Arne Slot hailed Liverpool's fighting spirit as the "fatigued" Premier League leaders survived a tense 2-1 win against Wolves.
Slot's side moved seven points clear of second-placed Arsenal thanks to Luis Diaz's early opener and a Mohamed Salah penalty before the interval at Anfield.
Fourth-bottom Wolves hit back impressively, Matheus Cunha's blast reducing the deficit, and Liverpool had to hold on in the closing stages.
Indebted to Alisson Becker for some crucial saves, Liverpool boss Slot said: "This one is big. We needed to fight and we needed Alisson.
"In a season where you want to achieve something, you need to have wins like this as well.
"They got better and better, we got worse and worse.
"We had to show a different mentality and got it over the line. If this is what it takes to win a game then I'm happy the players could do that again."
Slot admitted Liverpool were running on fumes at times after the emotionally draining 2-2 draw at Merseyside rivals Everton, which featured a stoppage-time equalizer for the Toffees, and last weekend's embarrassing FA Cup exit at second-tier Plymouth.
"We were mentally tested," he said. "I did see for the first time this season that players were more tired than they have been."
Liverpool are 13 games away from the trophy. They face Aston Villa, Manchester City and Newcastle in their next three league games.
Slot was able to sit on the bench against Wolves despite being charged with abusive behavior towards match officials after being sent off at Everton.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Luis Diaz beats Emmanuel Agbadou and Wolves ''keeper Jose Sa to score Liverpool''s opening goal during the match at Anfield. REUTERS
