Benayoun gifts Liverpool win

Wigan 0-1 Liverpool
A late Yossi Benayoun goal gifted Liverpool an important 3 points in a tough battle with Wigan at the JJB. Benayoun latched onto a through ball from Pennant and dribbled past Titus Bramble before finding the net from in the 75th minute.

It really was a game of missed chances as Fernando Torres should have scored at least two goals. It wasn't the best answer to Rafa Benitez's rotation policy; Benitez named seven changes to the side that beat Reading mid-week.

Torres' most painful miss came in the 32nd minute when Fabio Aurelio's cross found the Spaniard unmarked - he had time to control the ball, but instead opted for the spectacular with an overhead kick, firing well wide of Kirkland's left hand post.

It took a moment of brilliance from the Israeli Benayoun to break the deadlock - and wasn't it something special. The midfielder created space with a wonderful first touch from Pennant's ball, back-heeling the ball into space, evading challenges on the edge of the box before firing past Kirkland.

Wigan should have levelled the scores in stoppage time but striker Julius Aghahowa missed a close-range header with an open goal at his mercy.

The result keeps Liverpool nicely in touch with league leaders Arsenal.