A performance that swung from the exhilarating to the slip-slod and back again was enough to see off a still more erratic Fulham side and lift Liverpool to within four points of their neighbours.
Fernando Morientes, with his first home goal, put Liverpool ahead only for Andy Cole to reply with his 11th of the season. However, second-half goals by Sami Hyypia and Milan Baros settled the contest and the nerves inside Anfield.
Everton can regain their seven-point advantage at Southampton today, but Liverpool will believe they are beginning to generate the kind of momentum that might exert decisive pressure. Steven Gerrard's growing influence on proceedings tilted the balance of the contest.
Fulham were almost sliced open inside three minutes. Papa Bouba Diop stretched anxiously to halt Baros's run into the area, the striker tumbled and appeals for a penalty were rejected by the referee.
A skidding corner kick from Mark Pembridge caused brief concern in the Liverpool defence, but that was forgotten after eight minutes. Luis Garcia hoisted a centre from the right and Morientes rose imperiously to angle a classic header beyond Edwin van der Sar's reach.
John Arne Riise's blast following a free-kick cannoned away from a congested area as Liverpool sensed the opportunity to submerge Fulham. Alas, to the gallery's dismay, Liverpool found themselves level after 16 minutes. Garcia conceded possession, Luis Boa Morte drove a diagonal cross towards the far post and Cole lunged in to head the equaliser.
The Kop was silenced and the apprehension in the stands reflected a sudden shift out on the pitch. Cole had a shot blocked as Liverpool were forced to retreat and try to counter.
When they did respond, Morientes was again the inspiration. A clever drag and flick provided Djimi Traore with the space to cross from the line, Igor Biscan kept his shot down, too, and Van der Sar made a scrambled save at the foot of a post.
The persistent Boa Morte nearly threaded a pass through to Cole as Fulham made a bright start to the second half. Liverpool countered and twice in as many minutes Fulham were grateful for goalmouth clearances.
Gerrard hammered a free- kick from 25 yards and again the Fulham wall stood firm. The Liverpool captain, at last providing characteristic service, produced an athletic volley which cleared the bar.
Liverpool were then reminded of the threat from Cole, who made a typically darting run behind the defence, but Jerzy Dudek advanced smartly to snatch the ball.
Liverpool's retaliation was instant and destructive. Gerrard whipped over a free kick from the left which proved impossible to defend and Hyypia, charging in at the far post, claimed the crucial contact after 63 minutes.
Thirteen minutes later, Liverpool secured the points. Riise pulled the ball into the heart of the area and Baros made full use of the time and space to plant the third goal wide of a protesting Van der Sar.