Two late goals from Liverpool were enough to beat an inspired Charlton side and revitalise hopes of a Champions League place.
But it was cruel on Charlton who led with five minutes to go and were looking to arrest their recent slide down the Premiership table.
The London side dug deep in the first half as strikers Kevin Lisbie and Shaun Bartlett harassed the Liverpool defence.
But Michael Owen's run of fine form looked set to continue and he could have scored on 14 minutes, only for Dean Kiely to save low on his left-hand side from an angled shot.
Charlton held firm in the first half forcing a succession of corners and having most of the possession but it was Liverpool who posed the biggest threat in front of goal.
Emile Heskey powered a fine header over the bar on 35 minutes after Danny Murphy had whipped in a corner and Steven Gerrard’s cross-cum-shot was narrowly diverted over the bar by Charlton skipper Chris Powell.
But Charlton defended resolutely. A fine Luke Young challenge halted a trademark Owen run on 33 minutes and a last-ditch block from Powell denied a Heskey shot minutes later.
A minute into the second half Charlton were ahead. Djimi Traore slipped on the greasy turf to gift Shaun Bartlett a free run at goal.
Bartlett finished coolly with a fine shot past Jerzy Dudek which went in off his right-hand post.
Liverpool went in search of an equaliser but Charlton defended with gusto and a previously leaky back four looked tight.
Liverpool substitute Vladimir Smicer rose to meet a John Arne Riise corner on 81 minutes but headed over from close range.
But Charlton were eventually worn down on 85 minutes when Sami Hyypia side-footed Riise's cross low past the stranded Kiely.
Jason Euell could have won it for Charlton on 89 minutes but his strong header found Dudek in outstanding form as he pushed the ball over the bar.
But on the stroke of full-time, Liverpool's Gerrard stole the three points. He beat two defenders before firing a low drive past Kiely's outstretched left hand, leaving Charlton's defenders holding their heads in dismay.