had Mark Schwarzer worried in the Fulham goal, but Brede Hangeland and his defence came out of an abundant spell of pressure unscathed.

The Norweigan put in a fine defensive shift yet again and matched £35 million man Andy Carroll on all occasions. The former Newcastle man eventually came off and Hangeland should be partly credited for keeping him so quiet.

Liverpool still attacked and Phillipe Senderos resorted to an altogether different type of tackle to bring Charlie Adam to a halt as he headed towards the Fulham area. On the counter, the Reds broke with speed and as Adam looked set to pull the trigger, the Swiss lunged in, almost head first, to bring the Scotsman down. Contact was, thankfully, outside the area, and despite a yellow card for Senderos, the free kick failed to provide any substance for Liverpool.

Bobby Zamora was then replaced on 70 minutes and it almost seemed a relief. The England international had picked up a knock early on, but with the three midfielders behind him, the target man was failing to make a difference. Whether off-the-field troubles are affecting him or not, Fulham needed another dimension and Andy Johnson's capability of getting behind and between defenders was a welcome adaptation to play.

Barely a minute later, and Liverpool were down to ten men. Jay Spearing lunged at Dembele and, while winning the ball, was justifiably reckless in doing so.

This spurred on Fulham and two great opportunities followed. Clint Dempsey opened up his body in the penalty area and delivered a fine chip over Reina, only for the ball to strike the woodwork.

Yet again, Dembele had a great opportunity to score but struck the ball straight at Liverpool's 'keeper. His efforts on goal may have been tame, but as always, Dembele performed admirably on the pitch and the number of times he tracked back makes you wonder how he lasted ninety minutes.

The one man advantage finally played its dividends for Fulham in the 85th minute, though, as Clint Dempsey pounced upon a rebound after what was a meagre shot from captain Danny Murphy. The pressure was building and Dempsey had earned a goal after a labouring display.

Fulham held on in the last few minutes, even as Danny Murphy left the field in some discomfort, to claim a memorable and vital three points.

Let's hope Bellamy isn't too aggrieved to see John Arne Riise on the winning side.



http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/12/5/2613826/fulham-1-0-liverpool? (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2011/12/5/2613826/fulham-1-0-liverpool?)

 
Andy Carroll's ineffectiveness adds to Liverpool frustration at Fulham
Another lumbering performance from Liverpool's £35m striker played its part in a Fulham victory than was hardly deserved

(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/columnists/2011/12/5/1323129447419/Liverpools-Andy-Carroll-w-007.jpg)
Liverpool's Andy Carroll came off worse in his battles with Fulham's Philippe
Senderos, right. Photograph: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Liverpool brought the first chill blast of winter to the Cottage, and it blew them right back home. The misconceived refusal to give Charlie Adam a penalty and send off Philippe Senderos on the hour, a spoilsport decision to disallow a goal for Luis Suárez midway through the second half and a red card for the young midfielder Jay Spearing a few minutes later prefaced a crescendo of Fulham attacking which ended with a dreadful Pepe Reina error and a decisive tap-in for Clint Dempsey.

Seldom slow to complain when fortune frowns on his team, Kenny Dalglish was presented with enough excuses to moan from now until New Year's Eve. If Martin Jol felt that his players deserved something for sticking to their task and making the most of 20 minutes of numerical superiority, any dispassionate audit of the match would end with the conclusion that the visitors were robbed.

Yet Liverpool's team contained the biggest individual disappointment, while Fulham's included a performance of infinite promise from a surprising source. Whereas Andy Carroll did little more than lumber about the pitch to no measurable effect during his 77 minutes in the action, Moussa Dembélé looked to have the makings of a player capable of delighting Craven Cottage for many seasons to come.

This was a good night not to be consigned to the bench, swathed in quilted gear and bobble hats. Excellent news, then, for Carroll, handed his seventh Premier League start in a season that has seen his fitness and application questioned. Dalglish paired Carroll and Suárez up front, with Craig Bellamy buzzing around them.

On paper that combination of complementary styles is potent enough to unsettle any Premier League defence, the only question being whether Suárez, Liverpool's key goalscorer, responds well to the presence of a big centre-forward alongside him or prefers to work with the energetic unselfishness offered by Maxi Rodríguez or Dirk Kuyt.

On this occasion it was the Argentinian and the Dutchman who shivered in a wind that seemed to be threatening to turn the nearby Thames into a skating rink, while the Englishman had a chance to run around and cuddle up to Senderos and Brede Hangeland for additional warmth.

Two goals in 12 Premier League appearances this season, five of them as a substitute, is not much of a return on a £35m investment, but eight minutes into Monday night's match Carroll came close to glory. Adam's thoughtful pass found Suárez on the left, the Uruguayan cut the ball back at pace, and Carroll stretched out a boot but saw his effort from 12 yards out fly straight at Mark Schwarzer.

There would be a knockdown from Adam's diagonal ball which led to a shot from Suárez that skimmed past the right-hand post, followed by an attempted shot from the Uruguayan's angled pass that was foiled at source by Hangeland's crunching block, but Carroll never really brought his strength and weight to bear on the match with any sort of consistency or incisiveness.

For most of the time Hangeland and Senderos looked as though they could cope quite comfortably with whatever threat he was able to produce. The Swiss centre-back's nastiest moment came not from Carroll but from Adam, who took advantage of a mix-up in the Fulham midfield on the hour to dribble from the halfway line to the edge of the area, where Senderos barged him over and was extremely fortunate to see Kevin Friend award a free-kick and a yellow card rather than a penalty and a dismissal.

Behind the Liverpool forwards, good work was being done by the all-British midfield trio of Adam, the busy Jordan Henderson and the young Spearing. Dalglish's resources are currently so stretched, following last week's season-ending injury to the unlucky Lucas Leiva, that he has found it necessary to recall the highly promising 19-year-old Jonjo Shelvey from a loan at Blackpool, where he has impressed by scoring six goals in 10 games. Leiva is too good a player not to be missed, however, as Spearing demonstrated when a poorly judged and potentially dangerous tackle on Dembélé led to his dismissal with 18 minutes to go.

Dembélé is definitely someone to watch. The 24-year-old Belgium international, the son of a Malian father and a Belgian mother, cost a mere £5m from AZ Alkmaar when he joined Fulham in Mark Hughes's first month as manager last year, and he looks to be in the best tradition of the club's inside-forwards and attacking midfielders. Roving across the width of the pitch, but doing his best work in the arc behind the main striker, he covers the ground with a supple, low-slung grace, disguises his passes beautifully and needs only to refine his shooting.

If he was a little slow to warm to the contest on Monday night, greater coolness in the closing stages would have brought him a pair of goals. But a backheeled pass to Bryan Ruiz after 80 minutes started an exchange that ended with Dempsey's shot bouncing off the top of the crossbar, a move worth the price of admission alone.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2011/dec/06/andy-carroll-liverpool-fulham?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2011/dec/06/andy-carroll-liverpool-fulham?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29)

 
Ruiz starting to shine for Fulham, says Jol

FULHAM are starting to see the quality that persuaded Martin Jol to bring Bryan Ruiz to Craven Cottage in the summer, according to the Dutchman.

Ruiz's debut for the Whites against Blackburn in September was so bad that he was withdrawn at half-time, but he is starting to look more assured since scoring his first goal against Everton in October and has justified a starting place in the past two matches.

He played his part in Monday night's 1-0 win over Liverpool, taking good care of the ball on the flanks as a supporting striker.
"On the ball, you see that Bryan's a quality player," said Jol.

"It's a different style he used to play in Holland. He's got more time, he's got vision, he wants to play the killer ball and I think it's the quality you need. You saw that with the first chance [against Liverpool] for Moussa Dembele, he got his pass in.

"We have to adapt to him and he has to adapt to English football. I started him against Arsenal and on the ball, he's good. He can make a difference and again tonight, he played with confidence. That is what I like."



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/12/06/ruiz-starting-to-shine-for-fulham-says-jol-82029-29901818/? (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/12/06/ruiz-starting-to-shine-for-fulham-says-jol-82029-29901818/?)

