Torres Returns: Liverpool Defeat Blackburn To End a Positive Week

At last! I can put my neck on the line and say that Liverpool will not get relegated this season.

With a solid performance against Blackburn they finally gifted their fans with a second league triumph during this troublesome season.

Although they remain in the drop zone, at least their first-half display and victory against their opponents was enough to afford renewed optimism in the wake of a disastrous opening run this season.

It should have been a lot easier on the nerves than it was. Paul Robinson saved Blackburn on various occasions, most notably when Pepe Reina thrust the ball into a counter attack midway through the first half.

A spectacular save from Joe Cole that preceded that effort also kept the Rovers in the game initially.

It was one of those performances that required us to wonder why Robinson was so swift to throw in the towel for England.

His first half imitated the stunning performance by Joe Hart in Manchester City's opener against Tottenham.

When Liverpool finally broke through in the second half, the floodgates seemed to open.

Disaster may have struck when a stroke of genius from Benjani set up an own goal by Carragher shortly after. But the return to the score sheet of Fernando Torres ensured that Liverpool returned to their winning ways.

Despite a slump in the final twenty minutes the scoreline didn't change, and the final result arguably did not do Liverpool justice. Against a team with a less efficient keeper, they could have run riot.

So in the aftermath of this game things are looking up. A solid display from a weakened team against Napoli has been coupled with a welcome three points at Anfield today.

Now the team heads to Bolton next week before a tough match against league leaders Chelsea the following week.

If the likes of Joe Cole and Steven Gerrard can keep the promising pace and confidence behind the ball portrayed today, then Liverpool may just have a fighting chance. Their thunderous runs and powerful crosses caused a great hassle for Blackburn's defence.

Of course the winter transfer market for manager Roy Hodgson requires a decent up-front signing. Even with the return of an in-form Dirk Kuyt, the team still need another striker to kill off games earlier than what was witnessed today.

If not, then at least there is now a spark of hope that Fernando Torres will be inspired to return to his electrifying form following a clinical and well-taken goal.

A goal rout similar to his early season heroics of last season would do wonders and shelter the need for a backup and alternative prolific goal scorer.

The team today looked, for the first time this season, like a team. They are now in the responsible hands of Roy Hodgson who can build upon this success.

Many, including myself, have questioned his credentials in forming a stern and capable collective.

Would he be able to elicit a combined and consistent effort from a team that certainly did not lack for individual excellence?

He may still flounder as the season progresses. He may indeed not last for an extended duration in the role—but at least after today there is something to be cheerful about.

Liverpool are on the up.