What Liverpool lacked in flair they made up for in work rate, however, and perhaps they are taking a leaf out of Everton's book. The race for the fourth Champions League berth is not going to be pretty if this performance is anything to go by. But, despite Liverpool's place in the last 16 of the competition this season and in the Carling Cup final, this duel will almost certainly define success or failure for the Reds this term.
Benítez voiced his belief in the build-up to this game that Liverpool's greater quality will ultimately see them overtake their rivals from across Stanley Park. That supposed 'greater quality' hasn't done the trick so far, however, and the onus was on the home side to make life difficult for Everton by claiming victory against Fulham to close the gap on David Moyes' team to four points ahead of their visit to Southampton today.
Liverpool had an excellent start in their quest with Fernando Morientes handing the home side the lead with his first Anfield goal on nine minutes. Noted for his heading ability while with Real Madrid, the Spain forward further added to his reputation with a stunning header. Luis García's trickery down the right flank took him past Luis Boa Morte and his cross picked out Morientes 10 yards from goal. It was hardly an easy chance, but the £6.3million January signing left the Fulham goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar helpless with a glancing effort into the far corner.
Not for the first time this season, though, Liverpool's defensive frailties opened the door for their opponents to hit back and Fulham were level within seven minutes. Luis García was caught in possession by Boa Morte and the Portugal wide man crossed for Andy Cole to beat Jerzy Dudek with a diving header from six yards. It was Cole's tenth goal against Liverpool.
Having cancelled out the lead so quickly, Fulham were able to regroup and revert to their original game plan of containment. Their five-man midfield smothered Liverpool's overworked trio of Igor Biscan, Steven Gerrard and John Arne Riise, with Mark Pembridge, in particular, blocking everything that came his way.
With Luis García struggling to justify his inclusion as Liverpool's playmaker, the home side were increasingly forced to rely on set pieces as their best route to regaining the lead. A Gerrard free-kick was blocked before the England midfielder delivered a cross for Sami Hyypia to score on 63 minutes. Gerrard's delivery from the touchline evaded the defence and Hyypia was allowed to nod home his first goal of the season to restore Liverpool's lead.
Hyypia's goal finally enticed Fulham away from their defensive approach, but it also left them vulnerable at the back as they chased an equaliser. Riise capitalised on the gaps at the back on 77 minutes by racing to the byline before pulling the ball back for Milan Baros to secure victory with a close-range strike.
Fulham huffed and puffed in search of a route back into the game, but it was too late by that stage.