By Sam Sheringham BBC Sport

Wigan gave their survival hopes a massive boost with a first-ever win at Anfield as Liverpool's desperate run of league form continued.

Shaun Maloney fired the visitors ahead from the spot but his goal was cancelled out by Luis Suarez, finishing crisply from Steven Gerrard's pass.

The Uruguayan had a goal disallowed for handball before Gary Caldwell stunned the home crowd with a neat finish.

The defeat was Liverpool's fifth in their last six Premier League games.

The scoreline, and alarmingly flat performance, will increase the pressure on manager Kenny Dalglish, who has constantly insisted that the club are making progress this season.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • In 2010-11, Liverpool had 45 points from 30 Premier League games. In 2011-12, they have 42

For Wigan and their manager Roberto Martinez, the victory was crucial to their chances of beating the drop, taking them level on points with 18th-placed QPR, within one point of safety.

The Latics refused to be overawed by their more celebrated opponents and were good value for just their second win in 14 league games.

After a cagey start, Wigan fashioned the first clear opening as Victor Moses cut in sharply from the right and worked space for a shot, but his effort was blocked by Martin Skrtel.

Liverpool dominated possession in the early stages but lacked any conviction or subtlety in the final third, their growing frustration encapsulated in an angry exchange between Luis Suarez and Stewart Downing.

After 26 minutes, the home side finally worked a chance as a Suarez flick put Downing into space inside the box, but his low strike fizzed past the post.

Moments later, Wigan were awarded a penalty as Liverpool failed to clear a free-kick and, when the ball was returned to the box, Skrtel was penalised for a high challenge on Moses.

After a delay for Moses to receive treatment, Maloney kept his composure to expertly tuck home his first goal for the club.

The goal sparked an improvement in Liverpool's play and Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi was the busiest man on the pitch for the remainder of the half.

First he dived to his left to save a curling Suarez shot from outside the area, and then he reacted sharply to keep out a deflected Gerrard drive.

Dalglish brought on Andy Carroll at half-time and the Reds were soon on level terms as Skrtel and Suarez worked some space on the right for Gerrard, who squared for the Uruguayan to finish neatly.

Shortly afterwards, Suarez was celebrating again after bundling home Skrtel's far post header.

Historic win for fans - Martinez

But the goal was ruled out after referee Lee Mason consulted his assistant, replays appearing to confirm that the striker - who was booked - had used his hand to turn the ball in.

Having believed momentarily that they were ahead, Liverpool were soon behind as Wigan conjured a goal out of nothing.

James McCarthy's drive deflected off Jamie Carragher into the path of Caldwell, who turned inside Carroll and lashed past Pepe Reina.

A near-silent Anfield looked on in disbelief as a rag-tag Liverpool struggled to mount any sort of fightback.

Bereft of alternatives, Dalglish turned to 17-year-old winger Raheem Sterling, who replaced Dirk Kuyt to become the club's third youngest debutant.

But Liverpool's main tactic was to hoist long balls towards Carroll, an ineffective ploy until the giant striker's flick-on found Suarez, whose low drive was easily kept out by Al Habsi at his near post.

Dalglish blames 'tired' Liverpool

Lineup, Bookings (3) & Substitutions (6)

Liverpool

  • 25 Reina
  • 03 Jose Enrique
  • 23 Carragher
  • 37 Skrtel
  • 38 Flanagan
  • 08 Gerrard
  • 14 Henderson (Carroll - 46' )
  • 19 Downing (Shelvey - 73' )
  • 20 Spearing
  • 07 Suarez Booked
  • 18 Kuyt (Raheem Sterling - 84' )

Substitutes

  • 32 Doni
  • 06 Aurelio
  • 16 Coates
  • 31 Raheem Sterling
  • 33 Shelvey
  • 09 Carroll
  • 36 Eccleston

Wigan Athletic

  • 26 Al Habsi
  • 03 Alcaraz
  • 05 Caldwell
  • 17 Boyce
  • 31 Figueroa Booked
  • 04 McCarthy
  • 10 Maloney
  • 11 Moses (Crusat - 42' )
  • 16 McArthur
  • 22 Beausejour (Watson - 62' )
  • 09 Di Santo Booked (Sammon - 81' )

Substitutes

  • 01 Kirkland
  • 23 Stam
  • 06 Thomas
  • 07 Crusat
  • 08 Watson
  • 14 Gomez
  • 18 Sammon
Ref: Mason
Att: 44,431

Match Stats

Shots

12 6

On target

9 5

Corners

6 0

Fouls

14 10

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +5:59 Full time

Full Time The referee ends the match.

90:00 +4:01

The ball is crossed by Steven Gerrard, Ben Watson manages to make a clearance.