 
Fulham boss keeps fingers crossed over recovering Sidwell

STEVE SIDWELL is in line for a return to the Fulham team for Saturday's visit to Swansea City – assuming he can shake off the after-effects of a hernia operation.

Boss Martin Jol had hoped to have the midfielder available again for the visit of Liverpool on Monday night, but the recovery has been slower than expected.

The need is more pressing since skipper Danny Murphy is likely to be absent after hobbling off with a badly swollen ankle towards the end of the win against the Merseysiders.

"I was a bit disappointed because he [Sidwell] needed a minor operation and they told me maybe he would play the next match after 10 days, but he still feels it – it's still painful after the operation," Jol said. "But hopefully he will be fit for the next game.

"With Danny, it looks a bad one and it could be a couple of weeks, but hopefully it will be just one match he misses."


http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/12/06/fulham-boss-keeps-fingers-crossed-over-recovering-sidwell-64767-29901819/? (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/12/06/fulham-boss-keeps-fingers-crossed-over-recovering-sidwell-64767-29901819/?)

 
Jol still seeking a more clinical Fulham

MARTIN Jol concedes his team still need to be more ruthless in front of goal if they are to gain reward for their enterprising play on home soil.

Clint Dempsey's late winner against Liverpool on Monday night brought Fulham only their second win at the Cottage in the league - but that is still only six goals in six games either side of the freakish 6-0 win against QPR.

"We've had some good games – especially against Spurs second half when they had two goals out of three attempts and we had 28 attempts and it needed an own goal.

"I can also remember games against Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers where we played well but didn't score enough goals.

"If you don't score goals at the right moments, the opposition will punish you, but we can't make excuses. We have to be better and score more goals.

"We've had a lot of clean sheets and good results away from home, but at home we've dropped points and to do that against Liverpool would have been awful, because we needed the points.

Jol added: "Today we had an early chance that didn't go in and you feel it's going to be the same, but it wasn't, which is good.

Defensively, we were well organised and I think we've got the players to score goals. It was a much needed win."

The game turned in Fulham's favour with the 72nd minute sending off of Liverpool's Jay Spearing and Jol says the red card was justified.

"I saw the tackle from three angles and it was a bad tackle. It could have broken his ankle," he said, referring to Moussa Dembele, who was involved in the key incident.

"But I think the sending off helped us. It gave us a little bit more space."


http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/12/06/jol-still-seeking-a-more-clinical-fulham-64767-29901849/? (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/12/06/jol-still-seeking-a-more-clinical-fulham-64767-29901849/?)

 
Fulham boss Martin Jol: Jay Spearing could have broken Moussa Dembele's ankle with red card tackle
The Dutchman felt his player was fortunate not to escape serious injury after the robust challenge from Liverpool's midfielder resulted in a red card

Martin Jol claims that Jay Spearing's challenge on Moussa Dembele could have broken the Fulham star's ankle.
The Liverpool midfielder was send off for the second-half tackle, which won the ball but caught the Belgian's leg strongly when he followed through.

Fulham boss Jol also defended his players for the close attention they gave to controversial Liverpool dangerman Luis Suarez throughout the 90 minutes during his side's 1-0 win at Craven Cottage.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, he said: "I will be honest. I saw the tackle from three angles and it could have broken his ankle.

"If you drop off Suarez too far then he is unbelievable. He will go in front or through you. He is almost impossible to defend.

"They played a 4-3-3 again and in hindsight it was a good decision to play with Moussa Dembele.

"It helps us as a midfield to create chances. If he starts scoring goals then I think Dembele will be a major player in the game."

Jol was delighted that his team had rediscovered the winning knack at Craven Cottage, which has been such a fortress during the last few years. It was only Fulham's second league victory on home soil this season.

"It was much-needed and a good win," he said. "If you win 1-0 and keep a clean sheet, it is always pleasing.

"We have had a lot of clean sheets and results away from home, but we have also had good games at home, especially against Spurs in the second half. Against Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers we also played well.

"The sending off helped us but we were well organised and I think we have the players to score goals in this league."


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Reina's mistake proves costly for Liverpool

KEVIN McCARRA at Craven Cottage

SOCCER ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Fulham 1 Liverpool 0: A TIGHT contest could be settled only by a grand mistake. Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina mishandled Danny Murphy's attempt in the 85th minute and Clint Dempsey knocked home the loose ball.

The midfielder had hit the bar five minutes earlier as Fulham thrived after the red card shown to the visitors' midfielder Jay Spearing for an uncontrolled challenge on Moussa Dembele after 72 minutes.

Fulham began the evening a mere two points above the relegation places, even if this was their game in hand. There had been a single Premier League victory at Craven Cottage and while that 6-0 rout of Queens Park Rangers might have been cherished by supporters, Martin Jol's squad need the sort of consistency on the domestic front shown in the Europa League, where Fulham are on the verge of progressing from the group phase.

There was endeavour here from hosts and visitors alike in a match pleasingly inclined towards adventure, even if goals hardly flowed despite the early attacks. With six minutes gone, Bryan Ruiz had fed Mousa Dembele with the striker's effort blocked by the Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina.

Dalglish's side arrived at Fulham with hopes of a fourth consecutive away victory in the league but openings were scarce for them before the interval although Jordan Henderson cut in from the left to bend a shot that came off the inside of the post before rolling along the line to safety in the 28th minute.

There has been sorrow over the long-term injury to Lucas Leiva, but little occurred in the opening 45 minutes to highlight the value of the absent defensive midfielder.

Fulham displayed purpose throughout and Clint Dempsey was industrious in the opening 45 minutes in which he kept Reina occupied if not overwhelmed.

Some attempts were dealt with and others ran a little wide, but the truly exceptional reaction demanded came from Dembele's drive that was pushed to the left by the leaping goalkeeper after 17 minutes. However Liverpool had the greater intent to attack, or perhaps just the superior means to do so. Striker Andy Carroll had close support from Craig Bellamy and Luis Suarez, yet there were no overtones of the last encounter between these sides here, when Liverpool won 5-2 in May.

Liverpool's intent was immediately apparent following the interval and so, too, was a trace of antagonism, with Craig Bellamy and Clint Dempsey booked after a confrontation.

The mood at Craven Cottage was heightened, too, when the home fans took exception to what seemed a dive by Suarez.

It still had the tone of a pseudo-controversy that kept onlookers occupied as they waited for some crucial deed. The home crowd were relieved when Philippe Senderos fouled Charlie Adam a fraction outside the area in the 59th minute. There was just a yellow card rather than a penalty.

Liverpool should have taken the lead in the 66th minute, but Suarez was wrongly deemed offside from Jose Enrique's pass as he was neatly taking the ball away from Schwarzer to finish.

It had been a very tight call for the assistant referee on an occasion when there was little to separate the sides.

- Guardian Service

FULHAM: Schwarzer, Kelly, Hangeland, Senderos, Riise, Dempsey, Murphy (Gecov 90), Etuhu, Ruiz, Dembele, Zamora (Johnson 71). Subs not used: Etheridge, Kasami, Hughes, Frei, Briggs. Booked: Dembele, Dempsey, Senderos.

LIVERPOOL : Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Jose Enrique, Henderson, Spearing, Adam, Bellamy (Downing 77), Suarez, Carroll (Kuyt 77). Subs not used: Doni, Maxi, Coates, Carragher, Kelly. Booked: Bellamy.

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).



http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/1206/1224308621285.html? (http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/1206/1224308621285.html?)

 
Liverpool's Luis Suárez makes 'offensive gesture' at Fulham fans
• Striker may face FA charge over incident after 1-0 defeat
• Dalglish criticises Fulham fans for calling Suárez a 'cheat'

(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2011/12/6/1323134258034/Luis-Suarez-of-Liverpool--007.jpg)
Luis Suarez of Liverpool leaves the field at Craven Cottage at the end of his team's 1-0 defeat by Fulham.
Photograph: Javier Garcia/Javier Garcia / BPI

The Liverpool striker Luis Suárez could face a misconduct charge after appearing to make an offensive gesture towards Fulham fans at the end of his team's 1-0 defeat here on Monday night.

Suárez, who has been charged by the Football Association over allegations that he racially abused Manchester United's Patrice Evra in October, which he denies, was pictured apparently responding to supporters as he walked towards the tunnel after the match.

