Fernando Torres in Action UEFA EURO 2012 final

Final Match

Fernando Torres & Cesc Fàbregas (Spain)Fernando Torres (2nd R) of Spain comes on as a substitute for Cesc Fàbregas during their UEFA EURO 2012 final against Italy ©Getty Images

Fernando Torres (Spain)Fernando Torres (R) of Spain scores their third goal past Gianluigi Buffon of Italy during their UEFA EURO 2012 final ©AFP/Getty Images

Fernando Torres (Spain)Fernando Torres (C) of Spain scores their third goal past Gianluigi Buffon of Italy during their UEFA EURO 2012 final ©Getty Images

Fernando Torres (Spain)Fernando Torres of Spain scores the third goal past Gianluigi Buffon of Italy during the UEFA EURO 2012 final ©Getty Images

Fernando Torres (Spain)Fernando Torres of Spain scores their third goal past Gianluigi Buffon of Italy during their UEFA EURO 2012 final ©Getty Images

Fernando Torres (Spain)Fernando Torres (L) of Spain scores their third goal past Gianluigi Buffon of Italy during their UEFA EURO 2012 final ©AFP/Getty Images

Fernando Torres (Spain)Fernando Torres (R) of Spain scores past Gianluigi Buffon of Italy during their UEFA EURO 2012 final ©AFP/Getty Images

Fernando Torres (Spain)Fernando Torres of Spain celebrates after scoring the third goal during the UEFA EURO 2012 final against Italy ©Getty Images

Juan Mata (Spain)Juan Mata of Spain celebrates with team-mate Fernando Torres after scoring the fourth goal during the UEFA EURO 2012 final against Italy ©Getty Images

Sergio Ramos (Spain)Sergio Ramos (C) of Spain lifts the trophy next to team-mates Fernando Torres, Juan Mata, Andrés Iniesta and David Silva as they celebrate victory during the UEFA EURO 2012 final against Italy ©Getty Images

Juan Mata & Fernando Torres (Spain)Fernando Torres (R) and Juan Mata of Spain pose with the trophy following victory in the UEFA EURO 2012 final against Italy
©Getty Images

Fernando Torres (Spain)Fernando Torres of Spain and family pose with the trophy after the UEFA EURO 2012 final against Italy ©Getty Images

Fernando Torres (Spain)Fernando Torres of Spain speaks with his daughter Nora Torres following victory in the UEFA EURO 2012 final against Italy ©Getty Images

Fernando Torres (Spain)Players' children play in the confetti with Fernando Torres after Spain's UEFA EURO 2012 final win against Italy ©Getty Images

Fernando Torres & Prince Felipe of SpainFernando Torres of Spain speaks to Prince Felipe of Spain in the dressing room following their UEFA EURO 2012 final against Italy ©Getty Images

Fernando Torres starts two matches at Euro 2012, wins Golden Boot anyway

Fernando Torres revels in his supremacy. (Getty)

With a goal and an assist in the final six minutes of Spain's 4-0 win against Italy in the Euro 2012 final,Fernando Torres won himself the tournament's Golden Boot and probably made more than a few people choke on their own tongues. Though Torres only started two of six matches for Spain, it was that fact that actually won him the award. With three goals and one assist, Torres was even with Mario Gomez, but won on the next tie breaker, which is fewer minutes played (Gomez played 281 minutes, Torres 189).

So to cap off a season that included "the worst moments of my career" according to Torres himself, he wins a Golden Boot and a third straight major title with Spain just two months after he won the Champions League and FA Cup with Chelsea. If the Ballon d'Or were solely based on winning trophies and confusing one's detractors to the point of inducing seizures in a given year and not so much about silly things like consistent individual production, Fernando Torres would have that sucker wrapped up right now.

Torres kisses his wife Olalla after collecting his latest winner's medal. (Getty)

Previously: Fernando Torres -- the name to remember from day seven of Euro 2012
VIA Yahoo.com

Spain turn on style to eliminate Ireland

Spain 4-0 Republic of Ireland
Fernando Torres scored twice and David Silva and Cesc Fàbregas also found the net as the holders went top of Group C – and eliminated the Irish.

 
Spain's chances of extending their European title defence beyond the group stage increased after Vicente del Bosque's side earned a comfortable 4-0 triumph over a Republic of Ireland team whose own hopes of advancing ended as a result of a second successive defeat.

La Roja – who picked up a point in their opening Group C match against Italy – largely dominated proceedings at the Arena Gdansk and a 15th victory in their last 16 competitive outings came courtesy of a Fernando Torres goal in each half with David Silva and substitute Cesc Fàbregas adding further strikes.

