Fernando Torres returned to Liverpool’s starting line-up for Sunday’s visit of West Brom, and it was a solitary goal from the Spaniard which sent the Reds on the path to all three points. With 25 minutes remaining the striker volleyed home a Kuyt cross from the edge of the area.The strike was the forward's half-century of goals at Anfield since joining from Atletico Madrid- his first, a goal against Chelsea in his first Premier League appearance for the Reds.

Reds new signing Raul Meireles was officially unveiled to the Anfield faithful before kick-off. The Portugal international midfielder, who was signed from FC Porto, will wear the number 4 shirt.

West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo made two changes from last weekend’s win against Sunderland with Marek Cech and Jerome Thomas making way for Marc Antoine-Fortune and Nickey Shorey.

Torres produced the game’s first effort on goal. The striker cut inside before unleashing a rasping drive which was well saved by former Liverpool keeper Carson.

Liverpool were on top as the ‘Niρo’ had a fierce shot blocked. WBA then had trouble trying to clear the resulting corner as the home side looked to draw first blood.

The newly promoted side slowly grew in confidence after weathering the early storm. Pepe Reina had to be alert to save from new signing Marc-Antoine Fortune.

Liverpool started the second-half strongly in the knowledge that a point at home to WBA would leave them seven adrift of leaders Chelsea. Martin Skrtel flashed a shot just wide of the upright and both Kuyt and Maxi had goalbound shots blocked by some desperate defending.

Fortune almost put the visitors ahead on 65 minutes, but Liverpool rode their luck before going straight down the other end to score. The Reds fast-break caught WBA cold as Kuyt’s cross was superbly volleyed into the bottom corner by Fernando Torres.

The Merseysiders were enjoying plenty of possession, and the Liverpool number ‘9’ was denied by an excellent save from the Baggies’ keeper. Carson was equal to the Spaniard’s first-time effort after the forward had been picked out by Gerrard.

WBA were reduced to ten men on 86 minutes after Morrison clashed into Fernando Torres. The midfielder caught the striker high on the leg with an over zealous challenge.
The forward got back to his feet with no problem, and although he was fit to continue, Roy Hodgson brought on Babel for Torres one minute before time.
The home side held out until the final whistle to claim their first Premier League win of the season.

Liverpool:
Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Carragher, Agger, Kuyt, Poulsen, Lucas,
Jovanovic (Maxi, 60), Gerrard, Torres (Babel, 89)

Goals: Torres - 65.

Source: Fernando9Torres.com
vs West Bromwich 29.08.2010


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