The Uruguay international was subjected to chants of "cheat" after the referee, Kevin Friend, turned down a penalty appeal when he went over after a challenge by Brede Hangeland in the second half. The FA will wait for the official's match report before deciding whether to act.

Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool manager, admitted he could be forced to talk to Suárez about his conduct following the latest controversy but angrily hit back over the fans' abuse. "I haven't seen the picture and I'm not taking anybody's word for it," said Dalglish. "If you show me the picture and I'm convinced that what you're saying is true, then I've got a decision to make. But until you have proved it is true to me, I won't comment."

In response to Fulham supporters branding Suárez a "cheat", Dalglish said: "That's scandalous. I would like to see you write that in the paper because you would be in a bit of trouble as well. You write what you want to write. At the end of the day, we will look after Luis the best we can and I think it is about time he got a wee bit of protection from some people."

Ironically, Fulham's Chris Baird was charged by the FA with using an abusive gesture towards a match official in the corresponding fixture last season after he showed the referee Lee Mason a V-sign. The defender was given a two-match ban. Wayne Rooney was famously banned for two games last season for swearing into a television camera after celebrating a goal at West Ham United.

Liverpool may appeal against Jay Spearing's red card after the midfielder was sent off for a two-footed challenge on Moussa Dembélé after 72 minutes. The match was goalless at the time, with Clint Dempsey's winner coming in the 85th minute.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/dec/06/liverpool-luis-suarez-gesture? (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/dec/06/liverpool-luis-suarez-gesture?)

 
FULHAM 1 - LIVERPOOL 0: DEMPSEY'S IN LIKE CLINT

CLINT DEMPSEY grabbed a dramatic 84th-minute winner for Fulham against 10-man Liverpool last night.

Former Kop hero Danny Murphy hit a tame-looking shot that keeper Pepe Reina could only spill at the feet of Dempsey.

And the American striker pounced to hit the ball high into the net from close range to earn a welcome three points for Martin Jol's side.

Liverpool had been reduced to 10 men in the 72nd minute when Jay Spearing got a straight red from ref Kevin Friend.

The Liverpool midfielder seemed to get the ball but his studs were high and he caught Moussa Dembele with his follow-through.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/224166/Fulham-1-Liverpool-0-Dempsey-s-in-like-Clint/? (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/224166/Fulham-1-Liverpool-0-Dempsey-s-in-like-Clint/?)

 
Lay off Suarez, says Liverpool's Dalglish

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish sprang to Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez's defence after it was claimed the fiery South American had made a gesture to Fulham fans.

The incident involving Suarez came after a frustrating night for both the player and his team who lost 1-0, thanks to a late Clint Dempsey goal, after they had been reduced to 10 men when Jay Spearing was sent off in the second-half.

Dalglish said that Suarez enjoyed his and the club's support and that others should follow their example rather than criticise him constantly.

Suarez, who was charged by the Football Association (FA) in November with racially abusing Patrice Evra, had a goal disallowed and also felt he should have had a penalty.

"We'll look after Luis as best we can, and I think it's about time he got a bit of protection from some people," said Dalglish, who admitted he hadn't seen the incident involving Suarez and the Fulham fans.

"His integrity is impeccable. He can look in the mirror and go to bed at night and sleep soundly. If other people can do that then fine. All we ask is to be fair, is to be honest."

Dalglish, whose side had won their previous six away matches, said that they would consider appealing against referee Kevin Friend's straight red card to Spearing 18 minutes from time.

The Liverpool midfielder received the card for a tackle on Mousa Dembele where he won the ball but caught his opponent when he followed through.

"Jay will be upset, obviously. But we will look at it and see if it's worth while appealing for," Dalglish said.

"You need to ask the referee what his interpretation is. What the level of acceptance is.

"Jay never had another thought in his mind but to win the ball, and he did win it.

"As long as they are consistent, it's not a problem. But I don't think we were going to get anything tonight, were we?"

Fulham manager Martin Jol felt the red card was justified.

"Maybe when I was playing in England it was a great tackle. But his ankle was there," said the Dutchman.

"You have to be honest about it, I saw it from three angles and it was a bad one. He could have broken his ankle. I think it was a sending off."

There was also a case for Fulham's Swiss defender Philippe Senderos to receive a second yellow card, with his first coming after bringing down Charlie Adam on the edge of the penalty area, which Liverpool also felt was a penalty.

"The goal that Luis scored, Charlie could have had a penalty. We played well enough to have won the game," said Dalglish.

"We've just got to brush ourselves down and get on with it and get ready for QPR on Saturday. I'm sure we've had the rub of the green in previous games. But not tonight. And we certainly deserved something."

Dempsey, whose goal was his fourth of the season, admitted the sending off changed the game.

"We had more space and time on the ball after the sending off," said the American.

"We opened them up a bit and we got a goal which is great because it's been frustrating for us recently."

His goal came five minutes from full-time after Jose Reina spilled a shot from Danny Murphy, who later limped off with an ankle injury.

"It was much-needed, a good win," said Jol.

"If you win 1-0 and keep a clean sheet it's always pleasing. The sending off us helped us with giving us more space and Clint then scored the goal.

"Defensively we were well organised and I think we have players to score goals."


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Liverpool FC manager Kenny Dalglish considers appealing Jay Spearing's sending off at Fulham

KENNY DALGLISH has revealed Liverpool FC will consider appealing Jay Spearing's red card as their unbeaten run was ended in controversial circumstances.

Clint Dempsey's goal five minutes from time consigned 10-man Liverpool FC to a 1-0 defeat at Fulham last night.

It was Liverpool's first defeat in 12 games and leaves them five points adrift of fourth place and a Champions League qualification berth.

The flashpoint of the evening came in the 72nd minute when referee Kevin Friend dismissed Spearing following a strong challenge on Fulham midfielder Mousa Dembele, despite the Liverpool man clearly winning the ball.

And Dalglish has called for officials to state what is deemed an acceptable tackle as he pondered an appeal against the sending-off.


"You need to ask them what their interpretation is," said the Liverpool manager. "It's frustrating as no-one ever tells us what the level of acceptance is.

"Jay had no other thought in his mind other than to win the ball. And he did win it."

Spearing, who was starting in place of the injured Lucas, is now facing a three-match suspension.

And when asked if the midfielder deserved to be red carded, Dalglish added: "I am not a referee. Sometimes they are given, sometimes they aren't. As long as they are consistent then it isn't a problem.

"Jay will be upset, obviously. But we'll have a look and see if it's worthwhile appealing.

"He has won the ball, he has probably upset the referee for the follow-through. He has won the ball first and it's not his fault someone else is standing there. Sometimes it results in a red and sometimes you get away with them.

"You can go through every referee decision and find a problem the problem everyone has at the moment is the level of consistency with the interpretation. "If the referees could explain the level of acceptance and what their tolerance level is, then it's helpful to everyone. We know where we stand."

Liverpool had further grievances with the officials, with Charlie Adam denied a penalty following a foul that could easily have seen Fulham centre-back Philippe Senderos dismissed, and Luis Suarez seeing a goal chalked off for a borderline offside decision.

"I don't think we were going to get anything tonight were we?" said Dalglish.

"The offside goal Luis scored could have been either way, Charlie could have had a penalty when he was pulled down.

"It wasn't as well as we have been playing but it was enough to win the game. We never got it, but we just have to brush ourselves down and get on with it.

"Maybe we didn't get any rub of the green tonight, but we have done in the past. We just have to get on with it."


Suarez was a target of relentless abuse from Fulham supporters, and was received little sympathy from referee Friend up against the robust home defence.

And Dalglish added: "It's scandalous. We'll look after Luis as best we can. It's about time he got a wee bit of protection from some people.

"There's not much we can do about referees. But the integrity of Luis is impeccable. He can look at himself in the mirror and can go to bed and sleep soundly at night. All we ask is for people to be fair, to be honest."

Dalglish was less forthcoming when quizzed about allegations that Suarez made a rude gesture towards a section of Fulham fans.

"I've not seen the picture and I am not taking anybody's word for it." he said.

