Reds rise continues

26 January 2011 22:30
Liverpool's renaissance under Kenny Dalglish continued as victory over Fulham lifted them into their highest Barclays Premier League position of the season. It was not the most notable of performances, although there were plenty of spells of good football from the hosts, as John Pantsil's second-half own goal divided the teams. But the Reds registered back-to-back wins for the first time since early November to move up to seventh, within six points of fifth-placed Tottenham, and maintain the feeling of optimism which arrived when Dalglish replaced Roy Hodgson earlier this month. Until Pantsil put through his own net the main talking point was the goal Fernando Torres had disallowed after just six minutes. Fortunately for the assistant referee, Pantsil prevented him making the headlines when Liverpool took the lead in the 52nd minute. Dirk Kuyt's interception of Clint Dempsey's pass touched the ball into the path of Torres on the edge of the penalty area and he unleashed a shot which deflected off Brede Hangeland and rebounded back off the post. Pantsil and Stockdale got in the way of each other in the resulting melee with the defender, under pressure from Meireles, slicing an attempted clearance over his own goalline.

Source: PA