Sliding Liverpool received a much needed pick me up following their FA Cup victory over Manchester City.
Gerrard Houllier's side without a win in their last ten league matches edged a dour third round tie involving these two North West rivals.
But it was a moment to enjoy for the under fire Liverpool manager, who declared: "It was a massive win and I am very proud of the attitude of the players towards the game.
"We were strong, had solidity and mental stamina." The decisive moment of the match came in the opening moments of the second half when City midfield man Marc-Vivien Foe handled a cross from Vladimir Smicer.
Cameroon international Foe, who had scored six goals in six matches became the villain as Danny Murphy was spot on scoring from 12 yards.
Liverpool, who made four changes from the New Years Day defeat at Newcastle ought to of had a penalty early in the game when Gerard Wiekens clearly shoved Neil Mellor off the ball.
Peter Schmeichel made decent saves to deny Vladimir Smicer and Neil Mellor and you would of thought Liverpool were the home side as they dominated the opening period.
The home team managed only one shot on target in the first 45 minutes, an angled shot from Nicolas Anelka which was blocked by the legs of goalkeeper Chris Kirkland.
City rarely threaten in the second half and Liverpool might have added a second goal at the death when Peter Schmeichel's headed clearance fell to El Hadji Diouf who fired inches wide with a stunning chip from 50 yards.
City manager Kevin Keegan had no complaints about his sides defeat but said: "It was a poor end to the FA Cup at Maine Road.
"I am sure there have been good cup ties here but this will be remembered as one of the poorest.
"We never got going as a team and Liverpool deserved to beat us as we only forced their keeper to make one save in the 93 minutes played."