Ovie Ejaria struck a wonderful goal with three minutes remaining to steer Liverpool past Derby County and extend their lead at the top of Division 1 to four points.
The match at Prenton Park seemed to be heading for a stalemate when Ejaria, 20, picked up the ball on the left of the penalty area and twisted and turned before curling a shot beyond Josh Barnes in the Derby goal.
Leicester City, in second, can close the gap to one point again when they play Manchester City on Monday.
Derby stay eighth on 19 points.
See: Liverpool report | Derby report
Next fixtures
Liverpool: 5 Feb v Spurs (A) PL2
Derby: 4 Feb v Man Utd (H) PL2