Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he could not have asked for more from the Premier League leaders after they twice fought back with 10 men to salvage a 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday.
The home side were staring at just their second defeat in all competitions this season before the returning Diogo Jota rescued a point at Anfield.
But the dropped points – for the second game in a row – mean Chelsea can close the gap at the top of the table to just two points if they beat Brentford at home on Sunday.
Andreas Pereira put the visitors ahead early but the complexion of the contest changed dramatically soon afterwards when Liverpool defender Andy Robertson was sent off.
Slot’s men came out strongly after halftime and were level in the 47th minute when Cody Gakpo headed home Mohamed Salah’s inswinging cross.
Rodrigo Muniz appeared to have won the game for Fulham in the 76th minute but the returning Jota, playing his first match since October, levelled 10 minutes later.
“I don’t think I could have asked for more from my players, especially after going down to 10 men,” Slot told Sky Sports.
“I couldn’t have asked for more in terms of performance and results…. At the start of the game, you always want to start intense.
“After 30 seconds, one of ours was on the floor and needed treatment for a while so we couldn’t get the intensity more.”
Slot has enjoyed a sensational start to his managerial reign at Anfield, with his side topping the Premier League and the Champions League.
But in their previous top-flight outing they conceded a late equaliser to draw 3-3 at Newcastle and they have now dropped more points.
Enzo Maresca’s in-form Chelsea will hope to take full advantage when they host Brentford, though Liverpool will have a game in hand at the end of the weekend.