"If you show me the picture and I am convinced what you are saying is true, then I've got a decision to make.

"But until you have proved it is true to me, I won't comment."

Fulham manager Martin Jol admitted Spearing's dismissal was a turning point in the game but believes it was deserved.

"The sending-off helped us and gave us a little more space and that helped us get the goal," said Jol. "I saw the tackle from three angles and I think it was a bad tackle. It could have broken his ankle.

"Defensively we were well organised and I've always thought we had players who can score goals.

"I saw last season's game yesterday and they were all over us playing three up front. Liverpool played the same again but we did well."



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Sending-off spurred victory, says Clint Dempsey

(http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/gen/2011/12/clint-dempsey-28088.jpg)
Taking his chance: Clint Dempsey hailed an important win for Fulham


Fulham goalscorer Clint Dempsey felt the sending-off of Liverpool's Jay Spearing was crucial as the home side celebrated a 1-0 win at Craven Cottage.

Dempsey's opportunist goal five minutes from time settled the game in Fulham's favour, though they only came into the ascendancy after Spearing was dismissed for a challenge on Mousa Dembele 13 minutes previously.

The midfielder clearly won the ball but followed through recklessly with both feet and caught the Cottagers forward just above the ankle.

The net result of the decision was summed up by Dempsey, who told Sky Sports 1: "We had more space, more time on ball and we were able to open them up.

"We've not been able to score enough goals but we got one tonight and it's an important win."

The goal came when the United States international followed in after visiting keeper Jose Reina uncharacteristically spilled Danny Murphy's low shot.

And Dempsey said: "You've always got to take a chance. Danny did a good job getting the shot off and you've got to be in the right place at the right time. Sometimes you get lucky and it falls to you.

"Any points right now are big because the table's so tight. We're just happy to get the win."

Manager Martin Jol said: "Clint is a good player. He scored 13 goals in the league last year and tonight it was a much-needed goal and a much-needed win.

"We dropped points at home against Everton when we were the better team - we were pretty unlucky. Tonight we had the rub of the green. We weren't the better team but it was even. Mark Schwarzer is one of the best in the business and he saved us."

On the disputed red card, the Dutchman added on Sky Sports 1: "I think it was a bad tackle. His ankle was there and I think it was a sending-off."


http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-24018192-sending-off-spurred-victory-says-clint-dempsey.do? (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-24018192-sending-off-spurred-victory-says-clint-dempsey.do?)

 
Fulham 1 Liverpool FC 0 – Ian Doyle's verdict

THERE was drama in the Press room shortly before kick-off when a consignment of cottage pie destined for the gathered hacks was clumsily dropped on to the floor.

Kenny Dalglish, though, would probably wish it had instead landed on referee Kevin Friend's head.

Liverpool's attempts to secure a record-equalling seventh successive away win were ultimately undone thanks in part to the official on a chilly night at Craven Cottage.

Chief grievance was the 72nd-minute red card shown to Jay Spearing, handed the unenviable task of filling the sizeable boots of the absent Lucas Leiva.

It wasn't even a foul; rather a strong, fair challenge on Mousa Dembele that, while catching the Fulham man on the follow-through, clearly won the ball.

Liverpool, of course, had benefited from a similarly outrageously pathetic red card two months ago when winning the Merseyside derby.

And this time they were on the receiving end with Clint Dempsey netting a soft goal five minutes from time after Pepe Reina had fumbled a Danny Murphy shot.

Liverpool – and in particular Reina, who made a string of fine saves – deserved better.

Referee Friend had earlier infuriated Liverpool by deciding a foul on Charlie Adam by Philippe Senderos was outside the box, when replays suggest the visitors were right to claim the offence was inside.

So ends Liverpool's 11-match unbeaten run. And with their main rivals for Champions League qualification all winning, Dalglish's men can ill-afford dropped points such as these – although, as ever, the woodwork came to the rescue of the opposition.

Despite scoring five goals in his last three visits to south west London, including a memorable hat-trick here in May, Maxi Rodriguez was again unfortunate to see himself begin the game on the bench.

Of the players rotated into the team for last Tuesday's Carling Cup win at Chelsea, three retained their place with Craig Bellamy, Andy Carroll and Spearing all starting.

Spearing's inclusion as replacement for the stricken Lucas was reward for the diminutive midfielder's fine performances during the tail-end of last season, and his efforts when called upon this campaign

And he was required to do plenty of covering during the first half as Fulham, despite a difficult Europa League game in Holland last Thursday, showed no signs of a physical hangover and were quickest out of the blocks.

Having been three goals up inside 17 minutes on their last visit to Craven Cottage in May, Liverpool were this time grateful to Reina not to be a couple of goals behind.

After only six minutes, the Spanish goalkeeper saved with his feet to deny Mousa Dembele after the Fulham midfielder had been sent clear by Bryan Ruiz's slide-rule pass.

And then Reina denied the same player again, this time springing low to his left to turn behind Dembele's arrowed 25-yard drive.

Reina was similarly agile to first clasp an improvised Clint Dempsey volley after Liverpool's defence failed to properly clear, and then beat out a swerving shot from close range by the United States international.

While at times struggling for cohesion, the visitors were not without their chances in the first half. Moments after Charlie Adam saw a fierce shot blocked, Andy Carroll solicited a solid parry from Mark Schwarzer after good build-up play by Luis Suarez.

Either side of the Fulham keeper and Liverpool would have been ahead. But that is the way for Carroll right now, the striker later completely miscuing his attempted shot following another incisive Suarez raid down the inside-left channel.

But the nearest anyone came to scoring was in the 28th minute. Jordan Henderson, operating his preferred central midfield role and a prominent performer throughout, seized on possession near the left-hand corner of the area after Fulham only partially cleared, dashed between Dempsey and Danny Murphy and curled a right-footed shot against the inside of Schwarzer's post.

Shortly after the interval, Dempsey was fortunate not to be dismissed after a flare-up with Bellamy in which he shoved his forehead into the face of his opponent, both players ultimately cautioned.

Liverpool, no doubt after a few choice words from Dalglish, were far brighter after the break and, after forcing a succession of corners, one fell invitingly for Jose Enrique.

But his shot was parried by Schwarzer before being hacked clear by John Arne Riise, making his first appearance against the Anfield outfit since his departure.

Liverpool, and Suarez in particular, had received little joy from referee Friend, a fact underlined in the 59th minute when Adam led a counter-attack by running 40 yards with the ball before being up-ended by Philippe Senderos.

The visitors had decent claims that the foul had occurred just inside the box, but the official thought otherwise and Bellamy's free-kick was deflected wide.

The Welshman should then have done better when dragging his shot across the face of goal after being found in the area by Johnson and a borderline offside call favoured Fulham when Suarez latched on to Enrique's lofted pass and finished 'a la Messi' beyond Schwarzer.

Spearing's red card changed the complexion of the game, allowing Fulham to regain a foothold with Dempsey striking the crossbar and Reina once again denying Dembele with another fine save.

Schwarzer produced a great save to turn substitute Stewart Downing's venomous shot on to the post, and Liverpool's luck was out five minutes from time when the previously impeccable Reina spilled Murphy's shot and Dempsey was on hand to tuck home the rebound to seal the points.



http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/liverpool-fc/2011/12/06/fulham-1-liverpool-fc-0-ian-doyle-s-verdict-55578-29901147/? (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/liverpool-fc/2011/12/06/fulham-1-liverpool-fc-0-ian-doyle-s-verdict-55578-29901147/?)

 
Fulham winger closes in on comeback

(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/jul2011/6/8/simon-davies-image-3-750957056.jpg)

SIMON Davies is set to make his first appearance for more than four months in this afternoon's development game with West Brom.

The Fulham winger has been sidelined with a knee injury since the Europa League win against NSI Runavik back in June.

Davies had minor surgery in a bid to clear up the problem, but is back in full training at Motspur Park.

The Welshman has been pencilled in for a run-out in the game with a Baggies second-string, and boss Martin Jol is hopeful he could return to the first-team fold in a couple of weeks.



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Clint Dempsey pounces on late Pepe Reina gaffe as Fulham sink Liverpool
Clint Dempsey's late winner brought Liverpool's superb recent away run to an abrupt halt as Jay Spearing's dubious sending-off proved the turning point at Craven Cottage.

