Liverpool's challenge for a top-four spot continued to gather pace as they claimed a third win in four league games by beating 10-man Sunderland.
Lazar Markovic poked in a shot to put the visitors in front.
A volley from the Serbian also hit the crossbar, while Sunderland had Liam Bridcutt sent off for two bookings.
The home side's Adam Johnson hit the crossbar but Liverpool held on, despite losing skipper Steven Gerrard at half-time after he felt his hamstring.
It was only a sixth clean sheet in 38 games for Liverpool and they had to endure a nervous finish following their failure to turn their dominance and numerical advantage into more goals.
But, despite Sunderland carrying a greater threat with 10 men than 11, the Black Cats struggled to create chances and have managed just one home win in 11 top-flight outings so far this season.
The Stadium of Light side were given a reprieve in the opening minutes when a piercing Philippe Coutinho pass found Markovic, who went down under a Wes Brown challenge.
The Reds were furious at referee Craig Pawson's decision not to award a penalty, but were grateful when the official played advantage in the build-up to their intricate opener.
Fabio Borini appeared to have been fouled just outside the area, but Pawson allowed play to continue and Markovic slotted a shot past keeper Costel Pantilimon for his first league goal for the club.
Markovic almost added a spectacular second when he produced an acrobatic 20-yard volley which hit the crossbar and keeper Pantilimon before going wide.
Borini - who scored 10 goals on loan at Sunderland last season - latched on to a Emre Can pass only to send a shot from a tight angle into the side-netting.
Sunderland managed just one attempt on goal compared to Liverpool's eight in the first half and their cause was not helped when they had midfielder Bridcutt sent off for second yellow after a foul on Can.
Nevertheless, the home side rallied and came closest to an equaliser when a swerving 30-yard Johnson shot came back off the Liverpool crossbar.