Premiership leaders Leicester saw their nine-match unbeaten run ended by Liverpool substitute Christian Benteke’s second-half winner.
The Reds dominated the first half at Anfield, but failed to fully test Foxes keeper Kasper Schmeichel.
They were rewarded when Roberto Firmino’s pull-back from the left was steered in by a stretching Benteke.
Leicester offered little threat, Nathan Dyer going closest as they failed to score for the first time this season.
Leicester spent Christmas Day on top of the Premier League, capping a marvellous turnaround after being bottom of the table 12 months ago.
But their first league defeat since losing 5-2 at home to Arsenal on 26 September now leaves them vulnerable to be overtaken by the Gunners.
The Foxes are still two points clear, but Arsene Wenger’s men will move to the summit by beating Southampton later on Saturday.
Can Claudio Ranieri’s side react positively to defeat? That’s the question many sceptics have been asking about the surprise leaders.
After a toothless display at Anfield, where they managed just three shots on target, Leicester will have to improve dramatically if they are to maintain their lofty position.
“We have to clean this result away and restart,” said Ranieri afterwards.
Two of the brightest stars in Leicester’s resurgence have been England striker Jamie Vardy and Algeria playmaker Riyad Mahrez.
The two men have contributed 29 of Leicester’s 37 Premier League goals this season, as well as providing 10 assists for each other or their team-mates.
But neither made an impact against Liverpool, with Ranieri revealing afterwards that Vardy played with a fever and Mahrez was “very tired”.
As a team, Leicester lacked their usual energy and managed to muster just seven attempts at the Liverpool goal.
Liverpool’s revival under Jurgen Klopp has showed signs of slowing down in recent weeks, with the Reds picking up just one point in their three previous Premier League matches.
Following the 3-0 defeat at Watford, Klopp decided to recall Belgium striker Divock Origi to provide more pace and movement as the focal point of his attack.
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