John W Henry Says 19th Manchester United Title Would Motivate Club To Break 21-year 'Curse'

Liverpool owner John W Henry has claimed that the prospect of Manchester United winning a record 19th domestic league championship this season provides added motivation to break Liverpool's 21-year title "curse".

United and Liverpool currently share the distinction of winning 18 league titles - more than any other English club - but Old Trafford has now housed the Premier League trophy eleven times since Liverpool were last crowned league champions in 1990.

The return of Kenny Dalglish as manager at Anfield following the sacking of Roy Hodgson last month has revived Liverpool's fortunes on the pitch and the club climbed to sixth in the table following Sunday's 1-0 victory at Chelsea.

But with United sitting four points clear of the pack at the top of the table, a 19th league title appears more likely to head to Manchester before Merseyside.

And Henry, whose Fenway Sports Group oversaw the Boston Red Sox ending their 86-year wait for baseball World Series crown in 2004, admits that United's recent success has merely intensified the desire to bring glory to Liverpool.

Henry said: "We want to be the best in football. Manchester United have 18 (titles), we have 18. If nothing else, that should be enough to drive us forward.

"It is beginning to look like United could edge ahead this year, so we have our work cut out."

Liverpool can help scupper United's title bid by defeating Sir Alex Ferguson's team at Anfield on March 5, but Henry claims that ending Liverpool's title drought is the priority.

"Fenway Sports Group have a unique skill set for what we call in the US breaking curses," said Henry.

"We had an 86-year drought in Boston for winning a World Series and there has been a 21-year drought [at Liverpool] for winning the first division.

"We have no other agenda than that. That is why we are there [at Liverpool] and that is what everyone in the organization is working towards.

"Throughout the [takeover] process we looked at similarities with what we have accomplished at Boston and what we thought we could do at Liverpool.

"There was a strong feeling we were uniquely qualified, even though we did not know the sport, we knew the sports business."

Fernando Torres Admits Liverpool Are A Bigger Club Than Chelsea

Fernando Torres has admitted Liverpool are a bigger club than Chelsea but says he moved to Stamford Bridge because he was losing enthusiasm for football at Anfield.

The striker has been heavily criticized by supporters of the Reds since his £50 million move to west London after three-and-a-half successful years on Merseyside.

Despite his motives for the move being questioned, Torres insists he had to make the switch for sporting reasons.

“Liverpool will always be very special to me,” he told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser.

“Because of its history, Liverpool is a bigger club, but it is going through a difficult time.

“Money was not important - I left to improve sporting-wise. I thought I would stay one more year and take it as a transition season.

“But a time comes when you lose enthusiasm, you see those in the Spanish national team are playing at a different level

“Then when everything looked black, Chelsea came and showed a real interest in me.”

The 26-year-old built on his claims that Chelsea was the right club for him by analyzing their status in the English game over the last decade.

Torres continued: “Chelsea is like Manchester United - the strongest over the last 10 years.

“One [Liverpool or Chelsea] is not better than the other - I'm just happy to have had the fortune of playing for both of them.

“I have been pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere in the Chelsea changing room.

“I thought it would be more distant but the atmosphere is very good. They laugh, they joke and it’s nice.”

Torres is currently on duty with Spain ahead of their home friendly with Colombia and admits it is a welcome opportunity to get away from the spotlight in England.

“These past 10 days have been very intense and it still is,” he said.

“Everything has gone so quickly and it's as though I have a lot of information in my head.

“It seems that a month has gone by instead of a week. I want to enjoy playing with the national team because we are champions of everything.

“This game is good for me to disconnect from it all.”

Bobby Mimms Linked With Coaching Role At Anfield

Liverpool is reportedly considering a contract offer for Blackburn goalkeeping coach Bobby Mimms.

The 47-year-old appears to have an uncertain future in Lancashire following the arrival of new owners Venky's, and Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is thought to be keen on linking up with Mimms once again.

The pair worked together during Mimms' playing days, with new Liverpool manager Dalglish his boss during the successful reign at Blackburn Rovers.

A keeper who played for 12 different clubs in Britain, including Tottenham Hotspur between 1988 and 1990, Mimms has excelled as a coach and is credited with resurrecting the career of Paul Robinson.

However, the Independent claims that Liverpool will look to capitalize on the current certainty at Ewood Park after a contract offer has yet to be made to the man brought to the club by Paul Ince in 2008.

The opportunity to work alongside Spanish stopper Jose Reina may be tough to turn down for Mimms, especially if Liverpool produces an enticing contract offer before his current employers.

