Torres sinks West Brom

Liverpool were sluggish throughout a tepid first half and very few chances were created by either side. But a half time blasting by Roy Hodgson seemed to kick start Liverpool into action, who attacked with more purpose through Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard, who both looked bright after the break.

But predictably it was Torres's accomplished volley from 18-yards after 65 minutes that separated the two sides.

Liverpool had a clear penalty claim turned down in the 84th minute when Gonzalo Jara blocked Torres's goal bound shot with his hand, before West Brom had James Morrison harshly red-carded two minutes later.

But Liverpool justifiably took all three points purely as reward for the pressure they put on Scott Carson's goal, although West Brom did a good job of soaking up that pressure for 65 minutes and Roberto Di Matteo will be encouraged by the resistance his side showed.

However, even if Liverpool did not play the kind of football that will cause Carlo Ancelotti or Alex Ferguson to lose sleep, West Brom were second best for long periods and although Torres looked frustrated, even disinterested, for periods of the first half, he caused Jara problems when he cut in from the left.

Liverpool increasingly used Torres as a target man in a way not dissimilar to the ways in which Spurs use Peter Crouch and Fulham use Bobby Zamora, before Gerrard and Kuyt stepped up their game in the second half, allowing Torres to thrive on the improved service from midfield.

The World Cup winner took his goal with aplomb after good work from Kuyt on the left allowed him the space to cross to Torres, who was waiting on the edge of the box, to volley low beyond the diving Carson.

Torres was denied again later on, after Gerrard spotted him making a run to the far post with a delightfully lofted cross, but the Spanish star's shot was saved well by Carson.

West Brom equipped themselves well throughout the game and were very unlucky to see midfielderMorrision shown a straight red for a lunge on Torres. It was a rush of blood to the head moment by Morrison and probably worthy of a yellow rather than the red that Lee Probert showed after exuberant protests by the Liverpool players and fans.

Liverpool take a valuable three points after their comprehensive defeat at Manchester City last week, but their performance level will need to significantly improve if they are to reach the heights achieved under previous management.