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The gloom has been lifted. The beaming smile and the bear hugs are back.

Liverpool banished their January blues as Jurgen Klopp's side rediscovered their mojo to put Huddersfield Town to the sword at the John Smith's Stadium.

After the recent crushing setbacks at the hands of lowly Swansea and West Brom, this was just what the doctor ordered. Belief has been restored.

Klopp, who celebrated a Premier League double over his old pal David Wagner, got the response he had demanded as his players delivered a commanding performance to ensure a worrying slump was halted.

After all the talk about what Liverpool are lacking following the sale of Philippe Coutinho and the controversial decision not to replace him during the winter window, here was a timely reminder about what they actually do possess.

For a start they still have one Brazilian genius on the books. Roberto Firmino oozed class throughout and capped a tireless display with a mesmerising finish to take his tally for the campaign to 19.

His importance to Liverpool can't be overstated. He sets the tone and keeping him fit and firing will go a long way to defining this season.

Klopp's men were transformed in all departments. Dejan Lovren shone after being recalled in place of Virgil van Dijk as the Reds bagged their first clean sheet of 2018.

There was also so much more dynamism and energy in midfield. Captain Jordan Henderson impressed on his return to the starting line-up, while Emre Can, who slammed home the opener, shrugged off his recent malaise.

Mohamed Salah completed the rout late on with his 26th goal of the campaign.

(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

The travelling Kop paid homage to their 'Egyptian King', who decided to take matters into his own hands after the Reds' recent penalty issues and made no mistake. He's now just one away from becoming only the fifth Liverpool player in the Premier League era to score 20 in a top-flight season. No-one has reached that milestone quicker.

Some will say it was only Huddersfield but then again it was only Swansea and West Brom who caused all the trouble in the first place after that 18-game unbeaten run.

Liverpool have stood accused of having an attitude problem against the lower teams but there was no hint of complacency here. After a slow start, they firmly took control.

On a night when Arsenal slipped up, it was a big win in the race for the top-four. Liverpool now stand eight points clear of the Gunners and five ahead of fifth placed Tottenham, who face Manchester United on Wednesday night before heading to Anfield on Sunday.

(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

This was the first league meeting between the clubs in Yorkshire since 1972 and there was a real buzz around the John Smith's Stadium before kick-off.

Liverpool did little to quieten the locals during a disjointed opening spell as they dominated possession but struggled to find some fluency.

Wagner made life difficult for the Reds initially as his five-man backline sat deep and ensured that space was at a premium for Klopp's frontline.

Firmino's low drive was held by Jonas Lossl after the Brazilian had been teed up by Sadio Mane.

Fears that a midfield trio of Henderson, James Milner and Can would lack a creative spark were eased by the sight of the captain, making his first start of 2018, moving the ball quickly and incisively.

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Huddersfield sought to soak up the pressure and then hit the Reds on the counter with the striking double act of Laurent Depoitre and Steve Mounie. The hosts spurned a decent chance to break the deadlock.

After Joe Gomez was beaten in the air, Chris Lowe raced away down the left and crossed low for Depoitre. The Belgian frontman's effort lacked venom and Loris Karius was able to gather at the second attempt.

It was a big call by Klopp leaving out Van Dijk but the Dutch defender could hardly have any complaints after looking so off the pace against West Brom.

Lovren repaid Klopp's faith with a rock-solid display. Time and time again he was in the right place at the right time to deal with danger.

Huddersfield were increasingly penned back with Can forcing a sprawling save from Lossl before the Germany international bagged the opener on 26 minutes.

(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Can latched on to Chris Schindler's clearing header from Robertson's cross and sent it back with interest. His sweetly struck 20-yarder took a deflection off Philip Billing and nestled in the bottom corner.

Briefly, Huddersfield rallied. After Mane's reckless challenge on Jonathan Hogg, Lowe's curling free-kick whistled just past the post.

If Karius got lucky on that occasion he was positive and decisive moments later when he raced off his line to help out Lovren and nod the ball to safety. This was a welcome step forward for the German keeper.

The Reds' second goal on the cusp of half-time was all about the brilliance and ingenuity of Firmino.

The Brazilian still had plenty to do when he latched on to Mane's pass. With the angle so tight, opponents and team-mates alike were expecting a cross.

(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

However, he gave Lossl the eye and nonchalantly flicked it in off the keeper's near post. It was Suarez-esque.

Despite the deficit facing them, the Terriers didn't alter their approach in the second half, clearly fearful of taking risks and being picked off on the break.

It meant Liverpool cruised through as they kept the ball for long periods and toyed with Huddersfield. They could and should have scored more.

Can's inconsistency is baffling at times. The prospect of losing him for nothing when his contract expires this summer looks a major setback when he performs like he did in the victory over Manchester City.

Yet when he falls a way short such as against Swansea and West Brom you wouldn't struggle to find a Kopite willing to drive him to Turin.

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This was the classy Can, the one driving forward and stamping his authority on proceedings rather than the one who takes three touches too many and runs down dead ends.

Twice, he put pinpoint deliveries on to the head of Mane but the Senegal international couldn't take advantage.

The first was kept out by Lossl and Mane's second flying effort flashed wide. He was pounding the turf in frustration once again after Milner's tenacity had created another opening for him.

Klopp's recent claim that Mane was back to his brilliant best proved to be wishful thinking. He still has a long way to go but it will come.

(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Milner's piledriver was unconvincingly palmed over the bar before two debatable penalty decisions put the outcome beyond doubt.

Robertson was relieved to see Kevin Friend wave away protests after he tangled with substitute Collin Quaner inside the box.

With 12 minutes to go Liverpool were presented with a spot-kick after Can had been knocked over by Billing.

Salah, who missed a penalty against Huddersfield at Anfield back in October, took responsibility after a debate with Milner and duly wrapped up the points.

A season has been revived.

MAN OF THE MATCH. Roberto Firmino: Set the tone with a tireless shift.

HUDDERSFIELD: Lossl, Hadergjonaj, Zanka, Schindler, Kongolo, Lowe (Ince 79), Hogg, Billing, Mooy (Van La Parra 79), Depoitre, Mounie (Quaner 64). Subs: Coleman, Smith, Pritchard, Hefele.

LIVERPOOL: Karius, Gomez, Lovren, Matip, Robertson, Henderson (Wijnaldum 83), Can, Milner, Salah (Oxlade-Chamberlain 83), Firmino (Solanke 89), Mane. Subs: Mignolet, Van Dijk, Ings, Alexander-Arnold. GOALS: Can 26, Firmino 45, Salah 78.

REFEREE: Kevin Friend.

ATT: 24,121.