With additional coaching experience from his five years with Wolves, Mimms would also be working alongside one of the best keepers in the Barclays Premier League in Jose Reina.

Neither Liverpool or Blackburn have commented on the issue.

Liverpool Playmaker Target Set For Transfer Scrap

Liverpool are thought to have competition in the race to sign Slovenian playmaker Josip Ilicic.

The 23-year-old Palermo star has been linked with a number of Barclays Premier League teams as his stock continues to rise in Italy, with Liverpool thought to be one of the clubs keen to bring the player to England.

Chelsea have also tracked the player in the past, but now Italian sources claim Spurs are keen to bring the player to White Hart Lane.

"I have not had any contact with Tottenham chiefs, although it is indisputable that the player would like the English club," agent Armir Ruznic told reterete24.it.

"There are several teams in the English and Spanish leagues, as well as the Italian one, interested in him."

Liverpool are thought to be one of those clubs, with director of football strategy at Anfield, Damien Comolli, thought to be impressed by the attacking youngsters ability.

Former Merseysiders boss Roy Hodgson was also thought to be interested in the former Maribor star, with Liverpool thought to be considering a move under his tenure.

It's unknown if Kenny Dalglish has also taken an interest in the player, although it's thought that Ilicic would cost Liverpool in the region of €17 million because Palermo have insisted they are not looking to sell.

With competition for the player's signature so fierce, a summer bidding war could be on the cards between Spurs, Liverpool and Chelsea as the three clubs consider bringing the Serie 'A' starlet to England.

Liverpool Interested In Sergio Canales

Liverpool are reportedly ready to reignite their interest in Spanish youngster Sergio Canales.

The 19-year-old joined Real Madrid last summer – spurning the chance to move to Merseyside, according to Goal.com – but has struggled to make an impact on Jose Mourinho’s side.

Spanish publication, Onda Cero, has since claimed that Real were willing to let the attacking midfielder leave the Bernabeu and, now, caughtoffside.com reports that Liverpool have registered their interest.

Despite his lack of first team action – and the reported interest from Liverpool – Canales is more than happy to remain in Madrid and fight for his place, commenting that he continues to enjoy the experience with Los Blancos.

"It's complicated when you don't play all the time, but this is Real Madrid," he said.

"I am very happy with how the fans greeted me. The crowd seemed to feel much affection for me, which is important to me.

"I want to continue working hard and trying to participate more. I am very grateful to the fans and also very happy. It makes things much easier. I enjoy playing for Real Madrid immensely."

Should Liverpool opt to make a summer move for the €8 million-rated teenager, then it would serve as evidence of owners New England Sports Ventures (NESV) fulfilling their pledge to bring the cream of young talent to Anfield.

Liverpool director of football strategy, Damien Comolli, has been tasked with identifying potential summer investments and – along with Canales – has reportedly earmarked a number of other La Liga players as future Anfield stars.

Valencia striker Paco Alcacer, 17, is understood to be on the Liverpool radar, as is 20-year-old Villarreal sensation Mateo Musacchio and the Reds are likely to make their move in the summer.

Further investment youth development remains a priority for NESV as they strive to bring the next Liverpool heroes through the Academy ranks.

Stephen Darby Linked With Summer Notts County Switch

Notts County could attempt to sign Stephen Darby on a permanent deal in the summer - if the on-loan Liverpool defender continues to impress.

After a successful two-month stint at Meadow Lane earlier this season, the 22-year-old has returned to the League One club on a deal until the end of the campaign.

Darby is currently the first-choice right-back, ahead of club captain John Thompson, and has helped the Magpies keep five clean sheets in the 12 games he has played.

"He's been brilliant. He's a model professional and he has never let us down on any occasion." said assistant manager Alex Rae.

"We're delighted to have him on board for the rest of the season,

"He's still got another year to go with Liverpool. In terms of where we go, we'll have to look at it in the summer. How he does between now and then will be a factor."

Sotirios Kyrgiakos Is A Transfer Target For Stoke City

Tony Pulis will renew his interest in Liverpool defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos once the transfer window reopens this summer reports The People.

The Potters boss tried to bring the Greece international to the Britannia stadium in the January window in a bid to strengthen his defensive line, only for the move to break down in the final hour.

Kyrgiakos was a £2million signing from AEK Athens in August 2009, and despite playing well when called upon, he has struggled to cement his place in the Liverpool starting line-up with fierce competition for places.

