Steven Gerrard ended a traumatic seven days the way he started it - by displaying supreme footballing quality.
The Liverpool captain, having spent a night in police cells just 24 hours after destroying Newcastle last weekend, would have been forgiven for having his mind elsewhere ahead of the tricky FA Cup third round tie at Preston on Saturday evening.
Not a chance. Gerrard was magnificent as he guided Liverpool to a 2-0 win over Alan Irvine's impressive Coca-Cola Championship promotion chasers.
Whatever the outcome of the serious charges Gerrard faces after an alleged nightclub incident, only time will tell.
But nothing seems to be deflecting the 28-year-old from his job. He barely put a foot wrong at Deepdale.
Not a misplaced pass or missed tackle, barely a free-kick conceded or possession conceded. Gerrard was the perfect team player, focused totally on the thing he does best.
His outstanding display, and team ethos, was summed up in the final seconds when he set up Fernando Torres for the second goal, the Spaniard's first match since being struck down with a hamstring problem in November.
Considering what Gerrard has had to contend with off the pitch recently, he would have been forgiven for charging through on his own, smashing the ball home and then milking the adulation of Liverpool's fans behind the goal.
Not a chance. Gerrard was clear, but waited patiently for Torres to arrive in support before rolling the ball into his path for a simple tap-in, to make sure that clear water was at last put between Liverpool and a determined Preston.
For Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee, that selfless action epitomised Gerrard, and his team.
Lee said: "That final goal sums up this club, and Steven's way. It is a team game, and only the team. It does not matter who scores the goals, that is why I try not to mention individuals.
"But that last goal epitomised our team spirit, created like that by Stevie."
Liverpool should have had the game won long before then. Albert Riera's goal was all that had for a first half dominance that had seen Robbie Keane miss a clear hat-trick.
But Liverpool's inability to settle the issue inspired Preston to a creditable comeback, they had a Sean St Ledger effort disallowed and were denied a penalty when Jamie Carragher looked to hold back Jon Parkin.
But as the two tussled again seconds later, Parkin pulled down Carragher, was penalised, and St Ledger's goal was ruled out.
Carragher said: "It was a tough game. We always seem to have problems against lower league opposition but thankfully we came through. There were a couple of scares near the end so great credit to Preston.
"I wasn't aware of the flag going up to disallow the header until the lad put it in. But he (Parkin) was trying to stop me getting up when I realised I was playing everyone onside."
Liverpool lost Xabi Alonso with a foot injury that needed seven stitches, and were forced to hang on during the second period until Gerrard set up Torres for the second.
Preston boss Irvine knew his team had done well, but is now more bothered about the transfer window and the prospect of bids for his young stars.
He said: "I hope the phone does not ring about our players. We have some promising youngsters and some could develop into Premier League players in time.
"Obviously we are the type of club that will find massive offers hard to turn down. But I certainly will not be looking for that, I want to build something, not break things up."
He added: "This tie has been an education for them. For Sean St Ledger to be facing Torres was a great education for him.
"And I just knew Gerrard would play well, he is fantastic. I knew he would do that, I have very rarely seen him do anything less.
"There are so many things we can learn from how Liverpool play. We will dissect the match and see how they played, in and out of possession.
"They are a fantastic team, and I emphasise the word team. They all know their jobs all the time, we can learn so much and if we can take something from this that makes us better, that's terrific."
Irvine knew he had witnessed a master class from Gerrard, head and shoulders above anyone else.
Now Liverpool must hope the midfielder's court appearance - 24 hours before the fourth round - does not disrupt their plans for further success on the pitch.