Both teams featured just one change to their lineups from the opening encounters against Italy and Croatia respectively and both players in question were immediately involved as the rain teemed down in Gdansk. Forward Simon Cox – in for Kevin Doyle – raised Irish hopes in the opening stages with a fine left-footed drive from distance that Iker Casillas opted to parry. Shortly afterwards, however, it was Torres who demonstrated his finishing prowess as he repaid his coach for a place in the team ahead of Fàbregas.

Giovanni Trapattoni had previously bemoaned Ireland's bad start to proceedings in Poznan four days earlier when Mario Mandžukić put victorious Croatia a goal ahead after just three minutes and he will have been just as displeased this time with Torres netting in the fourth.

The Carlsberg Man of the Match in the 1-1 draw with Italy, Andrés Iniesta picked out Silva with a slick pass along the surface and despite the Manchester City FC forward running into Richard Dunne's challenge, Torres reacted immediately to force the loose ball wide of Stephen Ward before unleashing a powerful shot that flew high past Shay Given's reach.

There was to be no let-up as the world and European champions went in search of a second, passing and moving their way into the final third. Silva drew another save from Given with an effort from the edge of the area while Torres almost added a second when skewing Sergio Busquets' knock-down at the far post wide of the target.

Gerard Piqué got in the way of a Keith Andrews effort as the half progressed but that was as good as it got for the Irish as Spain continued to dictate proceedings. The pattern remained the same after the restart, Spain doubling their advantage with Silva guiding home after Given had parried Iniesta's drive from the left straight to him.

Given then made a flying save to deny Xavi Hernández shortly afterwards but Spain were not long away from a third and it was Torres who slotted home his 30th international goal after the No9 was sent through by Silva. Fàbregas then completed the scoring with a thumping finish after collecting the ball from a corner to cap a miserable night for the Irish, the first team eliminated at this EURO. While they end their campaign with a game against Italy on Monday, Spain will look to make sure of their progress against Croatia.

Via :UEFA.com

Fernando Torres will be a 'very important player' for Spain at Euros, says Romeu

Striker! Romeu says Torres will be key for Spain in Poland and Ukraine

"I think that Torres will be a very important player for the national team at the Euros because he is a player with great quality and experience and these characteristics are very important in a forward," reckons Chelsea team-mate" 

Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu believes his team-mate Fernando Torres will be a key player for Spain at the European Championship despite enduring a difficult season with the Champions League winners.

Torres, who cost the London club £50million when he was signed from Liverpool in January last year, scored just 11 goals in 48 appearances at club level this season but is expected to start when Spain begin the defence of their European crown against Italy on Saturday.

However, Romeu thinks his experience of the big occasions and work rate could prove vital for the world champions.

He told Marca: "I think that Torres will be a very important player for the national team at the Euros because he is a player with great quality and experience and these characteristics are very important in a forward.

"He is very important for Chelsea too. You only have to look at how the fans love him and chant his name, whilst he is also loved amongst the players and directors at the club."

Torres admitted last week that he was as excited as ever to play for his country after being left out by Vicente Del Bosque for the friendly against Venezuela in February and Romeu believes being dropped provoked a reaction in the World Cup winner.

"It is true that when you lose something you realise how important it is and this is what happened with Fernando in the national team," he said.

"When Del Bosque left him out he did so to give him a warning and he took it well, naturally he continued to work until the end of the season and now he is there with a great chance of having a good European Championship."

On his own situation at Chelsea, Romeu was more guarded after featuring only twice since Roberto Di Matteo replaced Andre Villas-Boas in March.

He said: "That I have played less is a reality but there are times when you play more or less and you have to accept that, but now it is a difficult time.

"The manager said he believed in me but when we entered a phase in which we played a lot he chose the players he believed were more suited to play. But I expect to start again in the new season and if I continue to work bit by bit I believe I can get into the team.

"More than anything I believe I can do as I have already shown I can play from the start. When you look at what has happened you know it is not a utopia and you can return to achieve it again."

The former Barcelona midfielder also reflected on an eventful first season at Stamford Bridge, which culminated in dumping his old side of the Champions League at the semi-final stage on their way to winning the tournament.

"It has been a brutal season," he continued.

"We believed in ourselves and the team knew what we could do. We believed in our chances, even against Barcelona, and this allowed us the chance to reach the Champions League final."

Romeu is also hoping to start next season in fine fashion by playing in the Olympics which start at the end of July.

The 20-year-old was involved in the Spain Under-23 side that beat Egypt in February and is expected to be named in Luis Milla's squad for the games, but is wary given how well a number of other players finished the season whilst he was not playing at Chelsea.

