Analyzing Fernando Torres' Performance vs. Manchester City

Sometimes, you just need to be in the right place at the right time.

That was the case for Fernando Torres on Sunday, as the striker took advantage of Manchester City's Matija Nastasic heading the ball over an onrushing Joe Hart before the pair collided after they failed to communicate on a speculative Willian long ball.

Torres was there to tap the rolling ball into the net, giving Chelsea a 2-1 win and keeping them in second place on the table. Here's the moment in gif form, courtesy of Feint Zebra, for Manchester City fans to lament on a continuous loop.

While the goal was a bit fortuitous, Torres was solid for the duration of the game. He probably should have had a goal in the 30th minute after Ramires found him open near the penalty area, but he looped an effort over the net.

In games past, perhaps Torres would have sunk into himself or sulked after the miss, feeling the weight of disappointment from the Stamford Bridge stands. It has not been an easy go for Torres in his Chelsea career.

But not on this day. Rather than lose his confidence, Torres continued to buzz around the field and assisted on Andre Schurrle's first-half goal just minutes later, skimming a centering feed for the German newcomer after a blinding run to the touch line, via Feint Zebra.

WhoScored.com gave him a 9.2 match rating and made him the Man of the Match, and his five shots and three dribbles won added to an already impressive statistical outing.

You have to give Torres this—despite a scoring touch that has abandoned him since he left Liverpool, the man always gives a great effort. He's generally worth a few pretty assists per season, he makes cutting runs into the box and he can take on a defender one-on-one, as he did when he burnt past the normally quick Gael Clichy. 

Manager Jose Mourinho had nothing but praise for Torres after the game (though he did take some credit for the striker's recent revival), per Wayne Veysey of Goal.com:

Torres now has three goals and an assist in his last two games (he was a beast against Schalke in the Champions League last week) and has plenty of Blues supporters excited. Chelsea's biggest question mark coming into the season was at striker.

It's probably too early to claim Torres has regained his Liverpool form, but right now he has the answers Chelsea is looking for.