Many feared the worst being without 'Captain Curly' for the prospect of facing Liverpool's three-pronged attack (Andy Carroll, Craig Bellamy and Luis Suarez), but the Newcastle defensive pairing won the day.
The two defenders were involved in everything, including putting pressure on Liverpool from dead-ball kicks.
From a defence perspective, it could even been seen as the performance of the season.
Williamson has insisted his understanding and off-field friendship with James Perch was the reason Newcastle United put their European charge into another gear.
Mike Williamson: “The fact that myself and Perchy are close mates showed.
“We’ll always look out for each other and cover each other’s backs.
“It was pleasing for us to win and get a clean sheet, which is always nice. It’s very pleasing to get a clean sheet in any game, especially when you come up against quality like we did.
“We must have covered a bit of ground, but we defended from the front, and got our rewards.
“We’ve got that momentum. It’s just what we’ve been doing all season.
“We’ve got honest lads who work hard and play for each other. It’s a good mix to have.
“Papiss is a fantastic outlet when you put the ball in the channel.
“He works his socks off, and he’s got quality to score goals.
“For a team at this stage of the season, that’s a brilliant thing to have.”