IT ISN’T just the score but the names on the scoresheet that make pleasant reading for Liverpool today.
With Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres both finding the net before half-time to render Keith Andrews’ equaliser from the penalty spot obsolete, it was business as usual at Anfield.
And Liverpool remain firmly in the hunt for the fourth and final Champions League place.
In what was only their first start together since the FA Cup exit to Reading in January, it’s just a pity that it took until the last day of February for Liverpool’s prolific duo to resume their partnership.
As well as re-igniting his war of words with Rafael Benitez afterwards, Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce singled out Gerrard and Torres as the difference between the two sides.
Although his comments ignored excellent performances from both Lucas and Javier Mascherano – the latter playing at right-back – Allardyce had a point.
Prior to Thursday night’s 3-1 win against Unirea Urziceni in Romania, Liverpool had scored just two goals in their previous four matches.
Indeed, yesterday was the first time Anfield has witnessed more than two league goals since Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Wigan in mid-December.
This in part might explain why the Reds’ ambitions have been cut dramatically from title hopefuls in August to top four maybe men with a third of the season yet to play.
Getting Gerrard and Torres on the pitch at the same time will be a huge boost for Benitez. The very fact that he opted to start with Torres against Blackburn said everything about the importance of this fixture.
With just 15 minutes of football under his belt in the past six weeks, it was a gamble to throw the Spain international back in at the deep end.
It was a gamble that paid off tremendously.
After firing what proved to be the winner in the 43rd minute, Torres received a standing ovation when he was eventually replaced by David Ngog just a minute before the end.
More importantly, he displayed no ill-effects of the knee and groin problems that have hampered his, and invariably, Liverpool’s progress this season.
Liverpool supporters can only hope he is wrapped in cotton wool as he joins his international team-mates this week.
Unlike Allardyce, Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has spoken of his good relationship with Benitez.
If Torres returns as damaged goods again however, it is a friendship that could become strained.
Combined with the artistry and invention of the also recently returned Yossi Benayoun, keeping Gerrard and Torres fit could be the key difference between Liverpool playing Europa or Champions League football next season.
Just as injury to either could spell disaster, Liverpool can ill-afford many more slip-ups.
As Tottenham reclaimed fourth spot by way of a 2-1 win over Everton earlier in the day, on the back of Manchester City’s message of intent at Stamford Bridge, the pressure was on Liverpool to deliver against Blackburn.
Allardyce had singled the Reds’ newly acquired physical approach before kick-off, pointing to the six yellow cards picked up at Eastlands last week.
The irony of the five bookings received by his players yesterday will not be lost on Benitez, who responded to the taunts with a simple message.
Read the article on Liverpool Daily Post
Liverpool FC’s dynamic duo of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres back in business against Blackburn Rovers
IT ISN’T just the score but the names on the scoresheet that make pleasant reading for Liverpool today.
With Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres both finding the net before half-time to render Keith Andrews’ equaliser from the penalty spot obsolete, it was business as usual at Anfield.
And Liverpool remain firmly in the hunt for the fourth and final Champions League place.
In what was only their first start together since the FA Cup exit to Reading in January, it’s just a pity that it took until the last day of February for Liverpool’s prolific duo to resume their partnership.
As well as re-igniting his war of words with Rafael Benitez afterwards, Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce singled out Gerrard and Torres as the difference between the two sides.
Although his comments ignored excellent performances from both Lucas and Javier Mascherano – the latter playing at right-back – Allardyce had a point.
Prior to Thursday night’s 3-1 win against Unirea Urziceni in Romania, Liverpool had scored just two goals in their previous four matches.
Indeed, yesterday was the first time Anfield has witnessed more than two league goals since Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Wigan in mid-December.
This in part might explain why the Reds’ ambitions have been cut dramatically from title hopefuls in August to top four maybe men with a third of the season yet to play.
Getting Gerrard and Torres on the pitch at the same time will be a huge boost for Benitez. The very fact that he opted to start with Torres against Blackburn said everything about the importance of this fixture.
With just 15 minutes of football under his belt in the past six weeks, it was a gamble to throw the Spain international back in at the deep end.
It was a gamble that paid off tremendously.
After firing what proved to be the winner in the 43rd minute, Torres received a standing ovation when he was eventually replaced by David Ngog just a minute before the end.
More importantly, he displayed no ill-effects of the knee and groin problems that have hampered his, and invariably, Liverpool’s progress this season.
Liverpool supporters can only hope he is wrapped in cotton wool as he joins his international team-mates this week.
Unlike Allardyce, Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has spoken of his good relationship with Benitez.
If Torres returns as damaged goods again however, it is a friendship that could become strained.
Combined with the artistry and invention of the also recently returned Yossi Benayoun, keeping Gerrard and Torres fit could be the key difference between Liverpool playing Europa or Champions League football next season.
Just as injury to either could spell disaster, Liverpool can ill-afford many more slip-ups.
As Tottenham reclaimed fourth spot by way of a 2-1 win over Everton earlier in the day, on the back of Manchester City’s message of intent at Stamford Bridge, the pressure was on Liverpool to deliver against Blackburn.
Allardyce had singled the Reds’ newly acquired physical approach before kick-off, pointing to the six yellow cards picked up at Eastlands last week.
The irony of the five bookings received by his players yesterday will not be lost on Benitez, who responded to the taunts with a simple message.
