Benitez takes heart from Torres display

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez praised the performance of record signing Fernando Torres as the Reds won on the opening day of the season for the first time during his Premier League reign against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

A last-gasp free-kick from the inspirational Steven Gerrard sealed victory for Liverpool after it seemed a penalty from Gareth Barry was about to cancel out a first-half own goal from Villa defender Martin Laursen.