Liverpool had endured goalless draws in their previous two league games, sparking much criticism of boss Rafael Benitez's rotation policy. But in the end it was substitute Benayoun who netted a 75th minute winner for his first league goal for the Reds.

The recalled Fernando Torres had Liverpool's three best chances in an opening 45 minutes in which goalkeeper Jose Reina was a virtual spectator.

The best of those came on the half hour when a woeful error from Jason Koumas allowed Dirk Kuyt to set Torres clear. After outpacing Emmerson Boyce, he stabbed a shot goalwards that was blocked at point-blank range by Chris Kirkland. Wigan were fortunate as the ricochet sprang off the Spaniard and rebounded inches past the left-hand post.

Wigan's Marcus Bent had the ball in the net in the 50th minute, but it was controversially ruled out. Koumas forced Reina into his only meaningful save of the game five minutes later, before Kirkland denied Kuyt soon after. It was end to end stuff, and a flick from Paul Scharner finished agonisingly wide.

The Reds finally broke the deadlock 15 minutes from time. Benayoun had plenty of work to do in picking up the ball a few yards outside the Wigan area, but with a beautiful flick he gave himself time and space before beating Kirkland with a low shot.