"Hopefully I can go with the national team but I have to wait and see the squad list, because the level of players that could go to the Olympics is spectacular," he said.

"They have been playing for big teams, have won the Europa League or been playing in finals.

"The Olympics is a once in a lifetime experience and I would like to be there. The people of Spain have been spoiled with triumphs recently but Olympic gold is a huge thing.

"To be in London with Spain would be a bit strange, but nice at the same time because it is the city where I live and I enjoy it. To see a completely different atmosphere would be something special."

Euro 2012: Chelsea's Fernando Torres will be a key player for Spain, says Oriol Romeu

Midfielder Oriol Romeu believes Fernando Torres will be a 'very important' player for Spain at the European Championship despite a difficult season with Chelsea.

Torres, who cost the Chelsea £50 million when he was signed from Liverpool in January 2011, scored just 11 goals in 48 appearances at club level this season but is expected to start when Spain begin their defence of their European Championships 2012 crown against Italy on Saturday.

However, Romeu thinks his experience of the big occasions and work rate could prove vital for the world champions.

He told Marca: "I think that Torres will be a very important player for the national team at the Euros because he is a player with great quality and experience and these characteristics are very important in a forward.

"He is very important for Chelsea too. You only have to look at how the fans love him and chant his name, whilst he is also loved amongst the players and directors at the club."

Torres admitted last week that he was as excited as ever to play for his country after being left out by Vicente Del Bosque for the friendly against Venezuela in February and Romeu believes being dropped provoked a reaction in the World Cup winner.

 "It is true that when you lose something you realise how important it is and this is what happened with Fernando in the national team," he said.

"When Del Bosque left him out he did so to give him a warning and he took it well, naturally he continued to work until the end of the season and now he is there with a great chance of having a good European Championship."

On his own situation at Chelsea, Romeu was more guarded after featuring only twice since Roberto Di Matteo replaced Andre Villas-Boas in March.

He said: "That I have played less is a reality but there are times when you play more or less and you have to accept that, but now it is a difficult time.

"The manager said he believed in me but when we entered a phase in which we played a lot he chose the players he believed were more suited to play.

"But I expect to start again in the new season and if I continue to work bit by bit I believe I can get into the team.

"More than anything I believe I can do as I have already shown I can play from the start.

"When you look at what has happened you know it is not a utopia and you can return to achieve it again."

The former Barcelona midfielder also reflected on an eventful first season at Stamford Bridge, which culminated in dumping his old side of the Champions League at the semi-final stage on their way to winning the tournament.

"It has been a brutal season," he continued.

"We believed in ourselves and the team knew what we could do. We believed in our chances, even against Barcelona, and this allowed us the chance to reach the Champions League final."

Romeu is also hoping to start next season in fine fashion by playing in the Olympics which start at the end of July.

The 20-year-old was involved in the Spain Under-23 side that beat Egypt in February and is expected to be named in Luis Milla's squad for the games, but is wary given how well a number of other players finished the season whilst he was not playing at Chelsea.

"Hopefully I can go with the national team but I have to wait and see the squad list, because the level of players that could go to the Olympics is spectacular," he said.

"They have been playing for big teams, have won the Europa League or been playing in finals.

"The Olympics is a once in a lifetime experience and I would like to be there.

"The people of Spain have been spoiled with triumphs recently but Olympic gold is a huge thing.

"To be in London with Spain would be a bit strange, but nice at the same time because it is the city where I live and I enjoy it.

"To see a completely different atmosphere would be something special."

This makes it all better: Torres puts disappointment of not starting behind him to lift the big prize

Fernando Torres put his 'big disappointment' at not starting Chelsea's Champions League triumph to one side after helping them become kings of Europe.

Torres admitted he had expected to be in the line-up in Saturday night's epic 4-3 penalty shootout win over Bayern Munich, with rookie Ryan Bertrand instead getting the nod.

'I was expecting to start,' said Torres, who came off the bench to win the corner that saw Didier Drogba snatch a 1-1 draw in normal time.

'It was a big surprise for me, a big disappointment.

'But, in the final, the main thing is to win - it doesn't matter who plays.'

Torres only had one thing on his mind after being thrown on to help rescue Chelsea's Champions League dream.

Another trophy to add to the collection: Torres adds the Champions League to the World Cup and European Championship medals

We needed to attack,' the £50million man said, having added the biggest prize in club football to his European Championship and World Cup winners' medals with Spain.

'We were playing like we had the handbrake on, looking like we couldn't attack, but I think we could, and in extra time we showed we could play counter-attack as well.'

