Liverpool didn't have it all their own way, but a late converted penalty from substitute James Milner sent the reds back to the top of the Premier League.
The reds had the chance to maintain the pressure on Man City who squeezed past Swansea yesterday in late fashion in their FA Cup clash - and the reds did just that in a scrappy encounter at Craven Cottage.
Liverpool made the first half breakthrough with Sadio Mane's 20th goal of the season, but former red Ryan Babel equalised after a rare LFC defensive mix up between van Dijk and Alisson before Milner grabbed all three points.
Two midfield changes
Klopp reshuffled his midfield - Henderson's injury and Milner benched meant that Fabinho and Adam Lallana started in their place.
But this was far from one of Fabinho's best performances and Lallana didn't capitalise on a good Anfield appearance last weekend.
The reds had an early chance when Mo Salah shot wide but the game was fairly uneventful until Mane's bursting run in the 25th minute.
He found Roberto Firmino who played a perfect one two to the onrushing Mane who smashed in his 17th Premier League goal of the season - now level with Mo Salah.
As it happened: Fulham 1-2 LFC
The reds made it to half time without adding further goals, and Fabinho collected a yellow card and a further warning.
The weather changed in the second half - the sunshine turning to heavy rain and gradually Fulham began to make inroads.
From a long ball, van Dijk attempted a header back to his goalkeeper but Babel managed to get himself in between the two Liverpool players and Alisson couldn't collect it. He tapped the ball over the line but didn't celebrate the equaliser.
Not long left so Liverpool had to go gung ho and with Sadio Mane about to react to a poor goalkeeper clearance, Sergio Rico instinctively held the Liverpool forward back. Clear foul and the referee pointed to the spot.
Substitute James Milner powered in a pressure-laden penalty to restore Liverpool's lead.
Liverpool should have added a couple more goals. Wijnaldum firing wide before Mo Salah fired straight at the Fulham keeper after a neat layoff from Sadio Mane.
The performance wasn't great but the three points most certainly is. Liverpool move on to 76 points, two points clear of Man City who do have a game in hand - but first the international break is ahead.
