Liverpool pulled nine points clear in the title race with an assured performance against holders Manchester City, which condemned Pep Guardiola to his first seven-match winless streak in his managerial career.
The home side dominated the opening period at Anfield against a City outfit which still looked shell-shocked following their midweek capitulation against Feyenoord in the Champions League.
And Liverpool's superiority paid off within 12 minutes as Cody Gakpo turned home a brilliant Mohamed Salah cross to send Reds fans into ruptures.
City continues to be a shadow of their former selves, only attempting their first shot in the 39th minute, but came out for the second period a more energised side - perhaps after some half-time fireworks from Guardiola.