On top of the world: Torres and David Luiz celebrate on top of the goal after the game

Having dominated Saturday night's game, Bayern were two minutes from victory, missed a penalty in extra time and also led in the shootout, each time letting Chelsea off the hook.

'We had good luck at the right time but I think we're the right team to win this Champions League,' Torres said, dedicating the win to the Blues' fans.

Pure joy: Juan Mata caps off a dream debut season at Chelsea by winning the Champions League

'It's for these guys. They have been supporting us all season, a very difficult season when no-one believed in us, a lot of ups and downs.

'At the end, they are the ones who deserve it.'

Chelsea and Spain team-mate Juan Mata, who moved to Stamford Bridge last summer, told Sky Sports: 'It's a dream come true.

This makes up for it: Torres was surprised and disappointed not to start

'It's my first year here at Chelsea and we have won the most important trophy in the final of the Champions League so we are very, very happy.'

Sweet success for Fernando as striker's week gets even better with birthday treat from Chelsea pals

Fernando Torres has not had too much to celebrate in recent months with his barren run in front of goal.

But things seem to be looking up, after his FA Cup brace against Leicester at the weekend and the Chelsea No 9 celebrated his 28th birthday at the club’s Cobham training base on Tuesday.

The Spanish star shared his cake with countryman Juan Mata ahead of Chelsea’s game with Manchester City on Wednesday.

Happy birthday to you: Fernando Torres cuts his cake and shares it with team-mate Juan Mata

And Torres will hope his luck is about to turn on the back of his two goals at the weekend and will be aiming to help fire Roberto Di Matteo’s side to Champions League glory as well as into the top four of the Premier League.

The Spanish striker had netted just seven goals in all competitions since his last birthday and will hope to score a few more between now and his next one and rediscover the form he had a few years ago which tempted Chelsea to part with £50million in January last year from Liverpool.

In the thick of it: Torres trains with Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole ahead of the game with Manchester City

His lack of goals has seen him Spanish team manager Vicente del Bosque drop him from the national side and opt instead for Valencia striker Roberto Soldado.

And Del Bosque has told Torres he will be monitoring his progress until the end of the season before deciding if to take him to Euro 2012 or not.

So Torres will no doubt have used his birthday wish to hope for the goals to flow like the did at the weekend.

Chelsea FC - Torres thanks fans

Fernando Torres says thank you to all the fans that have wished him a Happy 28th Birthday today.

Chelsea 5-2 Leicester City

Chelsea 5-2 Leicester City
Stamford Bridge
FA Cup Quarter Final
2011/2012

Fernando Torres vs West Bromwich Away 11-12

Fernando Torres vs West Bromwich Away 11-12

Fernando Torres: Support from Tony Pulis

Tony Pulis hopes Fernando Torres' goal drought continues when Stoke visit Chelsea on Saturday - but is certainly not about to write the striker off.

The Potters go into the Barclays Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge having kept three clean sheets in their last four fixtures in all competitions and with Blues frontman Torres this week reaching 23 consecutive appearances for the club without a goal, they may be feeling optimistic about their chances of achieving another shut-out.

The Spaniard, Chelsea's £50million record signing, appeared to pass up the opportunity to take a penalty in Tuesday night's 2-0 FA Cup fifth-round replay victory at Birmingham and seems to be feeling the pressure.

His overall performance at St Andrew's impressed Stoke boss Pulis, though, who said: "I went to Birmingham and watched him the other night and I thought he did absolutely fantastically.

"I thought he worked his socks off and that his movement was brilliant.

"He just needs a little bit of luck in front of goal - I just hope he doesn't get it against us on Saturday. His attitude was fantastic."

The decision as to whether or not Torres keeps his place in the Chelsea team will fall to Roberto Di Matteo, who has been appointed as caretaker manager following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas last weekend and promoted the player - only a late substitute in Saturday's 1-0 league defeat at West Brom - to the first XI on Tuesday.

Plenty of interest will also surround the involvement of Stoke's Jermaine Pennant, who today denied reports that he has been punished by the club for breaches of discipline and insisted he has not fallen out with Pulis.

Pennant, having previously been a key figure for the Potters, has only made a handful of starts since early December.

Several media outlets today alleged the 29-year-old winger's struggles to get into the side have been down to him twice breaking a club curfew ahead of games and that the incidents had resulted in him being sanctioned.

However, Pennant wrote on Twitter on Thursday afternoon: "I'm all over £skysports saying I've been fined when it's not true the gaffa is going mad.

