Propelled by Gerrard, Liverpool left West Brom still searching for their first victory of the season and secured their second home win of the campaign.
There is no such thing as a one-man team in the Premiership, but a Liverpool side without Gerrard do not bear thinking about. For those Kop loyalists who still fear their midfield powerhouse will follow Michael Owen out of Anfield next year, Benítez is unlikely to give up his inspirational captain without a fight, especially with the Spaniard claiming that Gerrard can only get better.
'Steven will improve because we are working with him,' said Benítez. 'Players like Dietmar Hamann and Xabi Alonso can also help him because they are experienced. He trains very well and he is a very intelligent player. Just like every good player, he wants to learn.
'He wasn't injured when I took him off. I decided to because after playing so well, it was good for him to get the applause of the crowd. With the games we have coming up, it was also good to give him more time to recover.'
Gerrard remains Liverpool's only world-class player and he dragged his team-mates out of their lethargic start to open the scoring. Often compared to Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane, Gerrard bears more resemblance to Bryan Robson during his pomp at Manchester United in the way he drives Liverpool forward and his goal was typical of his hungry approach to the game.
His link-up with Luís García allowed him to burst into the penalty area and although he mis-controlled and lost possession, he prof ited from a lucky rebound and aimed a low left-foot strike past Russell Hoult to score.
It should have been 2-0 shortly afterwards, with two goalbound headers failing to creep into the Albion net. First Neil Clement saw his mis-directed clearance headed off the line by team-mate Jonathan Greening, then Sami Hyypia was denied only by a tremendous save after towering above the Albion defence to head Gerrard's corner towards goal.
Liverpool deservedly scored their second three minutes before the interval when Steve Finnan collected a long ball from John-Arne Riise, rounded two defenders and shot past Hoult.
'It looked like we could equalise at one stage,' West Brom manager Gary Megson said, 'but their second goal took the wind out of our sails. We have to learn that we cannot show as much respect to teams. Sometimes it seems we are a bit in awe of opponents before we go 1-0 down.'
The visitors briefly threatened a fightback when Riccardo Scimeca and Kanu went close with headers after the re-start. However, Liverpool scored a third goal when Luís García, released by Gerrard, beat Hoult at the second attempt after his initial shot was saved.
Whether Megson remains at the Hawthorns is still unsure, with his contract due to expire before the end of the season and speculation linking him with Blackburn.
'I don't know what my future holds because I don't have a crystal ball. Nothing has been said to me, but I've read a fair bit in the newspapers,' he said.
Who was your man of the match?