Fernando Torres found his goalscoring touch at just the right time as two first half strikes were enough for a 2-0 Liverpool victory over Champions Chelsea at Anfield. League leaders Chelsea were stunned as early as the 11th minute when Torres controlled the ball instantly and placed the ball past Petr Cech.
The Spanish striker then doubled his tally on the stroke of half-time curling in a delightful effort from 18 yards.
Dirk Kuyt could have made it three but Chelsea rallied after the break and Pepe Reina earned his money by saving from Florent Malouda and diverting a Nicolas Anelka effort on to the bar.
But with the backing of a noisy Anfield faithful the Reds held out for a famous victory with which to get their season back on track.
Referee: Howard Webb
Venue: Anfield Attendance: 44,238
Liverpool scorers: Torres 11, 44 Chelsea scorers:
LIVERPOOL 25 Reina 03 Konchesky 23 Carragher 34 Kelly 37 Skrtel 04 Raul Meireles 08 Gerrard 17 Maxi 21 Lucas 09 Torres 18 Kuyt
Substitutes 41 Hansen, 22 Wilson, 26 Spearing, 28 C Poulsen, 33 Shelvey, 14 Jovanovic, 24 Ngog
CHELSEA 01 Cech 02 Ivanovic (Bosingwa 70) 03 A Cole 26 Terry 33 Alex 07 Ramires 12 Mikel 15 Malouda 18 Zhirkov (yellow card) (Sturridge 76) 21 Kalou (Drogba 46) 39 Anelka
Substitutes 22 Turnbull, 17 Bosingwa, 19 Ferreira, 46 McEachran, 11 Drogba, 23 Sturridge, 44 Kakuta
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