Terrific Torres proves his worth

STEVEN GERRARD had a point when pondering the criticism that had been directed Fernando Torres’s way before the Spaniard’s devastating performance at Upton Park.

“He’s been playing okay to me,” shrugged the England midfielder, reflecting on the fact that Torres had still managed to score three goals in five league games before Saturday’s brace that moved Liverpool back into the mainstream of the title race.

Torres may have been playing ‘okay’, but against West Ham he performed at a significantly higher level and underlined why, together with Gerrard, he is absolutely crucial to the Merseysiders hopes of finally ending a 19-year wait for the championship, particularly as Liverpool’s defence appears have suddenly sprung leaks.