Another game, another victory. Things seem to be going very well indeed for Liverpool at the moment and after an important victory in the top four challenge in mid-week, they maintained their fight on another front on Saturday evening as they pushed past a stubborn Crystal Palace in the FA Cup.
It all seemed to be going against Brendan Rodgers' side after they fell behind to Fraizer Campbell's early goal. A number of penalty shouts were turned down by questionable referee Robbie Madley and nothing seemed to be going in as Alan Pardew's Eagles sat back on their lead. Liverpool didn't seem to be getting the rub of the green at all, but just as a good manager should do - Rodgers responded, and he responded well.
The Northern Irishman has to receive credit for the fact that his substitutions changed the game for the second time in a week and once again, it was the introduction of Mario Balotelli that changed the game - this time, a smiling Mario, who looked relieved that things finally seem to be going right for him.
After nicking his first league goal in a red shirt, the match-winner against Tottenham, on Tuesday night, his impact was equally as vital after coming on at half-time at Selhurst Park.
Giving Daniel Sturridge a partner despite operating behind him, the Italian allowed the Englishman to create space and cause problems to the compact Palace back-four. Balotelli was equally as impressive in his own play, adding an impressive work-rate in his pressing and running off of the ball to his neat touches and flicks.
It was the 24-year-old who played the largest part in the winning goal, even if he did not put it in the back of the net himself.
Buying a free-kick outside the area, Balotelli stepped up and struck it through the wall with such power that Julian Speroni could not keep a hold of it and Adam Lallana navigated it past the Argentine goalkeeper to seal the comeback.
That was minutes after Daniel Sturridge's excellent effort, another well-worked team goal. The expert marksman connected with Jordan Henderson's exquisite pass over the defence, volleying it through the Palace goalkeeper's legs for his 38th goal in 57 appearances since joining in January 2013.
But Balotelli's was not the only big performance on the pitch.. Simon Mignolet stood up to the test throughout the entire game, and was unfortunate for the Palace goal. Since Boxing Day, the Belgian has well and truly got his Reds' career back onto the rails and suddenly, he looks a different player. Catching or punching crosses away with assertiveness and making vital saves at vital moments, Mignolet is earning his keep.
Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen impressed in a two-man central midfield. The latter, hampered by niggling injuries this season, put in his best performance so far in 2014-15. Henderson's usual bundle of energy and leadership, combined with the Welshman's pressing and passing was the driving force behind Liverpool's controlled performance.
The result now means Liverpool waltz into the last eight of the competition, having gone onto reach the final the last three times after doing so, and Steven Gerrard is another step closer to a dream finale.
The final, which falls on his birthday, May 30th - would be his last game in a Red shirt, and nothing would be more fitting for the skipper than for his final action as a Liverpool captain to be lifting a trophy aloft with that child-like sense of pride and joy beaming across his face.
Yet, there are still difficult tests remaining in the competition. Blackburn Rovers have comfortably eased past both Swansea City and Stoke City, whilst West Brom thrashed Sam Allardyce's sorry West Ham United side and Reading's victory over Derby County was no mean feat. Even Aston Villa pose a threat despite their struggles in-front of goal, having enjoyed recent trips to Anfield regardless of their form.
Bradford find themselves in the next round too, after another giant-killing, this time a 2-0 win against Sunderland. Reigning champions Arsenal faced a tricky home tie against Middlesbrough, but avoided a potential banana skin altogether as they took a victory at the Emirates with impressive ease and comfort.
That only leaves Manchester United, who have yet to really consistently impress under Louis Van Gaal, but despite travelling to League One promotion candidates Preston North End on Monday night - their superior quality should realistically see them through.
That then, bar any upset at Deepdale, would leave Blackburn, Reading, West Brom, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Man United and Bradford City. None of those would be particularly easy, they're all in the last eight after all, and they'll all be well aware of the fact 90 minutes separates them and a trip to Wembley in the semis.
But this is an opportunity Brendan Rodgers is very unlikely to get again, especially in the coming few years. He needs a trophy to solidify his success last season, to prove it was not just a one off, and this is perfect. He'll be looking to avoid the fellow two big Premier League sides, particularly away from home, but in their current form - Liverpool should be fancying themselves against anyone.
One loss in 16. Four wins from their last five in all competitions. Liverpool's second-half of the season is looking rosy, but Rodgers cannot afford to rest on his laurels. The top-four charge is well underway, and the Europa League also awaits - but this year's FA Cup presents the Northern Irishman with a golden opportunity to close in on a first trophy.
Everyone at the club is well aware of how significant the impact of winning a trophy could give Rodgers, and what a send-off it would be for Gerrard, now they await their next opponents as they vye to embark on another showcase trip to the capital.