Noble nets dramatic winner

With better finishing from Luis Boa Morte, the Hammers would have had their first win over Liverpool since 1999 sealed before Noble converted.

But Boa Morte wasted two sitters either side of half-time before home fans cruelly cheered him off when he was substituted.

Even a draw would have left Rafael Benitez's men still well off the pace for the title and they remain without a win in the league since Boxing Day.

Former Hammer Yossi Benayoun had the first chance when he almost took advantage of a mishap from home goalkeeper Robert Green. His slice was worked to Dirk Kuyt and then Benayoun, but his chip was too high.

Carlton Cole was used as the focal point in attack and the striker helped create West Ham's first genuine opening, midway through the opening half.

The striker flicked on George McCartney's long throw, Liverpool were seized by panic as Lee Bowyer tussled but Boa Morte rushed his shot and blazed over when the ball fell to him.

The hosts got even closer in the 26th minute when a free-kick was awarded on the left flank for Jamie Carragher's foul on Cole. Noble took the set-piece, which was glanced by Steve Finnan and cannoned off the crossbar.

Boa Morte fluffed his second opening when Noble's free-kick was headed into his path. Liverpool substitute Lucas was just wide with his finish after releasing Fernando Torres down the right and getting on the end of the cross.

But with injury-time almost up, Carragher brought down Ljungberg in the penalty area and Noble held his nerve.