90:00 +3:01

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Raheem Sterling by Ben Watson. The free kick is swung in right-footed by Luis Suarez, Maynor Figueroa manages to make a clearance.

90:00 +0:21

Foul by Jonjo Shelvey on Shaun Maloney, free kick awarded. Ali Al Habsi takes the direct free kick.

90:00 +0:07

Centre by Jonjo Shelvey, Antolin Alcaraz manages to make a clearance.

89:33

The ball is swung over by Sanchez Jose Enrique, save by Ali Al Habsi.

88:23

Luis Suarez takes a shot. Ali Al Habsi makes a save.

87:45

The ball is delivered by Raheem Sterling, Ben Watson makes a clearance.

87:06

Foul by Luis Suarez on James McArthur, free kick awarded. Ali Al Habsi takes the free kick.

85:03

Ben Watson takes a shot. Blocked by Martin Skrtel.

86:18

Steven Gerrard takes the inswinging corner, clearance by Ben Watson.

85:03

Conor Sammon takes a shot. Martin Skrtel gets a block in.

83:40 Substitution

Substitution Raheem Sterling replaces Dirk Kuyt.

83:35

A cross is delivered by Steven Gerrard.

82:23

Free kick awarded for a foul by James McArthur on Luis Suarez. Direct strike on goal from the free kick comes in from Luis Suarez.

80:51 Substitution

Substitution (Wigan) makes a substitution, with Conor Sammon coming on for Franco Di Santo.

80:16

Centre by Jon Flanagan, clearance made by Ben Watson.

80:05

Sanchez Jose Enrique sends in a cross, Antolin Alcaraz makes a clearance.

79:13

Jonjo Shelvey concedes a free kick for a foul on James McArthur. Direct free kick taken by Antolin Alcaraz.

77:55

Dirk Kuyt concedes a free kick for a foul on Ben Watson. Direct free kick taken by Gary Caldwell.

76:39

Maynor Figueroa fouled by Steven Gerrard, the ref awards a free kick. Maynor Figueroa takes the direct free kick.

72:44 Substitution

Substitution (Liverpool) makes a substitution, with Jonjo Shelvey coming on for Stewart Downing.

71:03

Unfair challenge on Albert Crusat by Martin Skrtel results in a free kick. Gary Caldwell takes the free kick.

69:23

Stewart Downing crosses the ball, James McCarthy manages to make a clearance.

68:59

Foul by Ben Watson on Andy Carroll, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Sanchez Jose Enrique.

64:39

Stewart Downing produces a cross.

62:42

Assist by James McCarthy.

62:42 Goal scored

Goal - Gary Caldwell - Liverpool 1 - 2 Wigan Goal scored by Gary Caldwell from close in low into the middle of the goal. Liverpool 1-2 Wigan.

62:19

James McCarthy takes a shot. Jamie Carragher gets a block in.

61:43

The free kick is delivered right-footed by Shaun Maloney from left wing, Martin Skrtel makes a clearance.

61:43 Substitution

Substitution Ben Watson replaces Jean Beausejour.

61:43

Free kick awarded for a foul by Jon Flanagan on Jean Beausejour.

59:46

Shot by Maynor Figueroa went wide of the right-hand post.

59:36

Shaun Maloney takes a shot. Jay Spearing gets a block in.

58:52

Maynor Figueroa concedes a free kick for a foul on Andy Carroll. Jon Flanagan restarts play with the free kick.

55:33

Dirk Kuyt sends in a cross.

51:56

Steven Gerrard crosses the ball in from the free kick, Handball by Luis Suarez.

51:42

Foul by Maynor Figueroa on Luis Suarez, free kick awarded.

53:23

Indirect free kick taken by Ali Al Habsi.

53:23 Booking

Booking The referee shows Luis Suarez a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.

51:56

Steven Gerrard delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from right wing, Handball decision goes against Luis Suarez.

51:56 Booking

Booking Maynor Figueroa receives a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.

51:42

Maynor Figueroa gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Dirk Kuyt.

51:25

Luis Suarez concedes a free kick for a foul on Jean Beausejour. James McArthur restarts play with the free kick.

49:47

Free kick awarded for a foul by Andy Carroll on Gary Caldwell. Indirect free kick taken by Ali Al Habsi.

49:33

The ball is swung over by Jon Flanagan, clearance made by Emmerson Boyce.

49:07

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jon Flanagan by Albert Crusat. Direct free kick taken by Jon Flanagan.

48:27

Effort on goal by Luis Suarez from outside the area goes harmlessly over the bar.

46:50

Steven Gerrard delivers the ball,

46:49

The assist for the goal came from Steven Gerrard.

46:49 Goal scored

Goal - Luis Suarez - Liverpool 1 - 1 Wigan A goal is scored by Luis Suarez from inside the box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Liverpool 1-1 Wigan.

