Strikers Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge rekindled their deadly partnership to help Liverpool record their first league victory at Stoke in more than 29 years.
However, the 5-3 scoreline by no means tells the whole story as it was a stuttering performance interspersed with moments of predatory brilliance which saw the Reds squander a 2-0 lead.
But with two goals from Suarez taking his tally to 22 in 16 league games and Sturridge scoring his 12th of the season on his first appearance since November 23 because of an ankle sprain Brendan Rodgers' side had enough firepower to see off their hosts.
The pair had been separated for nine matches, during which time Suarez won player of the month for December after a Premier League record 10 goals, but they immediately reconnected once Sturridge was introduced in the 66th minute.
Liverpool's principal owner John Henry tweeted "What a dynamic duo!" and it was difficult to disagree.
With such a poor record at the Britannia it was criminal that Liverpool gave up such a significant advantage handed to them by their hosts.
They were ahead after just five minutes when Raheem Sterling's mis-hit cross landed at the feet of Aly Cissokho and the left-back let fly from 25 yards.
His shot, like his spell on loan from Valencia, was not worth much of a mention as it was destined to career well wide before the intervention of Shawcross produced the breakthrough.
Stoke, aside from a succession of corners, did not appear to be causing many problems other than through their physical approach, with Martin Skrtel and Shawcross engaging in some full on wrestling while Jack Butland connected with Suarez's head as he punched the ball clear.
But Suazez kept his head to double the lead in the 32nd minute as he capitalised on two defensive errors as Stoke failed to deal with Skrtel's long punt forward.
Marc Wilson's weak header put Butland under pressure and as the goalkeeper came out to collect Shawcross nipped in front to nick the ball away from him, giving Suarez just the opening he needed to slide a shot inside the near post from a tight angle.
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