Trent Alexander-Arnold’s full-time celebrations said it all.
As referee Craig Pawson’s whistle sounded to confirm Liverpool would be taking three points home, the only Scouser in the visiting team folded himself over in a double fist pump.
It was a handy indicator of how hard the Reds had been made to work for their win, and how much returning to the top of the Premier League means.
Jurgen Klopp’s team cannot know whether they’ll be there at the end of the season, even if Manchester City eventually do slip up in their game in hand.
But getting there in the first place and capping a superb week on two fronts was enough for now.
European hangover apparent in nervy win
After a 3-1 win at Bayern Munich on Wednesday, Liverpool came into this game full of confidence but also with some lead in the legs.
The exertions of midweek were apparent in a low-tempo first half but, with a goal advantage, it seemed the Reds had little to worry about.
Unfortunately, the difficulties of playing two top-level games in quick succession became more and more apparent as the second period wore on.
Fulham’s goal may have been somewhat fortunate, but it came as the hosts were enjoying a growing influence on the game.
Klopp will be delighted to see his team avoid paying the price for a lethargic performance at Craven Cottage.
Milner makes amends with pressure pen
If ever there was any doubt, today proved it: there aren’t many players in the Premier League as mentally strong as James Milner.
How easy it would have been for the Reds vice-captain to retreat into his shell after teeing up a Fulham equaliser with his very first touch after coming on.
But when the chance to win the game just minutes later, Milner stepped up to pass the ball in and collect all three points for his side.
It was the perfect way to make amends for his mistake and said everything about the Englishman’s character.
Role reversal for Salah and Mane
That’s seven goals without a game for Mohamed Salah, and 11 in 11 for Sadio Mane - who saw that coming last year?
Liverpool’s Egyptian talisman is on his worst run in front of goal since joining the club, but the fact it hasn’t affected his team is down to his colleague’s form.
Of course, Klopp won’t care who is scoring the goals as long as the Reds keep picking up wins in the Premier League and Champions League.
But you feel Salah will need to bring his personal drought to an end if they are to achieve success on either front this season.
Mane can’t keep picking up the slack.
Shaqiri’s barren run continues
Watching Liverpool go top of the league with a hard-fought win, Xherdan Shaqiri can hardly have been disappointed on Sunday afternoon.
Yet you wonder whether a small degree of personal frustration is starting to creep in for the Swiss, who was unused yet again here.
That’s five straight games now that Shaqiri has failed to emerge from the bench, while his last start came as the Reds were held to a draw by Leicester on January 30.
It looks like the No.23 will need to do more to get into his manager’s plans before the end of the season.
