Xherdan Shaqiri rose from the bench to secure three vital points and bragging rights over rivals Manchester United after his double sealed a 3-1 win at Anfield.
Sadio Mane had expertly opened the scoring in the 24th minute after athletically finishing from Fabinho’s delicately lofted ball into the box.
The lead would only last nine minutes, however, as Alisson spilled a Romelu Lukaku cross to allow Jesse Lingard to slot home United’s equaliser.
But the home side were rewarded for their attacking and possession dominance as second-half substitute Shaqiri’s two deflected strikes, one in the 73rd minuted and the second in the 80th minute, saw Liverpool return to the top of the Premier League.
LIVERPOOL 4-3-3:
Alisson 4 – Is widely celebrated by Liverpool fans, but the Brazil No1 allowed United to do just that with a poor error for the equaliser.
Andy Robertson 8 – Absolute machine. Exploited vacated space left by Lingard and defended diligently.
Virgil van Dijk 7 – Roused the Kop by out-muscling Lukaku early in the first half, a tussle he went on to dominate.
Dejan Lovren 6 – Defensive injury crisis requires the Croat to be consistent and assured. Was both against United.
Nathaniel Clyne 7 – Huge test considering his lack of game time and battle with Marcus Rashford. Stood firm.
Naby Keita 6 – Very tricky and intricate player, but his final ball was a little inaccurate.
Fabinho 8 – Picked up dangerous little pocket of spaces on the edge of the box and used it to delightfully assist Mane.
Georginio Wijnaldum 8 – Another unsung performance from the Dutchman. Controlled, composed and classy.
Liverpool’s Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates
Sadio Mane 7 – Has struggled with finishing of late, but made no mistake with his touch, swivel and strike for the first.
Roberto Firmino 7 – The Brazilian was strong in the press and buzzed around the pitch with verve and vivacity.
Mohamed Salah 6 – Too many touches in attacking phases, but was always a dangerous outlet.
SUBSTITUTES
Xherdan Shaqiri 8 – Arrived on the scene for Keita and then grabbed two fortuitously-deflected strikes.
Jordan Henderson N/A – Brought on in the final 10 minutes to sure things up in midfield.