(http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2011/12/05/article-1323123848223-0F10CA6B00000578-758032_636x425.jpg)
American dream: Match-winner Clint Dempsey, challenging Martin Skrtel, proved the difference
between the sides at Craven Cottage (Picture: PA)

For the majority of an entertaining game, the Reds had looked the more likely to grab the points and in the process equal a club record seven  consecutive wins on their travels.

But after Spearing saw red in the 72nd minute for a lunge on Moussa Dembele, when the 23-year-old had played the ball, the home side began to pile on the pressure, which Dempsey made tell five minutes from time when he tapped in after Jose Reina could not hold a low Danny Murphy shot.

Reina did well to keep out Dembele early on while Andy Carroll wasted the best chance of the first half when he volleyed straight at Mark Schwarzer before Jordan Henderson saw a sweet curling effort come off a post.

Liverpool continued to have the  upper hand after the restart, Luis  Suarez and Charlie Adam both having penalty appeals turned down while Suarez had a goal controversially ruled out for a marginal offside.   

But when Spearing – starting his first Reds game of the season in place of the injured Lucas – was dismissed the game opened up for Fulham.   

Stewart Downing saw an effort tipped onto the post but Dempsey hit the crossbar at the other end before Reina gifted the American his late winner.


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Luis Suarez risks FA inquiry for giving Fulham fans the finger

'I didn't see it' says supportive boss Dalglish after 1-0 defeat leaves Liverpool in seventh spot
BY Bill Mann LAST UPDATED AT 09:02 ON Tue 6 Dec 2011

LIVERPOOL's Luis Suarez is likely to find himself in more trouble with the Football Association after he gave Fulham fans the finger following their side's 1-0 win against the Reds. A late goal from Clint Dempsey sealed the match for the Cottagers but the main talking point afterwards was Suarez's gesture towards a section of the home supporters.

The Uruguayan striker, nicknamed 'The Gunslinger' in his native land, has already been charged by the FA following accusations that he racially abused Manchester United defender Patrice Evra last month; this latest incident – caught on camera – will do little to endear the 24-year-old to English football's governing body.

Suarez believed he should have had a second half penalty when he was challenged by Brede Hangeland in the Fulham box. But referee Kevin Friend saw nothing wrong with the tackle, and nor did the Fulham fans who jeered Suarez as he pleaded for a penalty. The Liverpool star, who'd earlier had a goal disallowed, didn't react initially to the taunts of 'cheat' but as he left the pitch at the end of the match he was seen raising a middle finger.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish later defended his player, accusing Fulham fans of "scandalous" behaviour towards Suarez. He added: "I haven't seen the picture and I'm not taking anybody's word for it. If you show me the picture and I'm convinced that what you're saying is true, then I've got a decision to make. But until you have proved it is true to me, I won't comment."

Shortly after Suarez's claims for a penalty had been turned down the Fulham fans had more reasons to cheer as Friend showed Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing a straight red for a two-footed challenge on Mousa Dembele. That left the visitors having to survive the last 18 minutes with ten men.

Five minutes from the end, Dempsey turned the ball into the Liverpool net after Pepe Reina failed to deal with Danny Murphy's shot.

The result cost Liverpool the chance to move level on points with Arsenal and Newcastle and instead leaves the Reds in seventh spot on 23 points. "Tonight wasn't as well as we've been playing but it was enough to have won the game," reflected Dalglish. "We never got the luck but we have just got to brush ourselves off and get on with it."



Read more: http://www.theweek.co.uk/football/premier-league/43320/luis-suarez-risks-fa-inquiry-giving-fulham-fans-finger#ixzz1fkUsVaj1 (http://www.theweek.co.uk/football/premier-league/43320/luis-suarez-risks-fa-inquiry-giving-fulham-fans-finger#ixzz1fkUsVaj1)

 
Liverpool top four hopes suffer as Fulham ease pressure with win
More ruthlessness required if Liverpool are to trouble top four after Fulham defeat

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.



http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/liverpool-top-four-hopes-suffer-as-fulham-ease-pressure-on-themselves_084203.html (http://news.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/football/premier-league/liverpool-top-four-hopes-suffer-as-fulham-ease-pressure-on-themselves_084203.html)

 
Liverpool Striker Confident of Top Four Finish

(http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2011/12/06/200472.jpg)
Fulham's Clint Dempsey celebrates scoring a goal against Liverpool during their English Premier League match at Craven Cottage in London.
REUTERS

Dirk Kuyt revealed Liverpool's deep frustration at the 1-0 loss to Fulham but reiterated his belief that the Reds can still qualify for the Champions League.

Clint Dempsey's late winner secured a hard-fought victory for the home side after Jay Spearing's dismissal reduced the Reds to 10-men in the 71st minute.

The result leaves Liverpool five points off fourth-place but Kuyt remains confident they will be in contention at the end of the season.

"It's a huge disappointment but we need to keep going, look at ourselves and try to improve," the Dutchman told Liverpool's official Web site.

"We definitely want to challenge for the top four and if we want to do that we need to win these type of games.

"I thought we were unlucky because we had the chances to score."

Liverpool were punished for some lacklustre finishing when Dempsey pounced on Pepe Reina's mistake to fire home from two yards.

Earlier, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing had hit the woodwork and Luis Suarez had a goal ruled out for offside as Liverpool failed to seize the initiative in an entertaining encounter.

"We did okay in the first half but the way we came out in the second half was much better," Kuyt added.

"It was frustrating not to have any luck. When you look at the decision for Luis's goal that was ruled out - it's difficult for us to see as players in a split second and know whether it was offside or not."

The game turned on Spearing's dismissal for a robust challenge on Moussa Dembele. The Liverpool midfielder was unlucky to be handed a straight red after he played the ball before following through on Dembele.

"I didn't see Jay's challenge and I don't know if it was a red card. Obviously it didn't help us in our efforts to win the game. It's a huge disappointment not to get the three points," said Kuyt.

"Then you look at the foul on Charlie. Was it inside the area or not? We just didn't have the luck on our side and it was a frustrating night for us."


http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/262009/20111206/liverpool-striker-confident-finish.htm? (http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/262009/20111206/liverpool-striker-confident-finish.htm?)

 
Dalglish disputes Spearing red as Dempsey makes Reina pay

LIVERPOOL manager Kenny Dalglish insisted the controversial dismissal of Jay Spearing was the decisive factor in his side's damaging defeat at Craven Cottage last night, as Clint Dempsey's late goal helped Fulham move a healthy five points clear of the relegation zone.

A contest which Liverpool had largely controlled swayed in Fulham's favour when Spearing was sent off by referee Kevin Friend with 18 minutes remaining for a dangerous tackle on Moussa Dembele.

And less than a minute after Mark Schwarzer had diverted Stewart Downing's 25-yard strike onto the post, the home side broke up the other end stole all three points when Pepe Reina fumbled Danny Murphy's shot into Dempsey's path and the American made no mistake from close range.

"Jay won the ball," said Dalglish. "He probably upset the referee with his follow-through but it's not his fault there's somebody standing there.

"You see them sometimes get a red card, other times they get away with it. The problem everybody has is the level of interpretation – that's not consistent.

"I think we would have taken something if we'd been left with 11 men."

While Dalglish was left to count the cost of a defeat which leaves his side five points adrift of the Champions League places, Fulham manager Martin Jol was able to celebrate the biggest win of his tenure to date.

After an encouraging draw against Arsenal the previous week, victory was another step in the right direction, but Jol's joy was tempered by an ankle injury which could rule skipper Murphy out for a fortnight at least.

"I think it's a bad one," he said after seeing the midfielder hobble off in the closing stages.

"His ankle is swollen up and I don't think he will play in the next match, or couple of matches. First we will celebrate the win and then we will have an assessment tomorrow, but I think it's a bad one."



http://www.cityam.com/sport/dalglish-disputes-spearing-red-dempsey-makes-reina-pay? (http://www.cityam.com/sport/dalglish-disputes-spearing-red-dempsey-makes-reina-pay?)