"So to all the stoke fans and for the record there is no problem with me and TP I have not been fined and we haven't fallen out at all.

"I respect our manager and I respect my team mates and most off I respect the club and fans."

Pulis last week said there was no problem between him and Pennant and when asked about him this morning, the manager replied: "You talk about Jermaine all the time.

"There are other players in the group as well and it is about the team, not about one individual player."

Pennant played for 65 minutes in last Saturday's 1-0 league win over Norwich, having come off the bench to replace defender Andy Wilkinson, who had an apparent hamstring problem and remains an injury doubt for this weekend.

Meanwhile, Pulis has expressed his sympathy for the departed Villas-Boas.

The 34-year-old Portuguese, named Chelsea boss last summer, had set about trying to renovate an ageing Blues squad, but with the team lying fifth in the top flight and in danger of being eliminated from the Champions League, owner Roman Abramovich ran out of patience and he lost his job less than 24 hours after the West Brom game.

Villas-Boas had previously enjoyed great success at Porto and Pulis expects him to bounce back.

"He had a very difficult job," Pulis said. "To go into Chelsea and turn it around in eight months was very difficult.

"I found him to be a nice chap. I'm sure he will get back into the game and that it will have been a great experience for him."

Roy Hodgson Receives Timely Boost With News That Fernando Torres, Glen Johnson, Dirk Kuyt And Martin Skrtel Are Fit To Face West Ham

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has been handed an injury boost with the news that Fernando Torres, Glen Johnson, Dirk Kuyt and Martin Skrtel have all been passed fit for Saturday's clash against struggling West Ham United. Kuyt and Skrtel both withdrew from international duty as a precaution this week after their recent fitness troubles, while star striker Fernando Torres came through 45 minutes of Spain's defeat to Portugal despite an ankle knock picked up at the weekend. And England full-back Glen Johnson is back in full training following an adductor problem. Dr Peter Brukner told the club's official website: "Fernando rolled his ankle against Stoke. "We had a look at him and we didn't think it was too bad, so we were happy for him to report to Spain's training camp. "They felt he was okay to play 45 minutes and he came through that okay. We fully expect him to be fine for the weekend. "Dirk is coming back after a pretty severe ankle injury. We were pleased to get him back after only three weeks but he then played three games in a week so he was a little bit sore. "Martin got a knock against Stoke which wasn't too bad but we thought it wasn't a good idea for him to travel and play an international. "But all three of these players will be fine for West Ham on Saturday. "Glen is also available for selection. He's been training all week at Melwood and he's ready to play." The news will come as a huge relief to under-pressure manager Roy Hodgson, who discovered today that captain Steven Gerrard will be out for three to four weeks with a hamstring injury he picked up at Wembley last night.

Source: Goal

Football Special Report: Fernando Torres’ Future At Liverpool FC

Roy Hodgson, the manager of Liverpool, has said that he does not have any fear regarding the future of Fernando Torres, as he would stay at the club for sure. Hodgson said that the club is moving in the right direction which would ensure that the Spaniard would stay for longer period.

Apart from winning the Champions League, the only good thing left behind by Rafael Benitez was Fernando Torres. Benitez left nothing in the club but problems and troubles. Liverpool was relegated from its usual Champions League spot, while their financial condition also worsened. Roy Hodgson had only one thing in mind at the time of joining Liverpool. He had to protect two of his most important players, who were at the verge of leaving. In the end, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerard both stayed, making it possible for the club to come back despite severe shortcomings.

Despite having retained both of his main players, Hodgson was unable to get results. There were apparently only two match winners in the club, and both were playing far below their real form. Both these players had problems during the World Cup in South Africa, and they were unable to bounce back after their poor performances. The dilemma of Torres was, however, slightly different from Gerard. As England was humiliated in the tournament, Spain, on the other hand, went on to lift the prestigious trophy. Torres, unlike the Euro 2008 victory, had a very small part to play in it.

Fernando Torres was unable to bounce back from his shaky World Cup. His season did not start well, as he continued to struggle in Liverpool jersey. Hodgson had his future at stake and he desperately needed his striker to click for him. After the takeover by New England Sports Ventures, the pressure on Hodgson doubled as the new owners demanded results. The manager had to prove himself before he could be trusted with the much needed funds. The match against Chelsea could not have come at a worse time for Hodgson. Fortunately, Torres had awakened from his nightmare and was ready to punish the London side once again.

