“Two excellent first-half goals from Fernando Torres secured Liverpool’s best result under Roy Hodgson. Dirk Kuyt came back into the side after a long period out injured, with Martin Kelly the other surprise name on the team sheet. Maxi Rodriguez continued in midfield. Didier Drogba was only considered fit enough for the bench, so Carlo Ancelotti used Saloman Kalou on the right and Nicolas Anelka as the main forward. Frank Lampard was injured, as was Michael Essien, so the midfield trio was the same as in the win over Spartak in midweek.” (Zonal Marking)

Liverpool 2 – 0 Chelsea
“Fernando Torres produced a striker’s masterclass to score twice as Liverpool inflicted only a second defeat of the season on Premier League leaders Chelsea. Torres has a liking for playing the Londoners at Anfield, as his six goals in five matches against them at home shows. Chelsea were heavily linked with a summer bid for Torres but it never materialised and manager Carlo Ancelotti said he did not need to buy the striker as he was satisfied with his own forwards.” (ESPN)

The real Fernando Torres stands up
“His body language has been overanalysed, his future debated and his commitment criticised, but one statistic seemed to suffice to sum up his start to the season. Fernando Torres had scored as many goals as Sotirios Kyrgiakos. After a brace to pull ahead of the Greek in a Mediterranean mini-league at Anfield, to scythe Chelsea stylishly apart and to give Roy Hodgson much the best result of his nascent reign, one thing is clear. He’s back.” (ESPN)

We’re All Wrong, We’re All Right
“At long last, Liverpool look like a proper team again. Not a great team, admittedly, but at least a team. My criticisms from the summer relating to the appointment of Roy Hodgson remain, although my reactions a few weeks ago after a run of eight dire league games (and performances, which makes it even worse) obviously look increasingly premature.” (Tomkins Times)

Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea – Video Highlights, Recap, and Match Stats – EPL
(The 90th Minute)