The Reds started the game well and had control of the first half but couldn't get the goal their play deserved. Fernando Torres had a couple of early chances but former Liverpool player Chris Kirkland was in good form in the Wigan goal.
Dirk Kuyt almost opened the scoring after 55 minutes after connecting with Steven Gerrard's cross but his shot was blocked by Latics defender Josep Skoko.
With time running out Rafael Benitez brought on Yossi Benayoun for the fading Fabio Aurelio. It was to be an inspired subsitution. Benayoun ran onto a Jermaine Pennant pass with fifteen minutes remaining, ghosted past a defender and blasted home his first league goal for Liverpool.
Torres and Gerrard had late chances to make the game safe, but in the end Benayoun's fine strike was enough to ensure the Reds took all three points and remain in touch with leaders Arsenal.
