by Dan Smith, at Anfield

A stuttering Liverpool claimed their first Premier League win since August on Saturday, overcoming a confident West Brom who came to Anfield on a three-game winning streak.

Surprise starter Rickie Lambert, who replaced the struggling Mario Balotelli in attack for Liverpool, had the best chance of a nervy opening period as he expertly controlled a Martin Skrtel through-ball before angling a powerful drive, drawing a fine one-handed save from Ben Foster.

The industrious Jordan Henderson and impressive Adam Lallana worked hard to find space against a resolute and organised West Brom, but Liverpool’s frail defence gifted the Baggies a huge chance as a momentary lapse from Henderson presented the ball to Saido Berahino, who forced Simon Mignolet into a flying save.

Just as it looked like the first half would end goalless, a delighted Lallana broke the deadlock with his first Liverpool goal.

Some dazzling footwork on the edge of the Baggies’ box gained him a yard of space before a neat one-two with Henderson released him to fire a smart finish across Foster.

After the break, Liverpool’s nervy defence offered West Brom a lifeline when Dejan Lovren was controversially adjudged to have fouled Berahino inside the box.

The young forward calmly converted the resulting penalty to notch his fifth league goal of the season.

No other English player has scored more than 21-year-old Berahino, and he will be disappointed not to make Roy Hodgson’s recent England squad, especially with Liverpool hitman Daniel Sturridge still sidelined.

The goal shocked Liverpool into life and — for a brief 15 minutes — the team displayed the same movement, incisiveness and crisp passing which defined their title challenge last season.

The effervescent Henderson brought relief to the Kop as he capped a fine personal performance with a precise finish, giving the Reds their first win in three games.

“Performance-wise we’ve still got a way to go,” admitted Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

“The speed of our game, the movement and the intensity in our game still needs developing and improving.

“While you are searching for that, it’s important you find a way to win.”