After their record breaking 8-0 Champions League victory over Besiktas, Rafael Benitez yesterday decided to keep the same starting eleven for the first time in 13 months. After the midweek rout, the wind was certainly blowing through Liverpool’s sails and a modest side like Fulham could only provide mild seas to navigate through at Anfield.

However, the first 45 minutes were nothing to shout about and it was only in the added minute that the Reds really threatened to score. A floated free-kick by Fabio Aurelio was met by a Peter Crouch header that only the crossbar prevented from nestling in the net.

The second 45 minutes saw an improved Liverpool performance and a consistent threat to the Fulham goal. But as the clock wound down, the euphoria of last Tuesday was fast ebbing away and Liverpool slipped more into the conscious mode of being unable to win at home. A distinct feeling of déjà vu was enveloping Anfield, with a fifth home draw and third scoreless draw looking on the cards.

‘Liverpool were creating a momentum but it was Torres who, like a seasoned skipper, steered Liverpool’s ship on course for the three points.’

But with 20 minutes to go, Fernando Torres entered the fray. The whole scenario was changed from a frustrating one into a fulfilling one. Liverpool were creating a momentum but it was Torres who, like a seasoned skipper, steered Liverpool’s ship on course for the three points. And he did it with class and aplomb. Pepe Reina hoofed the ball up field, Torres chested it down while surrounded by two defenders, then cut inside the penalty area and poked the ball between his marker’s legs and between Fulham keeper Antti Niemi and the post. It was a glorious touch of genius that earned Liverpool the extra two points.

Five minutes later, Crouch won a penalty kick after receiving a pass from Ryan Babel, another substitute who left a positive mark on the game. Steven Gerrard duly converted to his right while sending Niemi the opposite way.

The much-needed and talked about three points at Anfield finally arrived, after being longed for since September. Torres seems to have also put his injury woes behind him and reminded us that the difference between one and three points a lot of times depends on him, a responsibility I am sure he can carry on his young shoulders.