LONDON (AFP) – Liverpool got back on track after a miserable week as a 3-1 win at Fulham kept their Premier League title bid alive, while Nottingham Forest launched an astonishing rant at the officiating in their 2-0 defeat against Everton on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp's side crashed out of the Europa League quarter-finals against Atalanta on Thursday after suffering a damaging Premier League defeat at home to Crystal Palace last weekend.
The Reds' hopes of giving Klopp a glorious farewell were dwindling but they climbed back into the title race with a much-needed first win in three league games.
Liverpool are now in second place, behind leaders Arsenal on goal difference and one point ahead of third placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand on their two title rivals.
Next for Liverpool is the Merseyside derby at Everton on Wednesday, while Arsenal host Chelsea on Tuesday and City travel to Brighton on Thursday.
"Fulham usually cause us more problems so it was a good performance at the right moment," Klopp said.
"We want to stay in that race, that's clear. Arsenal won yesterday, Manchester City will win their game in hand, so we have to win games and that's what we'll try."
Klopp responded to signs of fatigue from his team in recent weeks by dropping Mohamed Salah to the bench among five changes.
And Liverpool took the hint with a more cohesive display by the banks of the River Thames in west London.
Trent Alexander-Arnold put Liverpool ahead in the 32nd minute with a superb free-kick that flashed into the top corner.
Fulham defender Timothy Castagne levelled from close-range after Liverpool failed to clear in first half stoppage-time.
Ryan Gravenberch restored Liverpool's advantage in the 53rd minute with a swerving blast from the edge of the area for his first Premier League goal.
Diogo Jota wrapped up the points in the 72nd minute, drilling a clinical low finish into the far corner.
VILLA EYE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Everton took a giant stride towards extending their 70-year stay in the English top-flight in a highly controversial victory over Forest.
Idrissa Gueye and Dwight McNeil scored the goals that took the Toffees five points clear of the relegation zone.
Forest remain just one point above the bottom three and were left dismayed at being denied three strong penalty appeals.
The club's official account on social media platform X called into question the Premier League's integrity by claiming the VAR official is a fan of relegation rivals Luton.
"We warned the PGMOL (referees' governing body) that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game but they didn't change him," Forest said in a statement said.
"Our patience has been tested multiple times. NFFC will now consider its options."
Aston Villa tightened their grip on Champions League football next season with a 3-1 win over Bournemouth.
Villa shrugged off the exertions of having to go to extra-time and penalties in midweek to book their place in the Europa Conference League semi-finals against Lille.
Unai Emery's men even had to come from behind after Dominic Solanke opened the scoring from the penalty spot.
Morgan Rogers' fine finish just before half-time proved to be the turning point.
Moussa Diaby slotted in from Ollie Watkins' pass to put Villa in front.
Watkins was the provider once more for Leon Bailey to tap in to seal the points 12 minutes from time.
Victory takes Villa six points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham.
Spurs have two games in hand but still have to play all of title challengers Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in their final six matches.
David Moyes' future as West Ham manager looks more uncertain after they were thrashed 5-2 at Crystal Palace.
Michael Olise headed in the opener before Eberechi Eze's spectacular acrobatic effort found the roof of the net.
Emerson Palmieri's own goal made it 3-0 before Jean-Philippe Mateta struck twice for Palace either side of half-time.
Michail Antonio's strike and a Tyrick Mitchell own goal was scant consolation for West Ham.