46:37

Luis Suarez delivers the ball, clearance by Gary Caldwell.

46:11

Jean Beausejour delivers the ball, save by Jose Reina.

45:01

The second half kicks off.

45:01 Substitution

Substitution Andy Carroll replaces Jordan Henderson.

45:00 +4:07 Half time

Half Time The ref blows to signal half-time.

45:00 +3:56

The ball is sent over by Jean Beausejour, clearance by Sanchez Jose Enrique.

45:00 +3:30

Jordan Henderson takes a shot. Save made by Ali Al Habsi.

45:00 +3:16

Steven Gerrard decides to take a short corner.

45:00 +3:04

Steven Gerrard takes a shot. Save by Ali Al Habsi.

45:00 +1:34

Jay Spearing is penalised for a handball. Maynor Figueroa restarts play with the free kick.

43:59

Steven Gerrard sends in a cross, Emmerson Boyce makes a clearance.

43:32

The ball is sent over by Dirk Kuyt, Maynor Figueroa manages to make a clearance.

42:35

Stewart Downing takes a shot. Blocked by Antolin Alcaraz.

42:01

Free kick taken by Jose Reina.

42:01 Booking

Booking The referee shows Franco Di Santo a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.

41:53

Foul by Franco Di Santo on Martin Skrtel, free kick awarded.

41:06 Substitution

Substitution Albert Crusat joins the action as a substitute, replacing Victor Moses.

40:53

The ball is crossed by Steven Gerrard, Ali Al Habsi makes a save.

40:35

Jay Spearing takes a shot. Blocked by James McCarthy.

39:52

Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Stewart Downing from the right by-line, Emmerson Boyce makes a clearance.

39:43

Luis Suarez takes a shot. Save by Ali Al Habsi.

38:52

Jamie Carragher delivers the ball, save by Ali Al Habsi.

38:17

Unfair challenge on Jordan Henderson by James McCarthy results in a free kick. Martin Skrtel takes the free kick.

37:45

The referee penalises Luis Suarez for handball. Indirect free kick taken by Gary Caldwell.

36:45

The ball is crossed by Sanchez Jose Enrique, save made by Ali Al Habsi.

35:33

Shaun Maloney fouled by Jordan Henderson, the ref awards a free kick. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Shaun Maloney from left wing, Steven Gerrard manages to make a clearance.

34:08

Dirk Kuyt is ruled offside. Ali Al Habsi takes the indirect free kick.

33:42

Stewart Downing takes a outswinging corner.

33:15

Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Steven Gerrard, clearance by Franco Di Santo.

29:52

Assist by Victor Moses.

29:52 Goal scored

Goal - Shaun Maloney - Liverpool 0 - 1 Wigan Placed penalty scored by Shaun Maloney. Liverpool 0-1 Wigan.

26:02

Penalty awarded for an unfair challenge on Victor Moses by Martin Skrtel.

25:02

Free kick awarded for a foul by Jordan Henderson on Jean Beausejour. Shaun Maloney crosses the ball in from the free kick, clearance by Jon Flanagan.

24:20

Shot by Stewart Downing from deep inside the penalty area misses to the right of the goal.

23:47

The assistant referee signals for offside against Victor Moses. Free kick taken by Sanchez Jose Enrique.

23:25

James McArthur delivers the ball, clearance made by Jose Reina.

22:31

Jon Flanagan gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Shaun Maloney. Gary Caldwell takes the free kick.

22:06

James McCarthy gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Steven Gerrard. Jordan Henderson takes the direct free kick.

21:16

The referee blows for offside against Luis Suarez. Free kick taken by Ali Al Habsi.

20:54

Stewart Downing crosses the ball, clearance by Maynor Figueroa.

18:53

Jordan Henderson has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box missing to the wide left of the goal.

18:46

The ball is crossed by Dirk Kuyt, Gary Caldwell manages to make a clearance.

14:02

Franco Di Santo crosses the ball, save by Jose Reina.

12:24

Jean Beausejour sends in a cross, clearance made by Martin Skrtel.

10:55

Victor Moses takes a shot. Martin Skrtel gets a block in.

7:26

Corner taken right-footed by Steven Gerrard from the left by-line to the near post, clearance by Franco Di Santo.

6:32

Maynor Figueroa challenges Luis Suarez unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by Steven Gerrard from right wing, clearance by Emmerson Boyce.

5:58

Stewart Downing takes a shot. James McArthur gets a block in.

1:57

Foul by Jamie Carragher on Franco Di Santo, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Franco Di Santo.

1:49

The ball is crossed by Jordan Henderson, blocked by Shaun Maloney.

0:00

The referee gets the game underway.

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