THE response was swift and emphatic. Twenty four hours after watching their rivals from down the East Lancs Road move to the brink of a record-breaking 19th title, the message was clear.

Liverpool might be knocked off that infamous perch but the battle to clamber back on it has already begun and they are up for the fight.

Seeing Manchester United move clear of that cherished record is a bitter pill for Kopites to swallow but the pain is lessened by what is happening under Kenny Dalglish at Anfield.

In the away end at Craven Cottage last night there were no long faces. Just joy and pride at what unfolded in front of their eyes. And bags of optimism about what the future holds.

Liverpool’s revival came too late to make an impact at the top of the Premier League this season but make no mistake they will be a force to be reckoned with next term.

With some quality additions to the squad this summer, Dalglish will make sure of that.

In four months the transformation he has overseen has been remarkable and this ruthless demolition of in-form Fulham showcased exactly what the Scot has achieved.

Mark Hughes’ side weren’t just beaten, they were dismantled. The Cottagers, undefeated at their Michael Jackson-decorated home since the turn of the year, were torn to shreds by some scintillating attacking football.

As is the Dalglish way, it was accompanied by a tireless work ethic. Everyone battling for each other for the collective cause.

Remarkably, for the second time in three games, Maxi Rodriguez walked away with the match ball. It was a memorable hat-trick, completed in style with a stunning piledriver past the hapless Mark Schwarzer.

Dirk Kuyt and scintillating Luis Suarez, who terrorised Brede Hangeland throughout, completed a five-star display but Liverpool could easily have had more.

Victory ensured the Reds climbed back above Tottenham into fifth place to remain on course for Europa League qualification. Spurs won’t relish the prospect of Sunday’s showdown at Anfield.