Spain striker Fernando Torres volleyed in to give an unconvincing Liverpool victory over West Brom at Anfield.
Torres struck his first goal of the season by clinically converting a Dirk Kuyt cross from the edge of the box.
The Spaniard was denied a second when Baggies keeper Scott Carson blocked his far post shot at point-blank range.
The Reds were denied a late penalty for an apparent Gonzalo Jara handball before the visitors had James Morrison red-carded for a tackle on Torres.
The numerical advantage helped the Merseysiders close out the game as they were relieved to record their first league win of the season, albeit courtesy of a rare moment of quality in an encounter which had plenty going on before kick-off.
Hodgson happy with 'tough' win
Liverpool's new signing Raul Meireles was presented to the crowd and left-back Paul Konchesky was also at Anfield to finalise a proposed move from Fulham.
The arrivals, even though Javier Mascherano is set to leave for Barcelona, will have added to the air of optimism sweeping through Anfield, although the Reds have so far failed to mirror that sentiment with performances and results this season.
And, when the focus of attention switched to the pitch, it was the same again for the home side as the industry of the Baggies served to frustrate a Liverpool side playing like strangers.
The Reds were too pedestrian and predictable and seemed unsure in possession as opposed to a West Brom side who grew in confidence as each of Liverpool's forward forays continually and harmlessly broke down.
The visitors had a penalty appeal waved away for Martin Skrtel pulling Jonas Olsson, while Torres thought he might have had a spot-kick for his shirt being tugged in the visitors' box.
Skrtel fizzed a shot just high of the visitors' goal but, while the Merseysiders were in sloppy mood, the Baggies could not capitalise as Marc-Antoine Fortune had a strike saved and were limited to speculative efforts from distance.
Torres had not scored in 10 games for club and country going into the match and was looking a shadow of his devastating best as he nursed his way back to match fitness from injury.
However, after the Reds survived a scare with goalkeeper Pepe Reina saving from Jara, Torres showed his quality and worth to his team by finishing off a Reds counter-attack with a volley from Kuyt's cross.
The Spain striker almost added another when found by a Steven Gerrard cross to the far post only for Carson to block his far post strike.
Di Matteo proud of West Brom performance
The Anfield side are clearly a work in progress as manager Roy Hodgson reinforces his squad and, in tandem, tries to embed his style on the side.
However, buoyed by the goal Torres thought he should have had a spot-kick when Jara seemed to block his effort with his arm.
Torres was the target of an over-zealous, rather than malicious, challenge which resulted in Morrison being sent off before the home side negotiated some anxious late moments to earn their first three points under manager Roy Hodgson.
Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson: "There are one or two minor details that need to be sorted (but) we hope to tie up
a deal for Paul Konchesky
in the next couple of days".
West Brom boss Roberto di Matteo: "I watched it (the sending-off) again and it looks a bit harsh.
"I don't think there was any intention to hurt anyone. I think a yellow card would have been appropriate.
"We are massively disappointed. We put in a good performance against a very good team and we've got nothing."
90:00+2:23 Attacking throw-in by Gonzalo Jara (West Brom).
90:00+2:10 Attacking throw-in by Gonzalo Jara (West Brom).
90:00+2:05 The ball is delivered by Somen Tchoyi, clearance made by Jamie Carragher.
90:00+1:57 The ball is delivered by Nicky Shorey, Christian Poulsen makes a clearance.
90:00+0:47 Somen Tchoyi concedes a free kick for a foul on Daniel Agger. Free kick taken by Jose Reina.
90:00 The referee blows his whistle to end the game.
89:25 A cross is delivered by Leiva Lucas, Dirk Kuyt takes a shot. Save by Scott Carson.
88:28 Substitution (Liverpool) makes a substitution, with Ryan Babel coming on for Fernando Torres.
87:36 Unfair challenge on Nicky Shorey by Fernando Torres results in a free kick. Chris Brunt sends in a cross, Effort from the
edge of the area by Gabriel Tamas goes wide of the left-hand upright.
87:21 Attacking throw-in by Nicky Shorey (West Brom).
87:14 Somen Tchoyi sends in a cross, Martin Skrtel manages to make a clearance.
85:31 Free kick taken by Daniel Agger.
85:31 Sent off James Morrison is sent off by the referee.
85:00 Unfair challenge on Fernando Torres by James Morrison results in a free kick.
84:26 Goal kick taken long by Jose Reina (Liverpool).
84:11 Somen Tchoyi has an effort at goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the right-hand post.
83:54 Defending throw-in by Gonzalo Jara (West Brom).
Correction - 83:13 Corner taken right-footed by Steven Gerrard from the left by-line to the near post, Gabriel Tamas manages to make a clearance.
83:13 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) to centre, clearance by Gabriel Tamas
(West Brom).
82:56 Fernando Torres takes a shot. Blocked by Gonzalo Jara.
81:55 Somen Tchoyi concedes a free kick for a foul on Leiva Lucas. Jose Reina takes the free kick.
81:10 Substitution Chris Wood on for Marc-Antoine Fortune.
