Liverpool ended a run of three Premier League games without a victory when they came from behind to beat Newcastle United 3-1 at Anfield.
The traditionally high-scoring fixture started quietly then burst into life with three goals in a six-minute spell near the end of the first half.
Patrick Kluivert fired Newcastle ahead from close range after 32 minutes, only for a Titus Bramble own goal and a clinical finish by forward Neil Mellor to swing the game in Liverpool's favour.
Czech striker Milan Baros rounded Newcastle keeper Shay Given after a pass from Harry Kewell on the hour to make it 3-1 with his 11th goal of the season.
Newcastle, who had to reshuffle their side after forward Craig Bellamy aggravated a back injury in the warm-up, ended the match with 10 men after midfielder Lee Bowyer was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Liverpool stay sixth with 28 points from 18 matches, 15 behind leaders Chelsea, while injury-hit Newcastle languish in the bottom half of the table with just one win in their last eight league matches.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was quick to praise his side's character in bouncing straight back following Kluivert's controversial opener and acknowledged the importance of the win.
"I'm very delighted with the win," he said. "When you concede a goal then afterwards score three and control the game then you have the right mentality, clear ideas. We were playing against a good team."
Benitez also admitted a two-pronged attack has benefits and worked to his advantage on this occasion.
"We had more options in terms of movement, we could create more problems today. You lose things in the middle but win in attack.
"We had a good game in terms of defence, all of the players not just the defence work hard and do not give many chances to other teams. We have a lot of confidence and I think we will finish in the top four, but I know it is a long race," said the former Valencia boss, who would not be drawn on possible transfer-window signings next month.