Since the arrival of Kop legend Kenny Dalglish, the 31-year-old centre half has rarely featured for the Reds and therefore would consider a move away from Anfield but is keen to remain in the Barclays Premier League.

Liverpool owners are keen to offer King Kenny the manager’s job on a full-time basis, and confirmation of that would all but end Kyrgiakos’ fledgling career at Anfield as Dalglish will likely move for a central defender of his own choosing.

New England Sports Ventures (NESV) have identified the development of young players at their Academy as a priority for transfers moving forward, and Liverpool director of football strategy Damien Comolli has been tasked with bringing the cream of young European talent to Merseyside.

With this in mind, Kyrgiakos’ opportunities look to be increasingly limited at Liverpool, but Pulis has seen enough to convince him he would fit into the Stoke City set-up as a ready made replacement for Abdoulaye Faye - who could still complete a switch to Celtic at the end of the season.

Faye, 32 had also agreed a deadline day deal that would have seen him swap the Britannia stadium for Celtic Park, but when Stoke officials realized they had run out of time to bring in Kyrgiakos the plug was pulled on both deals.

Pepe Reina Hints At Liverpool Exit

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has suggested he could follow Fernando Torres out of Anfield unless the club qualifies for the Champions League next season.

Reina, arguably the Premier League's outstanding goalkeeper over recent seasons, told Spanish radio: "I won’t lie - I want to play in the Champions League and challenge for titles."

Reina has repeatedly pledged his loyalty to Liverpool, but following departures of his compatriots Xabi Alonso, Rafa Benítez and Fernando Torres over the last 18 months, speculation has increased about the Spaniard's Merseyside future.

Should he leave Liverpool a move to Spain would appear unlikely with neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona looking for a goalkeeper.

That is not the case among England's elite however, and Reina added: "Yes, of course, [Edwin] Van der Sar will hang up his gloves in the summer and Arsenal are also looking for a keeper. A lot of teams are looking for a keeper.

"There is nothing I can do or say, because I have a contract with Liverpool which I renewed last year. But I would like to be challenging for titles and be in a team with a realistic chance of winning things."

"Before, we were challenging for the Champions League and we were in the race for the title right til the end, but sadly in the last couple of years we haven't been.

"Nothing is fundamental but it [the Champions League is important]. I want to aspire to the maximum in my career, and that means trophies."

Ngog At The Double For Reds

David Ngog was at the double as Liverpool Reserves romped to a 4-0 friendly win over a strong Tranmere Rovers side at the Academy on Tuesday afternoon.

The Frenchman opened the scoring with a thumping 35th minute strike before Daniel Ayala and Emmanuel Mendy put the hosts out of sight in the second half.

Ngog then sealed the victory with a clinical drive late on as John McMahon's men maintained an unbeaten run that stretches as far back as October.

The Reds boss included Milan Jovanovic, Dani Pacheco, Brad Jones and Ngog in his starting XI as he looked to combat a Rovers team that boasted the experience of Alan Mahon and the highly-rated Dale Jennings.

First-team manager Kenny Dalglish was once again amongst the spectators for what looked like being an intriguing Merseyside derby of sorts and he almost saw Rovers take the lead on two minutes.

Mahon broke down the left and crossed for Lucas Akins who was left in acres of space eight yards from goal. It looked a simple task to control and finish but the striker somehow got the ball stuck under his feet. Sammy Morrow eventually bounced a shot wide after Liverpool had scrambled it to the edge of the area.

It was a let off for the hosts and they responded in the right manner as Michael Roberts fizzed a 25 yard blockbuster against the crossbar.

The midfielder certainly seemed to have his eye in and on 11 minutes he saw another effort shake the woodwork after a short corner was worked into his path.

Both sides seemed intent to attack at every opportunity and Rovers carved out a good opening four minutes later but Akins failed to find a teammate with his cut back after rounding Brad Jones.

Ngog then dragged an effort wide after good link up with Nikola Saric before Mahon crashed a well-struck shot just over Jones's bar.

With half an hour played there had been little sign of Jovanovic but the Serbia star almost had an assist to his name moments later when his weaving run and cross just missed the outstretched leg of Ngog.

The Frenchman's influence was beginning to grow as the match wore on and on 35 minutes he broke free to lash a left foot drive beyond Joe Collister to give Liverpool the lead.

The Reds had just about shaded the first period and McMahon opted to make changes at the interval with Gerardo Bruna and Suso replacing Saric and Alex Cooper respectively.

The duo gave the home side more composure in possession and on 55 minutes they doubled their advantage.

