Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers said his team's 6-0 win over Newcastle was a "great victory" after what had been a difficult week for the club.
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Luis Suarez put the Reds under the spotlight after biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic last weekend.
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The striker was banned for 10 games and Rodgers said: "Luis was wrong and we take the punishment and move on.
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"It has been a difficult week as a group and club. It's a great victory on the back of a difficult week."
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Prime Minister David Cameron had even intervened in the Suarez affair, saying Liverpool's leading goalscorer had set "the most appalling example" to children when he bit Ivanovic during last Sunday's 2-2 draw at Anfield.
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Liverpool were expected to miss Suarez, their leading goalscorer, during what was the first of his 10 match suspension.
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But Daniel Agger's header in the opening minutes set them on their way to an emphatic victory which included two goals from both Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge, plus a first league goal in Liverpool colours for Fabio Borini.
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"It could have been very difficult for the players with a loss of concentration," said Rodgers, whose side enjoyed their biggest win of the season.
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"As a manager you take great pride in watching your team play like that.
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"Our concentration and focus, as well as our quality, was outstanding and you have to give credit to the players for that."
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January signing Philippe Coutinho provided the spark in Suarez's absence, with the Brazilian, thanks to his direct running and incisive passing, at the heart of Liverpool's attacks.
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"Coutinho is only going to get better," said Rodgers of the 20-year-old.
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"He is a very humble boy. He is learning very quickly and has quickly adapted to this country. I think he was born with a football at his feet. He has got a wonderful touch."
I love the way the players did not allow the Suarez issue to affect them. Their goals were fantastic