Jari Litmanen notched his first goal of the season to sink a lively Spurs side and kick-start Liverpool's season.

The Finnish international drilled home an unstoppable drive in the 56th minute after Spurs had missed a host of chances.

It was another unconvincing display from the Anfield side, who also lost substitute Michael Owen with a hamstring injury in the second half.

Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier elected to partner Litmanen and Robbie Fowler in attack, consigning England stars Owen and Emile Heskey to the bench.

Spurs, who were unchanged from their midweek triumph over Sunderland, went into the match having not won in the league at Anfield since 1993.

However, Les Ferdinand was close to giving his side the lead following a breathless opening spell.

The former Newcastle striker leapt high above the Liverpool defence to steer a header goalwards which was well blocked by Jerzy Dudek.

Liverpool replied immediately through Gregory Vignal, but his sweet left foot drive cracked against the Spurs bar.

As Spurs pushed forward, Christian Ziege, returning to Anfield for the first time since his switch to north London, blazed a shot into the Kop.

Darren Anderton added to the catalogue of missed chances, missing the target from long range after a mazy run.

After a goalless opening 45 minutes, Spurs were unlucky to fall behind midway through the second half.

Anderton, Simon Davies and Ferdinand had all theatened to give the visitors the lead as Spurs went in search of the opening goal.

But it was Litmanen who finally broke the deadlock, unleashing a blistering drive that crashed home off the inside of the far post.

Houllier sent on Owen and Heskey late on to increase the advantage.

However, Owen - the darling of both Anfield and England - limped off with a hamstring strain just two weeks before his country's vital clash with Greece.

Glenn Hoddle threw on Sergei Rebrov in a bid to salvage a point from the game but the hosts hung on to lift themselves into the top half of the table.