Torres returns as Liverpool ease past WBA to move top

Fernando Torres returned to action for Liverpool replacing goalscorer Robbie Keane in the 72nd minute of the Reds’ 3-0 home win over West Brom. The Spaniard received a rapturous applause from the home fans as he stepped out onto the Anfield pitch after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Robbie Keane got two goals before the break as the Reds made light work of the visitors with a solid performance at Anfield versus WBA. Torres’ strike-partner opened the scoring after a long period of Liverpool pressure when he latched on to a Steven Gerrard pass before knocking the ball over Scott Carson.

Once Liverpool went ahead, it never looked as though WBA could get themselves back into the game, or that they would put an end to a 41-year wait for a victory at Anfield. The Baggies did though continue to try and play their passing game, but Reina was a mere spectator in the home goal.

Following Keane’s first of the afternoon, Benayoun and Gerrard came close for the Merseysiders, before the Irishman doubled the Reds lead just before the interval after rounding the WBA keeper and passing the ball into the unguarded net.

Liverpool took their foot off the gas following the break, as WBA tried to find a way past a solid Red back four. Ishmael Millar had the Baggies best chance mid-way through the second-half, but the forward’s control let him down when clean through on goal.

With just over 15 minutes remaining Robbie Keane made way for Fernando Torres. The Spaniard enjoyed the run-out following a six game absence and quickly tested Carson with a shot from outside the box.

Arbeloa rounded-off a fine day for Liverpool with a goal with almost the last kick of the game. The defender curled a left-foot shot past Carson in the WBA goal to seal Liverpool’s win.

The victory moves them three points clear of Chelsea at the top of the table, with the Blues playing Blackburn on Sunday.

Match Stats: Liverpool 3-0 West Bromwich Albion

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Agger, Carragher, Aurelio, Benayoun, Mascherano, Gerrard (Alonso, 80), Riera (Babel, 65), Keane (Torres, 72), Kuyt

Booked: Arbeloa, Mascherano

Goals: Keane 34, 43, Arbeloa 90

West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Olsson, Donk, Robinson, Koren, Borja Valero, Greening, Kim (Filipe Teixeira, 56), Bednar (Moore, 56), Miller (Brunt, 71)

Booked: Olsson


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