 
On Soccer: Clint Dempsey named U.S. Player of the Year after excelling in position switch

As Juergen Klinsmann surveyed the group of players that will make up the core of the U.S. national team heading toward the 2014 World Cup, he felt the player who could best respond to a position switch was Clint Dempsey.
A veteran of two World Cups, Dempsey has moved from central midfield to either wing, depending on the formation and the opponent, under both Bruce Arena and Bob Bradley.
Under Klinsmann, who took over July 29, Dempsey has played a withdrawn striker role, a position he took to right away and said he enjoyed.

Whether it was his versatility or his willingness to be a team player, or simply for the fact that he had by far the best statistics in 2011, Dempsey was selected the as the 2011 U.S. national team Player of the Year by a vote of U.S. journalists.
It is the second time Dempsey has won the award, which has been presented by Futbol de Primera since 1991. He also won in 2006.

Dempsey, who received 375 points, beat out goalkeeper Tim Howard (252), with forward Landon Donovan (191) placing third.
The vote on this ballot was Dempsey first, followed by defender Carlos Bocanegra and then Howard.

It was a difficult year for the national team, as it struggled early and then got off to a difficult start in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. After beating Canada, 2-0, in the opening game, the Americans lost to Panama, 2-1, their first ever loss in Gold Cup group play, and barely got by Guadeloupe, 1-0.
However, solid victories over Jamaica and Panama pushed the U.S. into the final, where they blew a 2-0 lead and lost to Mexico, 4-2, in Bradley's final game.

Dempsey, who had five goals and two assists for the year, had a team-high three goals in the Gold Cup, scoring against Canada, Jamaica in the quarterfinals and in the 1-0 semifinal victory over Panama.
Dempsey relished his new role under Klinsmann, although combined with the influx of new players being brought in and the high quality of opponents, it did not result in much offense.

Following a 1-1 tie with Mexico in August in Klinsmann's first game, the United States played five straight 1-0 games, losing four (Costa Rica, Belgium, Ecuador and France). The only victory, Klinsmann's first, came Oct. 8 against Honduras, with Dempsey scoring the goal on a nice fake and a shot into the upper left corner.
Dempsey scored again in the final game of the year, a 3-2 victory at Slovenia Nov. 15, a game the Americans jumped out to a 3-0 lead in a somewhat rare display of offense.

Dempsey, who has 24 goals in 82 games for the U.S., spent the majority of time under Klinsmann in different positions. Against Belgium, he was slotted into a three-man center midfield in a 4-3-3. He moved up front against Honduras in a 4-1-3-2 and stayed in midfield as Klinsmann went with one forward against France.
Klinsmann was looking for more offense against Slovenia and used a traditional 4-4-2, with Dempsey returning to the midfield behind Jozy Altidore and Edson Buddle up front.

It's likely Klinsmann will return Dempsey to a withdrawn role next year as the team prepares for World Cup qualifying in June. One of the problems in Klinsmann's seven games in charge has been the inability to get Dempsey and Landon Donovan on the field together.

Dempsey missed Klinsmann's first two games and when he returned Donovan was injured. Donovan also skipped a couple of friendlies late in the year to remain with the Los Angeles Galaxy for their MLS playoff run.
Dempsey is also having a great year for Fulham. He scored in Monday's 1-0 victory over Liverpool to become the career scoring leader among American players in the English Premier League with 37 goals. That broke a tie with Brian McBride, who played with Everton and Fulham.

Of the 24 players eligible for the award, only 10 were serious candidates.
Howard, who has never won the award, had another excellent year, starting 15 games and finishing with a 6-7-2 record. He allowed 18 goals and had five shutouts to fashion a 1.20 goals against average.
Donovan, a seven-time U.S. Player of the Year recipient, did not make his usual impact internationally in 2011. He played in 10 games and had one goal and two assists.

In a year where only Dempsey stood out, Bocanegra was a deserving player and should have finished among the top three. He started 14 of 15 games and was often the best defender on the team. He also earned his 100th cap in the match against Slovenia.
And it's not like a defender hasn't won before. It happened four times in a five-year span, but all were in the years the U.S. national team was struggling to score goals and playing defense was its strong point.

Defenders Thomas Dooley (1993), Marcelo Balboa (1994), Alexi Lalas (1995) and Eddie Pope (1997) were past winners, but beginning in 1998 it's been pretty much all midfielders and goalkeepers.



http://www.nj.com/soccer-news/index.ssf/2011/12/on_soccer_clint_dempsey_named.html? (http://www.nj.com/soccer-news/index.ssf/2011/12/on_soccer_clint_dempsey_named.html?)

 
Murphy's injury blow

Fulham's much-needed win over Liverpool on Monday night came at a cost after skipper Danny Murphy picked up an ankle injury.
The former Reds midfielder limped off in stoppage time with the problem and was replaced by Marcel Gecov in stoppage time.

Cottagers boss Martin Jol fears he could now be set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

"I think it is a bad one," said Jol.

"His ankle has swollen up and I don't think he will play in the next match.

"It could be a couple of weeks or it could be a few weeks, but hopefully just one match."

Murphy has been an ever-present in the Fulham side this season, scoring one goal and contributing five assists.


http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/murphys-injury-blow-1349998.html?#.Tt4boJgcIds (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/murphys-injury-blow-1349998.html?#.Tt4boJgcIds)

 
FA investigates Liverpool's Luis Suárez for gesture after Fulham defeat
• Suárez could face misconduct charge after alleged gesture
• Kenny Dalglish refuses to comment until shown evidence

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/video/2011/dec/06/kenny-dalglish-luis-suarez-middle-finger (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/video/2011/dec/06/kenny-dalglish-luis-suarez-middle-finger)

The Football Association says it is looking at whether Luis Suárez should face a misconduct charge after the Liverpool forward was photographed allegedly making an obscene gesture at the close of the 1-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday evening.

Suárez was pictured apparently responding to supporters as he walked towards the tunnel after the game.

Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool manager, admitted he may be forced to speak to Suárez regarding his conduct. "I haven't seen the picture and I'm not taking anybody's word for it," the Scot said after the game. "If you show me the picture and I'm convinced that what you're saying is true, then I've got a decision to make. But until you have proved it is true to me, I won't comment."

The Uruguayan could also face an FA charge over allegations that he racially abused Manchester United's Patrice Evra in October, which the striker denies.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/dec/06/luis-suarez-liverpool-fulham-gesture?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/dec/06/luis-suarez-liverpool-fulham-gesture?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29)

 
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish attacks 'scandalous' treatment of striker Luis Suarez by Fulham fans
Kenny Dalglish was left furious after Liverpool's defeat against Fulham by the "scandalous" treatment of Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez who became involved in yet another controversy.

Suarez is at the centre of controversy again after being seen making a gesture at supporters following last night's 1-0 reverse at Craven Cottage.

The Uruguay international had been taunted by Fulham fans after referee Kevin Friend did not award him a penalty when he went over after a challenge by Brede Hangeland in the second half.

The Football Association are already looking at allegations he racially abused Patrice Evra, the Manchester United defender, earlier this season and may now look at footage as players walked to the tunnel after the final whistle.

Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool manager, had not seen the pictures of his player allegedly making the gesture but described the treatment of Suarez as "scandalous".

He added: "We'll look after Luis as best we can, and I think it's about time he got a bit of protection from some people."


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/8937457/Liverpool-manager-Kenny-Dalglish-attacks-scandalous-treatment-of-striker-Luis-Suarez-by-Fulham-fans.html? (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/8937457/Liverpool-manager-Kenny-Dalglish-attacks-scandalous-treatment-of-striker-Luis-Suarez-by-Fulham-fans.html?)

 
A Fantastic Win

Stephen Kelly hailed "a fantastic win" on Monday night after Fulham defeated on-form Liverpool 1-0 at Craven Cottage.

In a thrilling, all-action, end-to-end contest, the Whites found the breakthrough that their visitors could not and defended resolutely at the other end to thwart and frustrate the dangerous Reds attack to secure a valuable three points.

"It was a fantastic win and one we needed, plus we're delighted to have kept a clean sheet, thanks in no small part to Schwarzy who pulled off a few great saves and kept us in it at times," enthused the right-back. "But we created a lot of chances ourselves and as soon as they had a man sent off, it tipped in our favour.

