FERNANDO TORRES etched his name further into the hearts of Liverpool fans, as his remarkable debut season reached a new high.

The all-knowing media would have had us believing in the summer that Torres was a gamble and that he would not be prolific in the Premier League, But oh my, hasn’t he proved them all wrong?

After so many false dawns since Michael Owen departed in the pursuit of European glory, El Nino has finally given us a striker that had the potential threat to score in every game, and to be a successful side, that is one of the first pre-requisites.

In the end this it was his solitary goal that separated the sides, but really the Liverpool never needed to break sweat, they had lots of possession but never felt the urge to burst forward and finish the game.

After the Man United fixture it was a welcome victory and praise must once again go to Rafa Benitez for playing a settled midfield and attack, albeit Lucas in for the suspended Mascherano. The Brazilian had a difficult game but why not blood him in a game of this intensity and value; it can only stand him in good stead for the future.

At the back we also saw tremendous performances. Martin Skrtel seemed a lot more secure than at United and Sami Hyypia slotted back into the back-line like an old glove. What a servant this man has been to the club, and if anyone deserves a league medal at the end of his career it is surely the great Finn.

John Arne Riise also looked threatening in a season to forget for him. The three points gives us a nice cushion over Everton before embarking on what will be a series of epics against Arsenal in the next week and a half.

Business end of the season now, and no time for shirking. The European expert that is Rafa will be the focus and confidence will be high, an away goal at the Emirates could be vital, and with Torres we can start dreaming again.