Raheem Sterling bagged his 11th goal of the season to help Liverpool beat Newcastle United and move back up to fifth in the Premier League.
The Reds, who travel to Wembley for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa, were looking to respond after two back-to-back defeats in the League - and Sterling's ninth-minute strike got them on their way to a 2-0 victory.
Sterling's early goal helped Liverpool to a 2-0 win
Picking up a pass from England team-mate Jordan Henderson, the 20-year-old forward cut in from the left-hand side of the box to tuck past Tim Krul.
He could well have had a hat-trick on a fairly straightforward night for the Anfield outfit, but two close-range attempts - both following Henderson passes - failed to hit the target.
Welshman Joe Allen sealed the win with Liverpool's second goal, reacting quickly to a loose ball eight yards out to smash home on 70 minutes
Three Lions players Jordon Ibe, Glen Johnson and Rickie Lambert all featured for Brendan Rodgers' team as they moved four points behind Manchester City.
Jack Wilshere played 88 minutes for Arsenal U21s
Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere continued his return to fitness but could not prevent Arsenal's Under-21s going down 1-0 at home to Reading.
In a mini-dress rehearsal for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final, Wilshere, wearing the captain's armband, put in an energetic display for 88 minutes at the Emirates. It was an important outing for the 23-year-old, who hasn't featured for the Gunners first-team since November.
However, it was an early header from Niall Keown, son of former Arsenal and England defender Martin, which settled the game.
