Fernando Torres came off the bench against Wigan to double Liverpool’s lead at home to Wigan and help secure an important three points for the Merseysiders. The Spaniard had to wait until the 64th minute to make his 100th appearance for the Reds in all competitions, but the wait was worth its while.

Before the kick-off Liverpool commemorated 50 years this week since Bill Shankly took charge of the club. Past players who served under the Scot during the 1960s and 1970s formed two lines as the two teams took to the pitch. The former Red manager was also honoured during the half-time interval.

Liverpool grabbed an early lead as Ngog put the Reds in front on 9 minutes. The striker beat Chris Kirkland in the air to a Fabio Aurelio cross, glancing a header into an empty net.

Wigan tested Reina from the restart. Charles N’Zogbia crossed for Scharner, but luckily for the Merseysiders the midfielder could only head straight at the keeper.

Mid-way through the first-half Fernando Torres left the bench to carry out some warm-up exercises along the touchline. The striker was received by a rapturous applause from home fans. The countdown had commenced.

Ngog almost doubled the home side’s lead on the stroke of half-time. The French striker ran onto a ball in the box but his first time shot whistled fast the far post.

Kirkland more than made up for his costly mistake in the first-half, pulling off an excellent save to deny Kuyt. Ngog’s ball across the box was met by the Dutch striker, but his drive was tipped over by the Wigan keeper.

At the other end Reina dived down well to his left to save from N'Zogbia. But it was Liverpool who looked the likeliest to score. Mascherano fired just over and Daniel Agger was inches away from meeting a Steven Gerrard corner.

With just over 25 minutes remaining Fernando Torres was brought on by Rafa Benitez. The appearance was the striker’s 100th in all competitions and he was going to celebrate this milestone with Liverpool’s second of the evening.

The Latics almost levelled on 74 minutes. Rodallega beat Reina to a high ball in the box but the loose ball was volleyed against the bar by Scotland. From a possible 1-1 it was soon 2-0.

On 78 minutes Fernando Torres grabbed his eleventh Premier League goal of the season. The Spaniard, who had been on the pitch for little more than 10 minutes, raced onto a header from Gerrard, and although his first effort was blocked by Bramble, the striker coolly collected the rebound, skipped past the defender and rolled the ball into an empty net.

There was still time for a late consolation goal from the visitors. N’Zogbia cut inside the Liverpool box before finding space to beat Reina with a shot into the bottom left-hand corner.


- Match Stats: Liverpool 2–1 Wigan

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Insua, Benayoun (Alquilani, 81), Mascherano, Gerrard, Aurelio (Lucas Leiva, 61), Kuyt, Ngog (Torres, 64)

Booked: Mascherano

Goals: Ngog 9, Torres 78

Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Scharner, Gomez (Koumas, 83), Diame (Scotland, 57) Thomas, N'Zogbia, Rodallega

Booked: Thomas

Goals: N'Zogbia 90 (+1)