Torres helps Reds to win

12 April 2012

Striker Fernando Torres fired a superb 83rd minute winner to ensure Liverpool won 1-0 and started the season with three points.

The hosts began brightly and Daryl Murphy headed straight at Jose Reina, while El-Hadji Diouf wasted a great chance before the Reds took control.

Craig Gordon made a fine save from Dirk Kuyt and Robbie Keane got in the way of Torres's rebound, before the Spaniard fired low past Gordon from 25 yards.

El-Hadji Diouf took advantage of some sloppy defending after 13 minutes to cross for Daryl Murphy, but the Irishman headed straight at Jose Reina with the goal gaping.

Steven Gerrard then prevented another attempt on goal when he stole in to dispossess Kieran Richardson in the box.

Keane made a better fist of a half-chance three minutes before the interval but screwed his shot wide after skilfully setting himself up.

In the 54th minute Diouf spurned a fine chance. Murphy, making amends for his earlier miss, laid the ball tantalisingly across goal, only for Diouf to scuff his shot to a grateful Reina.

Substitute Xabi Alonso gradually started to rouse the Reds, elegantly starting a move which ended with one of their better chances - a Gerrard shot cannoning off Danny Collins on the six-yard line.

An Alonso special from within his own half almost settled the match in spectacular fashion, but the midfielder was just wide with his strike - much to Craig Gordon's relief.

It was Alonso's touch too that freed his compatriot after 82 minutes - but the finish, swerving at pace, was all Torres.

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