It was for the fifth time that Torres was facing Chelsea at Anfield. He had scored on all four previous occasions, and he seemed determined to do it again. The Spanish maestro was on target for the fifth match as well, as he gave the lead to his team. After a short while, Torres produced a brilliant individual effort and finished the game for Chelsea in the opening half of the match. The striker was in fine touch and it looked like he had never been in out of form. Again in the midweek, Torres found the goal which resulted in a draw against Wigan Athletic.

Ever since Liverpool’s takeover by New England Sports Ventures, things have gone better for Roy Hodgson and his club. The manager was able to produce some good results until the match against Chelsea. During this match, Torres came to the rescue of his manager, who now seems firm in his current position. Now, Hodgson is more confident than before, and he is finding the time to think about the future of his club.

There is no doubt that money would be invested in the January transfer window. However, the important thing for Hodgson is to make sure that his players stick with the club. In most cases, players tend to leave their clubs if the situation is not worthy of staying. Now, it is Hodgson’s duty to make his players believe that the sunny days are approaching at Liverpool. If he is able to retain his two players, i.e. Torres and Gerard, only then he would be able to clear his mind and make good signings in the coming transfer window.

Torres strikes as Reds held

Fernando Torres struck his fifth goal of the season as Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw at Wigan on Wednesday night.


The Spaniard gave another glimpse that he is back to his deadly best when he powered onto Steven Gerrard's magnificent through ball and fired home the opener on six minutes.

However, it was not enough to extend the Reds' winning run as Hugo Rodallega smashed in a deserved equaliser for a dangerous Latics outfit just after the interval.

It means Roy Hodgson's men remain ninth in the table ahead of Saturday's trip to Stoke, five points adrift of Manchester City who lie fourth.

Liverpool arrived at the DW Stadium in buoyant mood and it was no surprise that Hodgson opted to name the same line-up that had produced such an impressive display in Sunday's win over Chelsea.

It saw the resurgent Torres continue up front alongside Dirk Kuyt while Martin Kelly retained his place at right-back.

Four wins from their last four matches meant there was a noticeable spring in the visitors' steps as they took to the field and they could have been ahead on two minutes when man of the moment Lucas Leiva picked up Maxi's pass before forcing a fine save out of Ali Al-Habsi with a raking shot from distance.

The travelling Kop roared their approval and with Liverpool dominating the early exchanges it wasn't long until they were on their feet celebrating the opener.

Steven Gerrard picked up the ball just inside his own half and instantly looked to send Torres clear with a sensational 40 yard pass. The Spaniard held off the attentions of Gary Caldwell and raced into the area before firing a low shot beyond the despairing dive of the Latics's stopper.

It gave the Reds the platform they would have wanted and on 16 minutes they should have doubled their advantage but Gerrard volleyed over after Kuyt had nodded his looped pass back into his path.

The hosts had barely threatened but did cause Pepe Reina a moment of concern soon after when Ronnie Stam outpaced Paul Konchesky on the overlap and sent in a dangerous low ball that fizzed right across the Spaniard's six yard box.


It seemed to give the hosts a lift as they came close again on 25 minutes when Charles N'Zogbia's dangerous run from the right ended with Mohamed Diame crashing a goalbound shot into the midriff of Jamie Carragher.

As the half hour approached Liverpool began to look less assured in possession and they were almost made to pay when Lucas presented the ball to N'Zogbia deep inside his own half. The former Newcastle winger looked to have punished the Reds for some slack play but saw his celebrations cut short after Hugo Rodallega was adjudged to have strayed offside.

There had been a clear shift in dominance and Rodallega should have done better when he guided Stam's delightful near post cross just off target on the stroke of half-time.

Hodgson would have been frustrated that his side had not made more of their early breakthrough and his plans were further hit when Raul Meireles was forced off at the interval through illness.

The home side had now assumed the ascendancy and on 52 minutes they put together the move that saw them pull level.

A neat move down the right ended with Stam sending a devilish delivery into the danger zone. The exposed Reina could only parry the ball back into the heart of his area, allowing Rodallega the chance to flash a shot into the roof of the net.

In truth, it was no more than Roberto Martinez's men deserved and they continued to look the more likely as the second period developed into a scrappy affair.

First Diame cut inside and warmed Reina's hands with a well-struck 25 yarder before Maynor Figeuroa drilled just past the far upright.

There had been little sign of Liverpool as an attacking force but they almost restored their lead on 72 minutes when Maxi came within inches of converting Kelly's searching cross.

From the resulting corner the Reds did have the ball in the net but Kuyt's close range finish was correctly ruled out for offside.

Back up the other end and the ever-dangerous Stam raced to the byline and produced another teasing centre that Kelly did brilliantly to hack to safety.

