Fulham's Clint Dempsey (C) celebrates scoring a goal against Liverpool during their English Premier League soccer match at Craven Cottage in London, Dec 5, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - Clint Dempsey pounced for an 85th-minute winner as Fulham beat Liverpool 1-0 in a dramatic Premier League match at Craven Cottage on Monday after a rare mistake from keeper Pepe Reina.

The pulsating game, in which Liverpool were reduced to 10 men when Jay Spearing was sent off after 72 minutes, appeared to be heading for a draw when Reina spilled a shot from Danny Murphy and American international Dempsey scored from close range.

Fulham, outplayed in the first half, came back strongly in the second but Liverpool were on the wrong end of three decisions which might have helped them win the game.

Fulham defender Philippe Senderos was lucky not to concede a penalty after 59 minutes when he clattered into Charlie Adam inside the box.

The officials also ruled that Luis Suarez was offside putting the ball in the Fulham net when he looked level with the last defender, and Spearing was shown a red card for a foul on Moussa Dembele when he caught the Fulham player with his trailing leg after playing the ball first.

Liverpool's Andy Carroll (R) challenges Fulham's Danny Murphy during their English Premier League soccer match at Craven Cottage in London, Dec 5, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

Liverpool, unbeaten in their previous 11 matches in all competitions, came to Craven Cottage seeking to equal a club record run of seven successive away wins, which included two at neighbouring Chelsea in the Premier League and League Cup.

In contrast, Fulham were looking to improve a poor home record in the league in which they had won just one of eight matches since Liverpool won 5-2 at Craven Cottage at the end of last season.

Liverpool went closest to a goal after 28 minutes when a lofted shot from Jordan Henderson beat Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer before hitting the inside of the post and bouncing away.

Substitute Stewart Downing also hit the post for Liverpool in the second half and Dempsey struck the crossbar before scoring.

The win lifted Fulham to 13th in the table on 15 points from 14 games while Liverpool stayed seventh on 23 points, three behind Newcastle United. Manchester City lead the standings with 38 points.

Liverpool's Jay Spearing (L) reacts as he is shown the red card after fouling Fulham's Mousa Dembele (R) during their English Premier League soccer match at Craven Cottage in London, Dec 5, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]