MAYBE it’s a sign of the times that a result that keeps Liverpool in the relegation zone was met with such delight at Anfield yesterday.

New owner John W Henry, forced to stay Stateside due to illness, was given a perfect tonic as he watched from his sickbed but it is Roy Hodgson’s spluttering, ailing outfit who received the greater shot in the arm.

Speaking before the weekend, the Anfield manager described his team, without a win in seven games and languishing in the bottom three, as being struck down with a fever.

And while deserved triumph against Blackburn Rovers is by no means an instant cure, the positives that can be gleaned from Liverpool’s best performance under Hodgson should give encouragement a healthier position may at last be on the horizon for both himself and his players.

Of those, Fernando Torres will be the most relieved. The Spaniard’s indifferent form has prompted increasing conjecture over his state of mind and commitment to the Anfield cause, so the outpouring of joy at his 53rd-minute winner, his first goal since August, was understandable.

This was much better from Torres and from Liverpool, although the triumph was not without its moments of concern, not least when, within moments of Sotirios Kyrgiakos heading Liverpool into the lead shortly after half-time, Jamie Carragher inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net.

With confidence brittle, Hodgson’s men could have folded. But they came again, demonstrating a desire and strength of character that has been conspicuous by its absence at times.

It was in keeping with a much-improved performance. As was so markedly evident at Goodison last week, Liverpool have not been pressing teams enough when not in possession, allowing their opponents to dictate the pace and tempo of the game.