Liverpool eventually defeated a resolute Newcastle United, thanks to two goals from Mohamed Salah, to take a three-point lead atop the Premier League standings.
Liverpool dominated Newcastle in the first half of a tumultuous and intense match that was fueled by the wind and severe rain on Merseyside, but they were in danger of being kept to a third straight Anfield draw.
However, Salah, who was denied a penalty in the first half and will now travel to Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations, headed home to head his team's first goal after converting a second spot kick in the dying moments.
Alexander Isak scored a curling goal five minutes after he snuck in behind the hosts' defense to cancel out his initial goal, which would have been his 150th Premier League goal for the Reds.
Liverpool continued to push for the lead, and ultimately Curtis Jones gave them it once again before a fantastic ball from Salah to Cody Gapko resulted in a scuffed attempt that gave them breathing room.
However, Newcastle struck back when Sven Botman headed home a corner to level the score 3-2. Salah then heroically sent Martin Dubravka the wrong way to seal the victory.
Liverpool had won their first seven Premier League games at Anfield this year, but their previous two home games against Manchester United and Arsenal ended in draws.
They now hold a three-point lead over Aston Villa and a five-point lead over Arsenal and Manchester City, who still have a game to play.
Nine first-team players were absent for Newcastle, who are now in ninth place.