Gerrard finally injected some life into the game just before the interval with a lung-bursting run through the centre.

The skipper played in Jovanovic but rather than hit it first time the Serbian opted to cut back inside and the chance went begging.

The home fans had grown restless and the anxiety levels increased after the break with James Morrison and Graham Dorrans threatening for West Brom from long range.

Hodgson had to take action and on the hour he brought on Maxi Rodriguez to replace the ineffective Jovanovic.

Skrtel volleyed agonisingly wide of the upright after West Brom had failed to deal with Gerrard’s corner but in truth when the goal arrived in the 65th minute it came out of the blue.

Reina kept out Gonzalo Jara’s shot and the keeper’s quick throw launched a devastating counter attack.

Kuyt and Torres combined to put the Dutchman in space down the left and he provided the perfect cross for the Spaniard to volley into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

It was a moment of class out of keeping with the rest of the contest as Torres ended a run of 10 games without a goal for club and country. It was also his 41st goal in 43 league games at Anfield.

Torres was unfortunate not to add to his account as first Carson did well to parry his volley from Gerrard’s cross and then Chilean defender Jara handled his goal-bound shot.

Remarkably, referee Lee Probert awarded a corner rather than a spot-kick.

Liverpool couldn’t relax until they were handed a numerical advantage five minutes from time when Morrison was dismissed for his dangerous lunge on Torres.

Thankfully, the striker escaped injury and was able to battle on until the manager brought him off at the death to receive his customary standing ovation.

Just like his predecessor, Hodgson was left thanking his lucky stars for Torres.

This was a first league win for the new Anfield boss but hardly the statement of intent he would have hoped for.