Liverpool responded and were unlucky not to grab their second of the game on 79 minutes when Gerrard crashed a shot off the underside of the bar after Maxi had sent him clear.

With time running out the game became stretched as both sides probed for a winner and Reina had to be alert to deny Diame after the midfielder surged onto Stam's clever return pass.

It was a busy night for the Reds stopper and he ensured the Reds would leave the DW Stadium with a point when he kept out N'Zogbia's near post drive late on.

Liverpoolfc.tv man of the match: Jamie Carragher

Watch El Nino torment Chelsea

Fernando Torres smashed home a magnificent brace as Liverpool surged to an impressive 2-0 success over Chelsea – watch goals, highlights and analysis online now.



The Reds striker got the hosts off to a flyer when he controlled Dirk Kuyt's exquisite pass before sweeping it beyond Petr Cech on 11 minutes.

Roy Hodgson's side were rarely troubled by the league leaders and the No.9 capped a superb first-half display with a stunning second on 45 minutes.

The Spaniard cut in from the left and unleashed a right-foot shot that arced into the far corner, with Cech rooted to the spot.

Pepe Reina then made a stunning double save as the visitors improved after the interval but the Liverpool defence stood firm to ensure the Reds picked up a fourth straight win.

To relive how we moved to within five points of third placed Arsenal, click on the link below.

Torres class sinks Chelsea

Fernando Torres produced a striker's masterclass to score twice as Liverpool inflicted only a second defeat of the season on Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea.


The Spain international has a liking for playing the Londoners at Anfield, as his six goals in five matches against them at home shows.

Torres was more than happy to give a display of his quality to the Blues boss, whose side had conceded only three goals in 10 league games prior to kick-off.

It was always likely the result would come down to who took their chances and with Didier Drogba left on the bench until the second half, Torres was given a head start.

He did not need a second invitation and in addition to his two expertly-taken first-half goals he was a constant threat to the Chelsea defence

Torres has been short of form this season but he has always been able to produce a performance against Chelsea at Anfield over the years and this was no different.

It took just 11 minutes for him to reopen old wounds with a classic piece of finishing courtesy of a cross from Dirk Kuyt, making a welcome return after a month's absence with an ankle injury, on the left.

The Dutchman chipped a pass over the head of John Terry and Torres took one touch before firing past Petr Cech.

Having looked short of confidence this season the 26-year-old appeared to spring to life, immediately going on a short run and firing wide.

Possession was fairly even but Liverpool created the best chances, having a penalty shout dismissed when Terry's clearance bounced up on to Yuri Zhirkov's arm from which Raul Meireles shot at Cech.

Torres did not give the goalkeeper any such chance with his second just before half-time with a strike even better than his opener and reminiscent of his first ever goal for the club - also against Chelsea.

Meireles dispossessed Ashley Cole in the centre of the pitch and rolled the ball out to the Spaniard on the left of the penalty area.

Cutting inside he curled a shot around Branislav Ivanovic and inside Terry and the far post.

It was a fitting end to undoubtedly Liverpool's best first half of the season, which was as much down to excellent organisation at the back as Torres' potency up front.

With Jamie Carragher, restored to centre-back, barking the orders the hosts limited Chelsea to one shot on target - and that a weak Salomon Kalou header straight at Jose Reina.

Drogba's arrival for the start of the second half was inevitable but the Ivory Coast international's first shooting opportunity saw him curl a 30-yard free-kick well wide.

Ramires headed over and Zhirkov's shot was turned around the post by Reina, who also produced a brilliant close-range stop to deny Florent Malouda.

Having got themselves into a winning position it was now a question of holding on to it for Liverpool as Chelsea ramped up the pressure.

Torres may be paid to score goals but the sight of him hoofing the ball into the upper tier of the Centenary Stand was testament to the determination of everyone to hang on at all costs.

Kuyt almost wrapped things up 15 minutes from time only for Cech's outstretched leg to divert the ball wide.

Chelsea knew it was not to be their day when Nicolas Anelka's shot squeezed under Reina, whose slight touch deflected the ball up on to the bar and then Carragher cleared from the lurking Drogba two yards out.

The win moved Liverpool into ninth, the first time they have been in the top half since the opening weekend of the season, after three successive Barclays Premier League victories.

They are still not in a position to challenge Chelsea at the top of the table - where they still have a two-point lead over Manchester United - but they proved, on their day and with Torres on form, they remain a match for any side.

It seems a corner has now been turned in Roy Hodgson's reign, and with matches to come against Wigan, Stoke and West Ham there is a real chance for them to restore some of the damage done by their poor start to the season.

