Keita glides into fans' affections
There was a moment shortly after half-time that encapsulated why, after such a shaky start to their relationship, Liverpool fans are now fully enamoured with Naby Keita.
As Huddersfield Town capitalised on the wind that once again howled around Anfield, the Reds suffered a brief wobble shortly after the break with Steve Mounie allowed a run on goal.
But, before the Huddersfield man could shoot, Keita had raced back and taken the ball off the forward's toes. The home support roared their approval.
It wasn't the only time the Guinean nicked possession akin to a pickpocket sneaking off before the unsuspecting victim realising what had happened.
However, such diligent defensive duties are not why Liverpool spent big on Keita.
See how Keita and Liverpool rated in victory over Huddersfield HERE
Buoyed by netting the opener after only 15 seconds – the quickest-ever Premier League goal scored by a Reds player – the midfielder was in his pomp going forward, probing and pressing as well as mixing it in the engine room.
This is a completely different Keita to the one that suffered such a spluttering start to his Anfield career earlier in the campaign, at times gliding almost effortlessly and gracefully across the pitch when in possession.
Keita no doubt had Barcelona on his mind, determined to continue his good form and keep his place for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first left at Camp Nou.
Jurgen Klopp has a difficult call to make there. Keita, at exactly the right time and in front of approving Liverpool owner John Henry, has come good.
Sturridge waves goodbye
“It's not a big thing,” insisted Jurgen Klopp having been asked about Roberto Firmino's absence through what Liverpool hopes is a minor muscle issue.
Except, at this decisive stage of the season, everything is big. Everything, with every little detail magnified to the nth degree.
So for Firmino to be missing caused alarm among the Liverpool fanbase ahead of the Champions League clash with Barcelona.
Huddersfield Town, in truth, wasn't the main concern. Nevertheless, there was genuine surprise when Daniel Sturridge and not Divock Origi stepped into the Brazilian's shoes to lead the attack.
It was a first Premier League start since December for Sturridge who, with no new contract agreed, could have been making his final Anfield start as a Liverpool player.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp gives Roberto Firmino update as attentions turn to Barcelona tie
On this showing, it may well be. The Reds have evolved since Sturridge was in his prime, and if Firmino is to miss part of the run-in, Origi or even Xherdan Shaqiri – given a longer second-half run-out here – appear more likely options.
Another, at long last, is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's unseen effort finally rewarded - but even better days ahead for Liverpool midfielder
Welcome back, Ox. You've been much missed.
Liverpool refusing to lose title race
So regular have the records fallen in this remarkable, ridiculous Liverpool season that it's easy to become blasé at another landmark being reached.
But greater recognition of what this latest victory means is merited.
Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane battle continues as Liverpool and Man City play out Game of Thrones
Liverpool are now on 91 points. Every other team in English top-flight history to accrue such a total has gone on to win the championship.
Alas, the continued spectre of Manchester City means finishing second remains a distinct and unwanted possibility.
All Liverpool can do is keep winning their games, this their 10 in succession in all competitions.
The Reds now have more points than the Arsenal's Invincibles of 2014, and have earned a greater tally than 105 of the previous 119 league champions.
And only once in Liverpool's entire history – the 42-game campaign of 1978-79 – have they surpassed their present total.
Two games remain. As the under-18s showed in lifting the FA Youth Cup against City the night before demonstrated, this is not a club that throws in the towel.
The two players who could save Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp millions in the transfer market
Newcastle United, next Saturday, are next up in the Premier League. Then the season finale at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Liverpool remain determined this is a title race that will be won – either by themselves or City – rather than lost.