"It was a good result that's really boosted us - a good performance that hopefully we can build upon now."

Entering the game, some sections of the media were dismissive of Fulham's chances, taking the two clubs' recent results as the only indicator of a likely outcome. But, as the Republic of Ireland international was quick to point out, his team's performances have warranted a result like this for some time.

"It's been coming," he said. "Throughout the season we've played well and not got results. Against Man City we played well, Blackburn at home, Everton, against Tottenham in the second-half... There've been games when we've performed to a high level and just not got the result, but today one turned in our favour.

"It's not often that a 'keeper like Reina spills a ball like that and luckily enough Clint was there to pounce on the opportunity, which was the little bit of luck we needed."

However, few could reasonably describe this result as fortuitous, as Fulham created their own luck, attacking with purpose and forcing Pepe Reina into a succession of world class saves before eventually finding the net through Dempsey.

"We had a lot of chances in the game, from early on when Mousa had a one-on-one with the 'keeper and at the same time I thought we were limiting them to shots from distance and set pieces," Kelly assessed.

"Apart from that, from open play there wasn't a major amount of opportunities created by them. Plus every time we went forward we looked dangerous – like we would create an opportunity: Mousa's dribbling, Bobby's hold-up play, Clint's link-up work... And the same goes for Bryan who is looking fitter and getting more involved. So I think we looked solid from the back and, attacking-wise, we looked dangerous as well."

Kelly and his fellow defenders were particularly worthy of praise after a brave display that saw them throw their bodies on the line on numerous occasions to deny the advances of the lively Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy.

"We were just trying to block stuff," said Kelly matter-of-factly. "With the quality they have, they will get their shots on target, so that was something we knew we had to be aware of and keep to a minimum.

"Thankfully the ones that did get through, Schwarz was able to give us a helping hand with, but the rest of the time we just tried to stay focused and make those blocks – that was our main contribution to the result."

The result, and indeed performance, will have come as a timely boost to Martin Jol's side at the start of a busy December of big fixtures, including games against the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.

"It certainly gives us the confidence that we can go out and get results against teams that are expected to be in the top four, which sets us up well going into the Christmas period," the defender concurred.

But before those games comes Saturday's trip to the Liberty Stadium where newly promoted Swansea have lost just once so far this season.

"They're a very good attacking side and you have to give them credit for their results so far this season, but after today we can go there with confidence," previewed Stephen. "Even against Twente we played well, so if we go there with a positive attitude and belief on the back of this result then I don't see why we can't get a win away from home."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/StephenKellyLiverpoolReview.aspx?#ixzz1flJz21Eq (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/StephenKellyLiverpoolReview.aspx?#ixzz1flJz21Eq)

 
Cottagers sweat on Murphy's fitness

Fulham's much-needed win over Liverpool on Monday night came at a cost after skipper Danny Murphy picked up an ankle injury.

The former Reds midfielder limped off in stoppage time with the problem and was replaced by Marcel Gecov in stoppage time.

Cottagers boss Martin Jol fears he could now be set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

"I think it is a bad one," said Jol.

"His ankle has swollen up and I don't think he will play in the next match.

"It could be a couple of weeks or it could be a few weeks, but hopefully just one match."

Murphy has been an ever-present in the Fulham side this season, scoring one goal and contributing five assists.


http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottagers-sweat-on-murphys-fitness-1349998.html? (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/cottagers-sweat-on-murphys-fitness-1349998.html?)

 
Liverpool's Winning Run Ends at the Cottage


Clint Dempsey scored the winner, sinking Liverpool and denying them their twelfth successive unbeaten game, while Spearing is controversially dismissed.

Kenny Dalglish named a much changed side for Liverpool's trip to west London, bringing back Craig Bellamy and giving Andy Carroll a rare place in the starting line-up along with Jay Spearing who replaced the injured Lucas Leiva.

Fulham manager Martin Jol named Bryan Ruiz in place of Damien Duff but kept much the same side that lost to FC Twente in the week.

The game started brightly and quickly adopted a traditional Premier League rhythm; both sides were able to string together passes, Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey pulling the strings for the home side.

The first half was energetic and had the makings of a fast, frenetic affair. Fulham and Mark Schwarzer were given a warning as Jordan Henderson, Liverpool's summer signing from Sunderland, drove to the edge of the box from the left in the 18th minute before deftly placing an early shot in an attempt to curl it around the Australian goalkeeper. However, the ball hit the inside of the post and rebounded out to the Fulham defence who cleared.

Dempsey tested Pepe Reina from range but to no avail before Kevin Friend blew for half time. The scores were level but with signs from both sides that a break in the deadlock would come.

The second half continued in much the same fashion as the first; Jose Enrique had a shot saved and Craig Bellamy showed his intent from the off, but despite the Merseysiders upping the pressure in the second half, they could not break down a solid Fulham backline.

Liverpool's tenacity manifested itself through Charlie Adam and Spearing in the midfield as they attempted to quell the attacking talents of Danny Murphy and Dembele. However, such tenacity was not rewarded as, with a desperate lunge for the ball at the feet of Dembele, Spearing was handed a straight red card.

Although replays showed he appeared to take the ball, his follow-through into Dembele was enough of a persuasion for referee Friend to dismiss the young midfielder.

The momentum was now firmly with Fulham as they pressed on in an attempt to capitalise on Liverpool's lack of numbers.

Dempsey struck the bar for Fulham as he wrong-footed the Liverpool defence and, like Henderson, produced a curling shot that only found the woodwork.

Kenny Dalglish bought on Dirk Kuyt and Stewart Downing for Bellamy and Carroll to bring fresh legs to the fray and his ingenuity appeared to work. Downing's rasping drive only clawed out of the goal onto the post courtesy of a fine fingertip save by Schwarzer.

However, it was the home side who got the goal that won the match. The ball broke to Danny Murphy on the left who cut inside to shoot past a beleaguered Glen Johnson. His shot was only parried by Reina when the Spaniard should have held and Dempsey was the first to react to the spill, crashing the ball into the roof of the net to hand Fulham the victory.

"We dropped points at home against Everton when we were the better team – we were pretty unlucky. Tonight we had the rub of the green," Jol told BBC Sport.

"We weren't the better team but it was even. Mark Schwarzer is one of the best in the business and he saved us."

By James Coggins


http://www.thefreshoutlook.com/?p=8146 (http://www.thefreshoutlook.com/?p=8146)

 
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish attacks 'scandalous' treatment of striker Luis Suarez by Fulham fans
Kenny Dalglish was left furious after Liverpool's defeat against Fulham by the "scandalous" treatment of Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez who became involved in yet another controversy.

Suarez is at the centre of controversy again after being seen making a gesture at supporters following last night's 1-0 reverse at Craven Cottage.

The Uruguay international had been taunted by Fulham fans after referee Kevin Friend did not award him a penalty when he went over after a challenge by Brede Hangeland in the second half.

The Football Association are already looking at allegations he racially abused Patrice Evra, the Manchester United defender, earlier this season and may now look at footage as players walked to the tunnel after the final whistle.

Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool manager, had not seen the pictures of his player allegedly making the gesture but described the treatment of Suarez as "scandalous".

He added: "We'll look after Luis as best we can, and I think it's about time he got a bit of protection from some people."


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/8937457/Liverpool-manager-Kenny-Dalglish-attacks-scandalous-treatment-of-striker-Luis-Suarez-by-Fulham-fans.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/8937457/Liverpool-manager-Kenny-Dalglish-attacks-scandalous-treatment-of-striker-Luis-Suarez-by-Fulham-fans.html)

 
Clint's off the ball movement for the goal


We've done this thing before, how tap-ins are only tap-ins because someone had the nous to get into the right position (e.g. Gera v Hamburg).

Note the following, then. Dempsey initially shapes towards the far post, then holds his ground in the middle, possibly in expectation of a Murphy cross.  But then, when Murphy shoots, nobody else gambles like Dempsey does.  It is generally assumed that Reina will save the ball, but Dempsey doesn't take that view and chases in, just in case (Gary Lineker always stressed the importance of gambling as a striker).

