The Japan Times - Liverpool denied by late drama at Fulham, Man Utd held by Leeds

Liverpool looked set to consolidate their place in the Premier League's top four when they came from behind to lead at Craven Cottage.

Harry Wilson opened the scoring against his former club to give Fulham a deserved half-time lead.

Liverpool improved markedly after the break to extend their unbeaten run to nine games.

Florian Wirtz levelled before Cody Gakpo steered home Jeremie Frimpong's cross in the 94th minute.

However, the visitors' celebrations were cut short when Reed took aim from outside the box and blasted into the top corner for his first goal in three years.

A point keeps Liverpool three points ahead of fifth-placed United in the battle for a place in next season's Champions League.

The Red Devils were headed to a rare defeat at Elland Road as the sides rekindled their historic rivalry after Leeds' two-year absence from the Premier League.

Brenden Aaronson's strike early in the second half sparked wild scenes of jubilation among the home fans, but Matheus Cunha quickly levelled to ensure United did not fall to a first defeat against Leeds in 16 years.

United have consistently wasted opportunities to move into the top four in recent weeks and Ruben Amorim hinted he will not remain at Old Trafford beyond the end of his contract in 18 months' time.

"I came here to be the manager, not to be the coach," said Amorim.

"In every department - the scouting department, the sporting director – (they) need to do their job. I will do mine for 18 months and then we move on."

Tottenham did little to ease the pressure on Thomas Frank in a 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland.

Ben Davies put Spurs in front, but they were unable to hold out for just a second home league win since the opening weekend of the season.

Brian Brobbey's equalised 10 minutes from time for Sunderland to extend their unbeaten run to five games despite being depleted by the absence of six players at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Spurs slip to 13th, three points behind eighth-placed Sunderland.

Igor Thiago's hat-trick fired Brentford up to seventh with a 4-2 win at Everton.

Only Erling Haaland has scored more goals in the Premier League this season than the Brazilian, who took his tally to 14 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Nathan Collins was also on target for the Bees, who climb to within four points of the top four.

Newcastle are also back in the running for a place in next season's Champions League after a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Second half goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Malick Thiaw lifted the Magpies up to ninth and within five points of Liverpool.

Manchester City can cut the gap on leaders Arsenal back to four points later when they host managerless Chelsea, who parted company with Enzo Maresca this week, at the Etihad.

M.Matsumoto--JT