80:35 Peter Odemwingie takes a shot. Save by Jose Reina.
79:23 Goal kick taken long by Jose Reina (Liverpool).
78:53 Centre by Chris Brunt, clearance made by Daniel Agger.
77:44 Goal kick taken long by Jose Reina (Liverpool).
76:40 Attacking throw-in by Daniel Agger (Liverpool).
75:47 Goal kick taken long by Jose Reina (Liverpool).
74:50 Corner from right by-line taken by Chris Brunt.
74:50 Substitution Somen Tchoyi joins the action as a substitute, replacing Graham Dorrans.
74:35 The ball is sent over by Peter Odemwingie, blocked by Daniel Agger.
74:18 Glen Johnson produces a cross, Gonzalo Jara makes a clearance.
73:54 Attacking throw-in by Glen Johnson (Liverpool).
73:26 Steven Gerrard takes a shot. Scott Carson makes a save.
72:32 Corner taken right-footed by Graham Dorrans to the near post, Daniel Agger manages to make a clearance.
72:22 Defending throw-in by Nicky Shorey (West Brom).
Correction - 71:42 Fernando Torres takes a shot. Save by Scott Carson.
71:42 Shot by Fernando Torres (Liverpool) right-footed from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), blocked by Scott Carson (West
Brom).
71:06 Free kick awarded for a foul by Christian Poulsen on Youssouf Mulumbu. Nicky Shorey takes the direct free kick.
70:59 Defending throw-in by Nicky Shorey (West Brom).
69:05 Leiva Lucas fouled by James Morrison, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Jose Reina.
68:14 Goal kick taken long by Scott Carson (West Brom).
67:50 Unfair challenge on Glen Johnson by Chris Brunt results in a free kick. Jose Reina restarts play with the free kick.
67:23 Goal kick taken long by Jose Reina (Liverpool).
67:03 Shot from outside the area by Peter Odemwingie misses to the left of the target.
66:23 Fernando Torres gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Youssouf Mulumbu. James Morrison takes the direct free kick.
Correction - 64:54 Dirk Kuyt provided the assist for the goal.
64:54 Assist on the goal came from Dirk Kuyt.
64:54 GOAL - Fernando Torres:Liverpool 1 - 0 West Brom Fernando Torres gets on the score sheet with a goal from just outside the area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Liverpool
1-0 West Brom.
Correction - 64:39 GOAL - Fernando Torres:Liverpool 1 - 0 West Brom Goal by Fernando Torres (Liverpool) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from left channel (20 yards).Liverpool 1-0 West Brom.
Correction - 64:39 Gonzalo Jara takes a shot. Blocked by Daniel Agger. Gonzalo Jara takes a shot. Save by Jose Reina.
64:39 Shot by Gonzalo Jara (West Brom) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), blocked by Daniel Agger (Liverpool).
Shot by Gonzalo Jara (West Brom) left-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), assist by Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool) from
left wing.Save (caught) by Jose Reina (Liverpool).
64:19 Rodriguez Maxi takes a shot. Blocked by Gabriel Tamas.
63:44 Defending throw-in by Nicky Shorey (West Brom).
62:37 Steven Gerrard sends in a cross, Chris Brunt manages to make a clearance.
62:03 Corner taken by Rodriguez Maxi played to the near post, Graham Dorrans manages to make a clearance.
59:31 Centre by Fernando Torres, Martin Skrtel has an effort at goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the right-hand
post.
58:56 Corner taken by Steven Gerrard from the right by-line to the near post, clearance made by Chris Brunt.
58:56 Substitution Rodriguez Maxi replaces Milan Jovanovic.
57:32 Steven Gerrard delivers the ball, save by Scott Carson.
56:40 Attacking throw-in by Graham Dorrans (West Brom).
56:03 Goal kick taken long by Scott Carson (West Brom).
55:19 Goal kick taken long by Jose Reina (Liverpool).
55:09 Effort from the edge of the area by Graham Dorrans goes wide of the right-hand upright.
53:52 Free kick awarded for a foul by Fernando Torres on Jonas Olsson. Scott Carson takes the direct free kick.
53:43 Attacking throw-in by Steven Gerrard (Liverpool).
53:25 Centre by Nicky Shorey, clearance made by Glen Johnson.
51:55 Goal kick taken short by Jose Reina (Liverpool).
51:46 Graham Dorrans takes a shot from a long way out which goes wide of the right-hand post.
49:26 Chris Brunt takes a shot. Blocked by Christian Poulsen.
48:59 Goal kick taken long by Scott Carson (West Brom).
48:44 Shot by Steven Gerrard went wide of the right-hand upright.
48:21 Goal kick taken long by Jose Reina (Liverpool).
48:09 James Morrison has a shot on goal from long range that goes wide left.
47:20 Foul by Leiva Lucas on Chris Brunt, free kick awarded. Scott Carson takes the free kick.
45:23 Attacking throw-in by Daniel Agger (Liverpool).
45:01 The referee starts the second half.
Half Time
45:00+0:43 Shot from long distance by James Morrison misses to the right of the goal.
