Liverpool's Bid for Fourth Revived by the Fernando Torres Effect

A brace from Fernando Torres might have secured the three points against Sunderland at Anfield on Sunday, but it is the shift in mentality across the pitch that has re-ignited Liverpool's race for fourth place.

Torres put on a display of what Liverpool have been missing throughout his injury. Incisive running, superb control, and a cool head in front of goal provided the striker with two goals and his team a much-needed win to maintain the push for fourth.

It might be the fact that Torres has returned and is firing, or that Benitez has finally gone for broke. But whatever the reason, Liverpool are playing with a fluidity and vibrancy that has been absent through a sorry winter for the Reds.

Daniel Agger bombed forward all match, making holes in the Sunderland back line that allowed his midfield teammates the space to express themselves. And with Gerrard pushed further back into Lucas' position, Kuyt was pushed up to support Torres.

Babel's pace and trickery gave Liverpool countless openings down the left, Maxi had his best game in a Liverpool shirt and, most importantly, Steven Gerrard looked comfortable in the centre of the park.

The skipper put in a far more recognisable display and it was a shock that his teammates failed to score from any of the top quality dead balls he delivered into the Sunderland box.

Far sterner tests will await Liverpool in their remaining six matches— hosting Chelsea at Anfield as well as a trip to St. Andrews stand out as the most difficult of those left.

Recent form, though, and a vastly superior show of commitment across the park give Liverpool fans a new sense of hope that they might just manage to pip Tottenham and Man City to the final place in next year's Champions League.