Liverpool slumped to another loss after gaining a high against rivals Manchester United in the previous week. In this game they were reduced to nine men as they suffered a fifth league defeat in 11 games losing to the Cottagers.

Liverpool enjoyed massive possession in the first few minutes of the game and came close to taking the lead when Benayoun’s strike hit the bar.

Fulham with their first taste of possession pushed forward and were put ahead with Bobby Zamora’s goal from a Damien Duff cross.

Fernando Torres equalised with an 18-yard volley minutes before the first half who was taken off after 62 minutes, later in the half Erik Nevland shot a close range goal to restore Fulham’s lead.

Liverpool’s Philipp Degen and Jamie Carragher were sent off late in the match before Clint Dempsey tapped in Fulham’s third. Degen was given a straight red after a late challenge on Dempsey just moments before Carragher, was dealt the same fate for a foul on Zamora.

The defeat and the manner of it heaped more despair on to a Reds side in disarray as their season threatens to fall apart.

Liverpool play a crucial Champions League game at Lyon on Wednesday, with Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Albert Riera, Fabio Aurelio and Alberto Aquilani have to prove their fitness after being left out of the Fulham encounter due to various injuries and sickeness.

The Reds are now nine points behind the  Premier League leaders Chelsea.