Pacheco forced a smart save out of Collister from 18 yards but from the resulting kick Ayala was on hand to bundle the ball home from close range.

It seemed to knock the fight out of the visitors and Pacheco again went close before Jovanovic drilled wide of the near post from a tight angle.

With the Reds in total control, McMahon introduced Andre Wisdom as a substitute and the highly-rated defender enjoyed a quiet run out on his first appearance since picking up a serious knee injury at the start of the season.

The one-way traffic continued and on 78 minutes a neat exchange between Bruna and Pacheco sent Ngog clear. It seemed inevitable the net would bulge, but the striker took one touch too many and the chance went begging.

A third goal appeared to be on the cards, however, and from a right-wing corner Mendy ghosted in at the near post to glance a header into the far corner.

The away side had done little to trouble the Reds' rearguard in the second period and although they did hit the bar late on, Ngog sealed a superb display when he rifled a rising drive inside the near post from eight yards out.

John W Henry Praises Kenny Dalglish For Bringing Back Pass-And-Move Philosophy

Liverpool owner John W Henry has hailed boss Kenny Dalglish and the transformation that the club has undergone since his appointment as caretaker boss last month.

The Reds have won four games on the bounce and now lie in sixth place, with Europe a now very real possibility following the victory over Chelsea on Sunday.

Henry believes that the change in style and philosophy at the club under Dalglish are more in keeping with the club's ideals than under the previous management of Roy Hodgson, and that is why he and the board decided to part ways with the Fulham manager after a dreadful spell of results.

"The philosophy we were playing under didn't seem to suit the club and we knew we had to make a change," said Henry in an interview with Fox Sports Soccer.

"We knew we wanted to change the type of football we were playing, we wanted to move to a much more positive pass-and-move philosophy.

"We also knew we wanted to have a caretaker so to speak, we didn't want to be forced into an immediate decision.

"I talked with Kenny about it and said we needed someone to come in for six months and stabilize the club on the field and the club in general."

The American owner also discussed the importance of the bond between the fans and the manager, who not only excelled as a player before winning honours as a manager, but helped the club in the wake of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 that claimed the lives of 96 supporters.

"I can't imagine how anyone can be more beloved by fans, not just for what he accomplished on the field but off the field through some very difficult times for the club and supporters," Henry said.

"I know for a long time now he has wanted to be in this position so it is a great thing for the club, for Kenny, for us."

Liverpool Keeping Tabs On Valencia Teenager Paco Alcacer

Liverpool are reportedly chasing Valencia starlet Paco Alcacer.

According to Spanish publication Superdeporte, the Merseyside outfit have sent scouts to monitor the 17-year-old forward and remain hopeful of striking a deal in the summer.

Tribalfootball.com reports that the Spaniard 'tops Liverpool's summer shopping list' and that the club are relying on the influence of Academy coach Rodolfo Borrell to lure Alcacer to Anfield.

Alcacer alerted a number of top European clubs to his talents after netting 15 times in 13 games for Spain under 17s, and has continued his rise to prominence by making his first team debut for Valencia earlier this season.

Liverpool will reportedly have to pay £8.4 million to trigger the release clause written into the contract of the teenager and are likely to be in touch with Valencia when the transfer window reopens in June.

With plenty of room to improve and develop, Alcacer would fit with the ethos of Liverpool owners New England Sports Ventures (NESV) in their quest to bring the cream of young European talent to Merseyside.

NESV have identified the development of young players at their Academy as a priority - tasking Liverpool director of football strategy Damien Comolli with identifying precocious stars.

Comolli is renowned for having an eye for talent in its infancy - something which Liverpool Academy director Frank McParland paid testament to.

"His [Comolli's] philosophy is to bring through young talent and he's since told me that we will be seeing a lot of him here at the Academy," he told the official Liverpool website.

"That can only be good news for us. He has a strong interest in young, elite players and we are already in the process of looking to sign some very talented teenagers.

"He has a great network in Europe and when you combine that with what we already have in place here, it promises to be very exciting times for us."

Liverpool have also been linked with moves for Ipswich wonderkid Connor Wickham and Southampton winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as they look to build a squad to challenge for honours in the future.

Charlie Adam Almost Certain To Leave Blackpool In The Summmer

Liverpool target Charlie Adam will leave Blackpool in the summer - at least that's the opinion of his teammate, Neal Eardley.

Adam’s protracted switch to Anfield was one of the longest running stories of the January transfer window and the Reds' had several bids reject for the 25-year-old.

