and who says Torres doesn't defend from the front?....By David Maddock 5/05/2008
Another goal, another win, another record for Fernando Torres. You'd expect the man who bought him to be basking in the glow of such a holy trinity, right?
Well for Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, the glow yesterday was slightly more red face than pride after the striker's 32nd goal of the season saw off lame Manchester City.
That Torres was even on the pitch was the source of embarrassment to the Anfield boss, never mind that he once again proved the match-winner in a season when he equalled Ruud Van Nistelrooy's record for most goals scored in a debut Premier League campaign.
It was Benitez who dragged the Spain international off in midweek when Liverpool needed a goal at Chelsea to reach the Champions League final, claiming he was suffering from a hamstring strain deep into extra time.
The murderous look on the face of Torres when he reached the bench suggested at the time he wasn't injured at all.
And yesterday's lively performance confirmed the suspicion that Benitez may well have cost his side European glory with such a bizarre substitution. No matter what sort of performance he produces, the Spaniard always possesses a true goalscorer's menace.
He proved that yesterday with a brilliant finish despite appearing anonymous for much of the match. Had he remained on the pitch at Stamford Bridge then who knows what the outcome of that awesome semi-final would have been.
Liverpool fans had to content themselves yesterday with rejoicing in the sheer brilliance of their front man. He has now scored in eight consecutive league games at Anfield, a mark only previously achieved by Roger Hunt in 1962.
"I knew before the game about the chance to equal Roger Hunt's record and I am very proud to go down in this great club's history," he said.
"It is hard in your first season but it has been made easier by the support I get and by the team-mates around me."
It was a great goal too, as the ball reached Torres after an unfortunate mistake by Michael Ball who hit his clearance against the tireless Dirk Kuyt.
The striker still had the imposing Richard Dunne to contend with but did so with ease as he raced round the outside and smashed a shot past Joe Hart.
It had to be some finish to beat the City goalkeeper who was again outstanding. One save in the first half from Steven Gerrard, when he somehow tipped away a curling shot, was world class. Surely it is time to put this young keeper in the England squad.
Hart was the only real plus from a City performance that rather underlines why the club's owner is looking for a new manager next season.
Liverpool won't be, but their lineup yesterday hinted that Benitez will certainly be searching for replacements in the summer.
Peter Crouch and John Arne Riise weren't even on the bench to suggest that both will be sold at the end of the season.
Xabi Alonso was only a substitute and given the performance of his replacement Lucas and Benitez's now public pursuit of Gareth Barry, he too may not be here for much longer.
Riise's stand-in, young Argentine left-back Emiliano Insua, was also impressive and he may solve a problem position next term.
This was a dull end of season contest but Liverpool created enough chances to have won several games, with Kuyt hitting a post and the equally impressive Ryan Babel twice coming agonisingly close and missing a sitter into the bargain.
City managed only one real attempt on goal when Elano's free-kick hit the outside of the post. For both sides then, much to ponder in the summer, but even after his midweek blunder it is Benitez and not Sven Goran Eriksson who will be the happier.
Another goal, another win, another record for Fernando Torres. You'd expect the man who bought him to be basking in the glow of such a holy trinity, right?
Well for Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, the glow yesterday was slightly more red face than pride after the striker's 32nd goal of the season saw off lame Manchester City.
That Torres was even on the pitch was the source of embarrassment to the Anfield boss, never mind that he once again proved the match-winner in a season when he equalled Ruud Van Nistelrooy's record for most goals scored in a debut Premier League campaign.
It was Benitez who dragged the Spain international off in midweek when Liverpool needed a goal at Chelsea to reach the Champions League final, claiming he was suffering from a hamstring strain deep into extra time.
The murderous look on the face of Torres when he reached the bench suggested at the time he wasn't injured at all.
And yesterday's lively performance confirmed the suspicion that Benitez may well have cost his side European glory with such a bizarre substitution. No matter what sort of performance he produces, the Spaniard always possesses a true goalscorer's menace.
He proved that yesterday with a brilliant finish despite appearing anonymous for much of the match. Had he remained on the pitch at Stamford Bridge then who knows what the outcome of that awesome semi-final would have been.
Liverpool fans had to content themselves yesterday with rejoicing in the sheer brilliance of their front man. He has now scored in eight consecutive league games at Anfield, a mark only previously achieved by Roger Hunt in 1962.
"I knew before the game about the chance to equal Roger Hunt's record and I am very proud to go down in this great club's history," he said.
"It is hard in your first season but it has been made easier by the support I get and by the team-mates around me."
It was a great goal too, as the ball reached Torres after an unfortunate mistake by Michael Ball who hit his clearance against the tireless Dirk Kuyt.
The striker still had the imposing Richard Dunne to contend with but did so with ease as he raced round the outside and smashed a shot past Joe Hart.
It had to be some finish to beat the City goalkeeper who was again outstanding. One save in the first half from Steven Gerrard, when he somehow tipped away a curling shot, was world class. Surely it is time to put this young keeper in the England squad.
Hart was the only real plus from a City performance that rather underlines why the club's owner is looking for a new manager next season.
Liverpool won't be, but their lineup yesterday hinted that Benitez will certainly be searching for replacements in the summer.
Peter Crouch and John Arne Riise weren't even on the bench to suggest that both will be sold at the end of the season.
Xabi Alonso was only a substitute and given the performance of his replacement Lucas and Benitez's now public pursuit of Gareth Barry, he too may not be here for much longer.
Riise's stand-in, young Argentine left-back Emiliano Insua, was also impressive and he may solve a problem position next term.
This was a dull end of season contest but Liverpool created enough chances to have won several games, with Kuyt hitting a post and the equally impressive Ryan Babel twice coming agonisingly close and missing a sitter into the bargain.
City managed only one real attempt on goal when Elano's free-kick hit the outside of the post. For both sides then, much to ponder in the summer, but even after his midweek blunder it is Benitez and not Sven Goran Eriksson who will be the happier.
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