He's rewarded with what becomes a simple goal, and there's not a defender in sight.

Good, intelligent play.

(also, half an assist for AJ, who looks to have been in Reina's line of sight. Credit also to Ruiz, for springing Riise, Riise for a good progressive run, Senderos for the nice ball back out to Murphy, and Murphy himself for getting it in the mixer)

(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/cdgoal.png)


http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/clints-off-the-ball-movement-for-the-goal/? (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/clints-off-the-ball-movement-for-the-goal/?)

 
Find the Golden Ticket

Christmas at the Cottage is full of surprises and to treat all of our loyal fans, tonight the Fulham Retail Store is running a very special 'Golden Ticket' promotion.

The First Team has kindly donated their match shirts, as worn in yesterday's fantastic victory over Liverpool. Anyone can be a winner at this very special event.

Find a 'Golden Ticket' to win one of the Home Shirts worn in the Fulham v Liverpool game on Monday 5th December.

These special tickets are the only way to win a match worn Home Shirt from the Liverpool game. The tickets have been hidden in bags in store, meaning that anyone could win by purchasing an item from 6pm at tonight's event.

Be sure to check your purchase carefully once you have paid.

Should you find a 'Golden Ticket', the shirt of the named player can be claimed from Santa, who will be situated in his Grotto. Please present the Golden Ticket to him on the night to redeem your shirt.

Why not come on down to the Fulham Retail Store from 6pm on Tuesday 6th December. Help us to celebrate Christmas, meet the players, and try your luck at finding one of our very special 'Golden Tickets'.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/Winamatchwornshirt.aspx?#ixzz1flMDGNXU (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/Winamatchwornshirt.aspx?#ixzz1flMDGNXU)

 
A Great Night

Bryan Ruiz was delighted on Monday evening after his first full game for Fulham coincided with a rousing victory over Liverpool at Craven Cottage.

The Costa Rican star has spoken in recent weeks about his intent to make an impact at Fulham now he is reaching full fitness, and he certainly played his part in what could be a turning point in the Whites' season.

"It felt really good – especially as it was my first 90 minutes for the team and we won," beamed Bryan after the game.

"It was a really tough match, but I'm really pleased that we could win. Everybody had a really good game so it is a good night for us all.

"Liverpool are a great team and we respect them, but we knew that we could do something tonight and that's what we were focused on doing.

"Everyone worked really hard and we knew that we would create chances, because we have good quality up front, so we knew we could score.

"I think we are doing well. We are working hard to improve, but we have very good players in the team and we know we can get results."

After an impressive showing at Arsenal last time out, Ruiz was again very involved in proceedings against the Reds, showing more evidence of his obvious talent with every appearance.

"What I need is minutes in matches - with those comes confidence, but I'm really enjoying playing matches in the Premier League, so I will continue working hard," he detailed. "I know I can do much better than I am now, but I am feeling happy with the job I am doing."

And Ruiz is likely to have plenty of game time in a busy December that sees a further six games before the month is out.

"We have a lot of matches to play over the next month, but with hard work and belief, hopefully we can get the results we know we are capable of."

The first of those games comes on Saturday in Wales as the Whites travel to face a Swansea side who have been beaten just once on their own patch this term.

"It will be a tough match," assessed Ruiz. "If I play I'll look forward to doing my best, but if not I'll support my colleagues. We are a team and, together, we'll do everything we can to get the right result."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/RuizLiverpoolReaction.aspx?#ixzz1flMVEixp (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/RuizLiverpoolReaction.aspx?#ixzz1flMVEixp)

Lucky Programme Number

The lucky fan who purchased a matchday programme yesterday with the unique number 04355 on the back cover has won two spaces in our Riverside Restaurant at Fulham v Bolton on December 17th courtesy of our official outdoor equipment partner Jack Wolfskin.

The prize includes a fantastic three-course meal, Directors' area seating and a chance to meet Fulham Legend Fred Callaghan.

Check the squad lists page on the back of Monday night's programme where you will find your unique reference number. If your number matches (04355) then simply contact us on [email protected] or pop into Craven Cottage reception with a scan or photo of the back of your programme and we'll be in touch.

Be sure to pick up a matchday programme at every home game to win sensational prizes like this through the Lucky Programme Number.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/LuckyProgrammeNumber-Liverpool.aspx?#ixzz1flNHhkbl (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/LuckyProgrammeNumber-Liverpool.aspx?#ixzz1flNHhkbl)

 
Powell: Fulham will respect our threat

CHARLTON boss Chris Powell reckons Fulham will show his title-chasing side maximum respect when the Londoners meet in the FA Cup next month.

The Addicks beat Carlisle United 2-0 on Saturday and then were paired with the Premier League outfit in the third round draw.

Powell said: "We'll respect them and I'm sure they'll respect us because of how we're doing. It's a good game all round.

"We've worked hard to get to the third round and this is our reward. It is not too far to travel and will be a good test. It's something that will excite all our fans. We'll have a good turnout and it's up to us to put on a good show against them."

Get today's South London Press for the latest Charlton news.


http://www.southlondon-today.co.uk/Sport.cfm?id=45321&headline=Powell%3A (http://www.southlondon-today.co.uk/Sport.cfm?id=45321&headline=Powell%3A)

 
Fulham star fires warning to Chelsea and Manchester United

BREDE Hangeland has warned Chelsea and Manchester United that Fulham are no pushovers.

The Whites face the two Premier League title hopefuls later this month in the space of six days over the festive period.

Martin Jol's men look like they have turned the corner after a frustrating start to the season following a draw at Arsenal and victory over Liverpool last night.

And giant defender Hangeland sees no reason why they can't take points off the rest of the top sides.

He said: "We have difficult games coming up but I think the way we've played against Liverpool and Arsenal have shown it doesn't matter who we play because we're just as likely to pick up points."

Clint Dempsey's second-half strike proved the difference at Craven Cottage as Fulham saw off the 10 men from Anfield.

However, the visitors will feel hard done by as Jay Spearing's sending-off for a tackle on Moussa Dembele appeared harsh, while replays show Luiz Suarez's effort was wrongly ruled out by the linesman.

"It was about time luck turned in our favour because the last few home games have been hard to take," added Hangeland.

"We should've beaten Everton and Tottenham and if we had another six points everyone would be really happy. There's a fine line between success and failure.

"I watched the sending-off again and it's one of those where it could be a yellow or a red card. It's more about how he followed through. I'm sure they will be disappointed with it but it gave us a big advantage."



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Fulham 1 Liverpool 0

Well that put the cat amongst the pigeons did it not?

How many pundits, working for the press, actually believed that Fulham would take three points on offer, although there was always going to be a hint that it could turn into a feisty affair, games normally do when Suarez and Bellamy are involved!

But, returning to the game and the three points that were most welcome and lifted us to thirteenth in the Premier League, it`s interesting to see, this morning, that the same media who didn`t see a Fulham win coming, are falling over themselves to find reasons why our visitors lost.

Top of the list are reasons why Liverpool were deprived of scoring chances, most notably the fact that when Hangeland used a raised arm to fend off Suarez in the area the referee didn`t give them a penalty.

There`s also the moan that when Adam was bursting through and Senderos, rather clumsily, pulled him back Senderos wasn`t given a second yellow card after having already been booked for a previous offence. The grievance obviously being based on the fact Jay Spearing, deservedly, received a straight red for a lunge on Moussa Dembele.

And then we come down to the fact that the woodwork deprived Kenny Dallglish`s side, not once but twice. The first when Henderson rattled the post and the second when Downing struck the post moments before we scored.

But, despite the media bias, they do actually mention that we scored, and they do actually acknowledge that Reina was at fault when he spilled Murphy`s shot and Dempsey tapped in the rebound.

But, and I apologize if this match review is a little on the different side, we come to the fact that Suarez had a goal disallowed after lifting the ball over Schwarzer and then volleying home, only for the offside flag to be raised, marginal they say - but marginal (in our books) is still offside.

Thankfully, they do toss aside their bias to point out another crime from Suarez, the raised finger salute in response from a little banter from the home support, has this man no class!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=264812#ixzz1flOQDzok (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=264812#ixzz1flOQDzok)