Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard scored a penalty in each half to overtake Kenny Dalglish in LFC's all time goalscorer list to help the reds win a tricky encounter at the Boleyn Ground against West Ham.
Former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll was involved in a controversial incident in first half injury time, taking out Simon Mignolet before West Ham scored an equaliser.
Liverpool had started the day a point behind Chelsea who had won their Saturday game. With Man City also winning at the weekend, the pressure was back on Liverpool as they returned to Premier League action away from Anfield.
One change for the reds - Mamadou Sakho returning to the starting XI at the expense of Daniel Agger who had picked up a knock in training.
Andy Carroll and Martin Skrtel enjoyed some great battles in a first half that was symbolised by some high intensity and rugged play by West Ham but with little end product from the hammers. Diame has for a long time been admired by many at Anfield, and showed his ability's from a wide position.
West Ham had a good record themselves going into this game - 4 wins from the past 5 at home and parts of their first half play made a mockery of their current league position.
Liverpool eventually broke the deadlock thanks to Suarez' pace and by an exquisite long range pass from Gerrard. Luis Suarez collected the ball but his attempt to cut inside was met by James Tomkins attempting to block with his hand. Clear pen to Liverpool.
On the stadium screens around the ground a Sky Sports graphic immediately flashed up signalling where Gerrard had put his most recent penalties. Hmm.
No worries - Gerrard sent Adrian the wrong way and put Liverpool 1 up.
Moments later West Ham were level. A corner from Noble was sent into the danger zone and Carroll rose in the air before launching his forearm into Simon Mignolet. Demel reacted and put the ball in the net.
The ref gave the goal, but the assistant had his flag up. After a brief debate the referee awarded the goal on the stroke of half time.
After Suarez had seen a first half effort hit the bar, Carroll saw a chance of his own come back off the woodwork in the second half.
But on an afternoon when West Ham could have given away many more handballs in the box - the reds were finally awarded a second penalty when Jon Flanagan was brought down in the box by the arm of Adrian.
Steven Gerrard lashed in his 2nd penalty of the day, and moved past Dalglish in the all time LFC goalscoring list. He now has 173 goals for Liverpool - and is just 10 behind another Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler.
Liverpool should have increased their lead further in the final period of the game. Suarez hit the woodwork again, was denied a one on one by some good goalkeeping - which was also responsible for keeping out a Raheem Sterling effort.
A 9th consecutive win for the reds and the restoration of a 2 point lead at the top of the league. Small matter of Manchester City at Anfield in next Sunday's early afternoon kick off.
