Mascherano epitomised Liverpool’s spirit with a series of crunching tackles to win back possession and keep the visitors on the back foot. The Argentinian was knocked off his feet by Mohamed Diame’s piledriver which hit him straight in the face but picked himself up to keep pulling the strings.

Wigan did briefly threaten on the counter-attack but when Jordi Gomez worked his way into space his 20-yarder was too close to Reina.

With full-backs Carragher and Insua getting forward well to offer an attacking outlet, Liverpool should have had breathing space before the break.

Benayoun narrowly failed to convert Aurelio’s cross and then the lively Ngog burst through but dragged his shot just wide of the far post.

Players from the club’s successful cup final teams of 1965 and 1974 as well as members of Shankly’s family were introduced to the crowd at half-time, while bagpipers played an emotional rendition of Amazing Grace – the Scot’s favourite piece of music.

But the best way to mark the half-century since the great man took charge was always going to be with maximum points.

And any concerns about a repeat of Sunday’s capitulation against Arsenal were eased as Liverpool continued to keep a stranglehold on proceedings.

Kuyt must have thought he had added a second in the 51st minute when he hammered Ngog’s cross goalwards but Kirkland produced another breathtaking save.

Benayoun and Ngog were inches away from converting crosses as supporters’ frustration at Liverpool’s failure to kill off the plucky Latics grew.

Benitez had seen enough and just past the hour introduced Torres for his 100th appearance for the club in place of Ngog.

However, as the game advanced Liverpool grew increasingly nervy and Wigan started to enjoy more possession.

Substitute Jason Scotland had already gone close when he squandered a gilt-edged chance to equalise in the 74th minute.

Liverpool failed to deal with N’Zogbia’s free-kick into the box and Hugo Rodallega beat Reina to the high ball.

It dropped invitingly for Scotland but with the net gaping his volley bounced back off the bar.

Wigan were made to pay as five minutes later Liverpool wrapped up the points.

Torres pounced on a defensive error and out-paced Titus Bramble before rounding Kirkland.

Bramble did admirably to get back and block his shot, but was helpless to prevent the Spaniard tapping the rebound into the empty net from a yard out for his 49th league goal.

Alberto Aquilani came on for Benayoun in the closing stages and the Italian almost opened his account with an acrobatic overhead kick.

However, the home side blotted their copybook in stoppage time when N’Zogbia took advantage of some hesitant defending to slam home a left-footer.

It mattered little but was a reminder that there is plenty of work still to be done before Liverpool can claim to have turned the corner.