45:00+0:12 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Gonzalo Jara by Fernando Torres. Free kick taken by Gabriel Tamas.
45:00 The referee blows for half time.
43:19 Free kick awarded for a foul by Glen Johnson on Youssouf Mulumbu. Free kick taken by Nicky Shorey.
38:47 Attacking throw-in by Daniel Agger (Liverpool).
37:56 James Morrison crosses the ball, Jamie Carragher manages to make a clearance.
37:24 Corner taken by Graham Dorrans from the left by-line played to the near post, clearance made by Steven Gerrard.
36:52 The offside flag is raised against Fernando Torres. Gabriel Tamas takes the free kick.
36:25 Attacking throw-in by Gonzalo Jara (West Brom).
36:06 Defending throw-in by Gonzalo Jara (West Brom).
35:43 Attacking throw-in by Daniel Agger (Liverpool).
35:07 Corner from the right by-line taken by Milan Jovanovic, clearance made by Youssouf Mulumbu.
34:59 Steven Gerrard takes the inswinging corner, Youssouf Mulumbu makes a clearance.
34:27 Gonzalo Jara gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Milan Jovanovic. Steven Gerrard restarts play with the free
kick.
34:11 A cross is delivered by Glen Johnson, clearance by Jonas Olsson.
32:28 The ball is sent over by Steven Gerrard, clearance made by Jonas Olsson.
31:24 Glen Johnson produces a cross, Gabriel Tamas manages to make a clearance.
31:18 Attacking throw-in by Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool).
30:50 Free kick awarded for a foul by Leiva Lucas on Graham Dorrans. Youssouf Mulumbu restarts play with the free kick.
30:11 Goal kick taken long by Jose Reina (Liverpool).
30:00 Centre by Chris Brunt.
29:38 Chris Brunt produces a cross, Martin Skrtel makes a clearance.
29:10 Attacking throw-in by Nicky Shorey (West Brom).
28:27 Gonzalo Jara crosses the ball, Martin Skrtel makes a clearance.
28:06 Corner taken left-footed by Chris Brunt from the right by-line to the near post, clearance made by Steven Gerrard.
27:15 Defending throw-in by Nicky Shorey (West Brom).
26:47 Goal kick taken short by Jose Reina (Liverpool).
26:19 Attacking throw-in by Gonzalo Jara (West Brom).
25:46 Chris Brunt takes a inswinging corner to the near post, Steven Gerrard manages to make a clearance.
24:03 Defending throw-in by Glen Johnson (Liverpool).
22:51 Marc-Antoine Fortune takes a shot. Save by Jose Reina.
22:07 Graham Dorrans takes a inswinging corner to the near post, clearance made by Steven Gerrard.
19:52 Goal kick taken long by Scott Carson (West Brom).
19:32 Attacking throw-in by Glen Johnson (Liverpool).
19:10 Attacking throw-in by Glen Johnson (Liverpool).
18:49 Goal kick taken short by Scott Carson (West Brom).
18:33 Steven Gerrard takes the outswinging corner, Gabriel Tamas manages to make a clearance.
16:56 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Fernando Torres by Gabriel Tamas. The free kick is swung in right-footed by Steven
Gerrard, Gabriel Tamas makes a clearance.
15:48 Goal kick taken long by Jose Reina (Liverpool).
15:36 Effort on goal by Marc-Antoine Fortune from deep inside the penalty area misses to the right of the goal.
Correction - 14:56 Goal kick taken short by Scott Carson (West Brom).
14:56 Goal kick taken long by Scott Carson (West Brom).
14:44 Effort from outside the box by Fernando Torres goes wide right of the target.
13:08 Free kick awarded for a foul by Christian Poulsen on Graham Dorrans. Direct free kick taken by Youssouf Mulumbu.
12:43 The offside flag is raised against Peter Odemwingie. Jose Reina takes the indirect free kick.
12:19 Attacking throw-in by Nicky Shorey (West Brom).
10:36 Defending throw-in by Daniel Agger (Liverpool).
7:56 Corner taken by Steven Gerrard from the left by-line to the near post, Graham Dorrans makes a clearance.
7:39 Fernando Torres takes a shot. Gabriel Tamas gets a block in.
7:27 Glen Johnson crosses the ball, clearance made by Gabriel Tamas.
5:50 Defending throw-in by Daniel Agger (Liverpool).
3:23 Goal kick taken long by Jose Reina (Liverpool).
3:09 James Morrison has an effort at goal from outside the box missing to the wide left of the goal.
2:43 Fernando Torres has an effort at goal. Save made by Scott Carson.
1:57 Defending throw-in by Jamie Carragher (Liverpool).
1:30 Attacking throw-in by Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool).
1:12 Handball decision goes against Graham Dorrans. Free kick taken by Leiva Lucas.
0:40 Graham Dorrans concedes a free kick for a foul on Steven Gerrard. Direct free kick taken by Glen Johnson.
0:19 Attacking throw-in by Nicky Shorey (West Brom).
Live text and data provided by The Press Association.
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