With a spirited win over West Ham at Anfield, Liverpool cut the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City to three points.
Sadio Mane scored only goal in the first half after Trent Alexander-Arnold had volleyed the ball into his path.
West Ham pushed for an equaliser after the break, but Manuel Lanzini blazed over from close range.
As the Reds held on, Michail Antonio had an effort well blocked by Naby Keita just outside the six-yard box.
Jurgen Klopp’s men deserved the win but it did not come without the odd scare as Pablo Fornals and Manuel Lanzini both wasted excellent chances to equalise.
The Hammers’ frustrations were compounded by the loss of in-form Jarrod Bowen to what looked like a significant injury, the forward helped off the pitch and down the tunnel following a collision with former Hull team-mate Andy Robertson.
Five days before the Europa League last-16 first-leg trip to Sevilla, it was not what manager David Moyes needed.
Liverpool had chances to extend their lead, with new signing Luis Diaz particularly impressive.
However, with the title race as it is, victory was all that mattered. And now Liverpool fans are in the unusual position of hoping for a United victory in Sunday’s Manchester derby at Etihad Stadium.
