Liverpool moved two points ahead in the Premier League, but United has two games in hand and hosts Aston Villa on Sunday. Liverpool routed United and Villa before the two-week international break.
Liverpool hit the goal frame four times in the first half, then scored in the second minute of stoppage time. Fulham defender Brede Hangeland challenged Steven Gerrard for the ball at the top of the penalty area, and the ball fell to an open Benayoun.
“It’s a massive three points—we knew a defeat or a draw was no good for us,” Gerrard said. “We had to let United know they are in for a title fight until the end.”
Chelsea is also still in that fight, puling within a point of United with a 2-0 victory at Newcastle as former Magpies captain Alan Shearer began his eight-match term as manager.
Second-half goals from Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda allowed Chelsea to dampen the homecoming of Shearer, Newcastle’s all-time leading scorer. Newcastle stayed third from last place, two points behind Sunderland, which lost 2-0 at West Ham.
Stoke’s bid to avoid relegation was helped by winning 2-0 at West Bromwich Albion. Middlesbrough was routed 4-1 at Bolton. West Brom and Middlesbrough occupy the bottom two places.
Blackburn moved four points clear of the relegation zone, stunning 10-man Tottenham with two late goals for a 2-1 win. Hull and Portsmouth drew 0-0.
In the chase for Champions League places, Arsenal strengthened its grip on fourth with Emmanuel Adebayor’s two goals providing a 2-0 victory over Manchester City. Cesc Fabregas, returning after three months out with a knee injury, set up both goals. Adebayor was playing in his first game for the Gunners after a two-month layoff.
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