IF Liverpool’s players were in search of inspiration last night they didn’t have far to look. On a night of nostalgia at Anfield the club’s legends were out in force to mark the 50th anniversary of Bill Shankly’s arrival and celebrate the legacy he left.
From 60s Kop heroes like Roger Hunt, Ian St John, Tommy Smith, Ron Yeats and Ian Callaghan to 70s stars like Phil Thompson, Steve Heighway and Kevin Keegan.
Players with more medals than grey hairs who helped Shankly achieve his dream of turning Liverpool into the most successful club in the land.
Some of the most lauded names in the club’s illustrious history formed a guard of honour to applaud the current crop on to the field last night.
It had the desired impact as Liverpool returned to winning ways and re-ignited their charge for Champions League qualification.
On a night when past successes were commemorated, there were at least some signs of promise for the future.
It wasn’t convincing and victory over Wigan will hardly have the other top four contenders quaking in their boots.
But with confidence having hit rock bottom following Sunday’s miserable defeat to Arsenal, Rafa Benitez’s side at least displayed the kind of battling qualities Shankly would have applauded.
David Ngog’s sixth goal of the campaign broke the deadlock early on but there were some nervy moments before substitute Fernando Torres marked his 100th appearance for the club by settling the contest late on.
Charles N’Zogbia halved the deficit in stoppage time but Liverpool deservedly held on to claim their first home win since the visit of Manchester United in late October.
Benitez made three changes to the side beaten 2-1 by Arsenal. Two were enforced as Glen Johnson was sidelined by a thigh injury and Torres was deemed only fit enough to be on the bench.
Lucas dropped out of the starting line up for the first time in the league this season with Martin Skrtel, Emiliano Insua and Ngog handed a chance to shine.
The reshuffle meant Jamie Carragher shifting to right-back and a deeper role for Steven Gerrard in the centre of midfield alongside the impressive Javier Mascherano.
Benitez had demanded a show of character from his under-fire side and he got the response he was looking for as they flew out of the blocks.
They were unrecognisable from Sunday’s second-half shambles as they moved the ball at speed, played at a high tempo and threatened to rip the Latics to shreds.
Dirk Kuyt had already gone close by the time Liverpool broke the deadlock on nine minutes.
Fabio Aurelio whipped in a perfect cross from the right and Ngog leapt highest to glance a header into the far corner.
Wigan had a golden opportunity to instantly wipe out the deficit but Paul Scharner nodded straight at Pepe Reina.
Liverpool responded to that let-off and continued to dominate. They went agonisingly close to adding to their tally.
Wigan arrived with the worst defensive record in the Premier League having conceded 36 times, including a recent 9-1 thrashing at Tottenham.
Midway through the first half their backline were caught napping by Yossi Benayoun’s quick throw. Ngog raced on to it and picked out Kuyt in the box but former Anfield keeper Chris Kirkland denied his old club with a stunning save to turn the ball over the bar.
