How Benitez must thank his stars that Fernando chose to go to Liverpool? His goals have been all the difference throughout a miserable season for the Reds and on Sunday at the derby against Everton, Torres was at it again. His solitary goal was enough to hand Blues a loss with the score reading 1-0 in favor of Liverpool.

With the win – that was sealed by the 28th goal for the season by Fernando Torres – Liverpool stretched their lead on the forth position in the table to five points. Everton were never in the hunt and Liverpool dominated the proceedings throughout the entire afternoon. It took Torres just seven minutes to open his and Liverpool’s account and the score remained same till final whistle was blown.

Several of Liverpool’s stalwarts put up exceptional performances on the turf yesterday. Gerrard, Hyypia and Skrtel all put up stellar displays. Everton put up a listless show and all they managed was four bookings with Reina not making even one good save. The fact that Everton was missing three of its first-choice strikers did no good either. Liverpool on the other hand had a striker that has been red hot and this point was more emphasized by Torres’s partner Kuyt, who managed to miss at least three chances. Gerrard was his usual hustling self and could have scored himself but for the goal post.

Everton went home in the end ruing their lack of spirit, which they honestly lacked for a team who’s vying for a Champion’s League Spot. It is difficult to say if Benitez would be able to sustain the tempo of the Spanish striker going into the fag end of the season as also the Champion’s League fixtures. Next up are three games against Arsenal. Fernando Torres must keep that engine going for at least some time more if Liverpool is to salvage something from this season.