FERNANDO TORRES last week threatened to reveal the truth behind his departure from Liverpool FC. The harsh reality for the Spaniard, though, should be the growing realisation it may simply have been a mistake.

Torres was given another graphic reminder of how life has changed for the better at Anfield since his exit as Kenny Dalglish’s side revitalised their challenge for Champions League qualification at Stamford Bridge yesterday.

Given the warnings of a former player returning to haunt his old club, the inevitable arrived three minutes after Torres emerged as an 84th minute substitute.

But rather than the Spaniard, it was Glen Johnson who proved the matchwinner, dancing his way through the Chelsea defence for a fine solo goal to land another blow in what is becoming an intoxicating battle among the Premier League’s front runners.

How Liverpool celebrated this dramatic victory, which extends their unbeaten run to nine games.

And how it was needed following a fortnight brooding over the disappointing home goalless draw against Swansea City.

Having already been thumped 5-3 by Arsenal, it was the first time Chelsea have lost back-to-back home Premier League games since Roman Abramovich assumed control.

So continues Dalglish’s remarkable record in this fixture, now unbeaten in 12 clashes as Liverpool manager against Chelsea.

His tactical tussle with Andre Villa-Boas shaped and ultimately decided the contest.

Liverpool, leaning heavily on last season’s old guard, harassed and harangued their hosts during a first half in which Maxi Rodriguez announced his return with a deserved opener.

Back came Chelsea, revitalised and remoulded and level through substitute Daniel Sturridge, before Dalglish’s final intervention ensured Liverpool finished the stronger to devastating effect.