Yossi Benayoun scored his first league goal for Liverpool as the Kops overcame a stubborn Wigan Athletic defense to win their first Premiership game in three matches.

Having been held to 0-0 draw in last two matches, Rafa Benitez opted for his strongest line up with Fernando Torres partnering Dirk Kuyt up front while Steven Gerrard was also named in the starting line up.

Liverpool looked threatening right from the start but were unable to create chances while it was backs to the wall job for Wigan as the hosts rarely ventured forward in the half. Liverpool's first real chance of the match fell to Fernando Torres when he latched on to Kuyt's flick on but was unable to beat Chris Kirkland.

The Spanish international had two more good chances to score but was denied by a brilliant save by Kirkland on the first attempt while he shot just wide of the target on the second. Wigan nearly took the lead in the 50th minute when Marcus Bent put the ball in the back of the net but his effort was harshly ruled out for offside.

After a brief period of dominance by Wigan, when Paul Scharner went close to scoring, Liverpool took control of the game as Gerrard and the Kuyt went close to breaking the deadlock. However it was Benayoun, who was brought in to replace Fabio Aurelio in the 56th minute, who managed to give Liverpool the lead.

Having taken possession outside the penalty area, the Israeli midfielder did well to create space for himself before smashing a low drive past Kirkland and into the net. Wigan had one late chance to equalize, but Aghahowa headed wide after doing well to reach Koumas' cross in injury time.