Goals in the seventh minute of each half ensured deadlock at the DW Stadium, although Fernando Torres’ terrific right-footed first-half strike for Liverpool may eventually prove the more significant goal.

The previously off-colour striker latched onto a through ball from Steven Gerrard and shot early with deadly accuracy to beat Wigan keeper Ali Al-Habsi and give the Reds the lead.

Lucas had an earlier shot tipped over by Al-Habsi and Gerrard should have doubled his side’s advantage on 15 minutes but blazed over after a sweeping three-man pitch-length move.

Improving Wigan had the ball in the net before half-time, Charles N’Zogbia receiving a pass from an offside Hugo Rodallega before firing home.

But Rodallega made amends on 52 minutes, drilling home a left-footed shot from 12 yards after Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina pushed out Ronnie Stam’s left-wing cross.

He miscontrolled the ball when well placed moments later, while Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt had a goal ruled out for offside.

The Latics were dominating possession but Gerrard could have won the match for Liverpool on 78 minutes, crashing his shot against the underside of the crossbar from 10 yards.

However, Reina made late saves from Mohamed Diame and N’Zogbia to preserve parity.