Teams

Liverpool Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Konchesky, Meireles (Spearing 90), Lucas, Kuyt (Shelvey 84), Gerrard, Maxi, Torres (Ngog 87). Subs Not Used: Hansen, Jovanovic, Wilson, Poulsen.

Goals: Torres 11, 44.

Chelsea Cech, Ivanovic (Bosingwa 70), Terry, Alex, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Zhirkov (Sturridge 76), Kalou (Drogba 46), Anelka, Malouda. Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Ferreira, Kakuta, McEachran.

Booked: Zhirkov, Alex.

Att: 44,238

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

Torres double sinks Chelsea

Liverpool's rejuvenation continued as two moments of brilliance from Fernando Torres sunk Premier League leaders Chelsea at Anfield.


Torres, who has struggled for form and fitness since the World Cup, was back to his best to torment Chelsea once more, ensuring the champions' lead at the top of the table was cut to two points and Liverpool rose into the top 10 with a third successive league victory.

The Spain striker opened the scoring early on with a finish of rare finesse and added his second a minute before the break with a magnificent curling effort past Chelsea keeper Petr Cech to make it seven goals in eight games against the Londoners.

Roy Hodgson's side then defended their lead doggedly in the face of a renewed Chelsea challenge after the break, helped by the belated introduction of Didier Drogba, who had been suffering from a fever and was restricted to the substitutes' bench in the first half.

Chelsea badly missed the influence of midfield pair Frank Lampard and Michael Essien, and Liverpool's feverish work-rate, allied to the Torres's outstanding finishing, earned them three points that was celebrated ecstatically on The Kop.

Liverpool boss Hodgson will be starting to feel his reign, so troubled and turbulent early on as they dropped into the relegation zone, is now clicking into gear - although there is still so much work to be done, and confidence is still a rebuilding process judging by the needless retreat into negativity for periods of the second half.

His Chelsea counterpart Carlo Ancelotti will reflect on a display that never kicked into life until the second half, when Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina saved brilliantly from Florent Malouda before diverting Nicolas Anelka's shot on to the bar in a frantic finale.

Ancelotti had to leave Drogba on the bench, and the Ivorian was sorely missed as he was forced to watch Liverpool's master marksman Torres provide all the quality in the first 45 minutes.

Ancelotti cut a frustrated figure in his technical area as Chelsea's lifeless display was punished ruthlessly by Torres.

Dirk Kuyt's return after an ankle injury not only provided Liverpool with greater endeavour but also invaluable support for Torres, and it was those two forwards who combined to carve through Chelsea's defence after 11 minutes.

Torres's first touch was perfect as he collected Kuyt's clever pass and the Spaniard's finish was of equal quality as he lifted the ball over Cech.

Reina was virtually unemployed in the first 45 minutes as Chelsea failed to mount any serious threat, and it was another moment of magic from Torres that doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Raul Meireles won possession from Ashley Cole in midfield, and when the Portuguese midfielder found Torres, the Spaniard curled a stunning finish into the only space available to send Anfield into ecstasy.

Ancelotti responded by introducing Drogba for the second half at the expense of Salomon Kalou - and the effect was obvious, helped by Liverpool's obvious desire to hold on to what they had.

In a spell of sustained Chelsea pressure, Ramires headed Cole's cross over the top when he should have done better and Reina saved well from Yuri Zhirkov's powerful angled effort.

As Chelsea applied the pressure, Reina came to Liverpool's rescue with a crucial reaction save from Malouda as he stole in on the end of Drogba's cross.

Liverpool broke the shackles with 15 minutes left and almost wrapped up the win when Chelsea could only half-clear a corner and Cech diverted Kuyt's effort away with his legs.

Chelsea's last chance came and went when Reina's turned Anelka's shot on to the bar, leaving Anfield in full voice as Liverpool celebrated a vital win.

SG: He makes us different

Steven Gerrard believes an in-form Fernando Torres can elevate Liverpool into the leading pack of the Barclays Premier League over the coming months.

The club captain was delighted to see Torres score his first goal in six weeks against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday - and he hopes it'll have a dramatic effect of the frontman.

"It'll do wonders for Fernando's confidence," said Gerrard. "All week in training he looked dangerous and lively running in the channels, and against Blackburn he was exactly the same.

"He had Blackburn tormented, he kept the ball really well, and this team is so different when Fernando is on form.

"He's had a difficult summer with injuries and a difficult start to the season with a few niggles, but now he's starting to look fit and sharp and I'm sure the win and the goal will do him the world of good and hopefully he'll go from strength to strength.

"If we keep him fit and he's on form, we'll move up this table really fast."