According to The Guardian, the Adam was distraught after the Tangerines rebuffed an offer from Liverpool worth £10 million on transfer deadline day as they tried frantically to bring him to Anfield.

Liverpool initially tabled £4 million for the services of the Scotland international, who handed in a transfer request after learning of the interest from the Merseyside club.

But Blackpool - who paid £500,000 for Adam in 2009 - stood firm as Liverpool upped the ante; reportedly slapping a whopping £14 million price tag on their prized asset.

Blackpool boss, Ian Holloway, has since admitted it will be 'impossible' to keep hold of Adam in the summer, should Liverpool reignite their interest, and Seasiders' defender Eardley will hold no grudges should his skipper leave for Anfield.

"We have done well to keep him but I am sure Charlie will get his move in the summer or whenever because he is good enough to play for one of the big clubs," Eardley said.

"But for now he is still a Blackpool player and hopefully he can continue to play at his best between now and the end of the season."

Liverpool Striker Target Wants Summer Move

Reported Liverpool target Roman Pavlyuchenko has stated his intention to leave Tottenham in the summer.

The Russian striker has expressed his dismay at the lack of first team opportunities given to him by Harry Redknapp - claiming the Spurs boss has lost faith in his abilities.

Pavlyuchenko had previously been keen to fight for his place at White Hart Lane - having turned down a deadline day move to Liverpool last August, according to Metro - but it now appears he has reached breaking point.

"The way I see it, the manager just doesn't trust me and it doesn't matter if I play well, score goals or try my best in training - nothing will make him change his mind about me," Pavlyuchenko told Sport-Express - as reported by imscouting.com.

"So I'm not going to extend my contract, which expires at the end of next season, and will try to leave the club over the summer transfer window.

"Even when I do play well or score a goal, I don't get a chance in the next game. Quite frankly, I'm fed up with sitting on the bench and waiting for my chances.

Liverpool allegedly remain keen on the 29-year-old - who joined Spurs from Spartak Moscow for £14 million in 2008 - and will no doubt be alerted to his potential availability.

Despite the acquisition of strike duo Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll during the January transfer window, Liverpool are still thought toe intent on bringing more attacking reinforcements to Anfield during the summer.

Whether Liverpool reignite their interest in Pavlyuchenko remains to be seen, but the Reds have been linked with moves for a number of other top targets.

Aston Villa winger Ashley Young reportedly remains on the Liverpool radar, as does versatile Benfica wideman Fábio Coentrão.

Liverpool owners New England Sports Ventures have already demonstrated their willingness to spend big in order to land their targets, and the summer transfer window is likely to be a busy time at Anfield.

Liverpool Plan Move To Sign £10m Rated Ajax Wonderkid

Liverpool will this summer look to follow up their purchase of Luis Suarez from Ajax by attempting to lure teenage playmaker Christian Eriksen to Anfield. The promising Danish international has impressed many with his mature performances for the Eredivisie club and many have tipped the youngster to be a big star in the future.

Director of Football Damien Comolli has earmarked a move for the starlet who has been likened to a young Dennis Bergkamp and the Merseyside club hope they can persuade the Amsterdam to sell as the Dutch side look to balance the books and help alleviate their financial woes.

Eriksen arrived at Ajax in 2008 and battled his way through the club’s academy system and into the first team far faster than anyone could possibly have imagined. The former Odense youth team player has already racked up almost 50 senior appearances and already has ten international caps to his name and yet he is still yet to turn 19.

Liverpool will hope that a bid for the £10m rated playmaker will be accepted as Frank De Boer may prefer to lose an up and coming star over the likes of more established names like Gregory van der Wiel, Maarten Stekelenburg and Jan Vertonghen, all strongly linked with moves away from the Amsterdam Arena.

Liverpool’s new owners are keen to see the club invest in young talent with good potential re-sale value and that can help build the nucleus of a new generation of Anfield stars and Eriksen arguably fits that bill to a tee.

Lucas Urges Liverpool Team-Mates To Forget About Torres

Lucas Leiva has told his Liverpool team-mates to forget about Fernando Torres and believes they have enough quality to win major silverware.

Lucas was shocked to see Torres quit Anfield and make a £50m move to Chelsea last week.

The Spanish star failed to make any impact on his debut against his former club and suffered a nightmare start as Liverpool came away with a 1-0 victory.

Lucas admits it will take them time to get over the departure of Torres, but feels the club have made two excellent signings in Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez and can achieve big things in the next few years.

Lucas said: "It has been a big surprise for us that Torres has left, but we have to accept the decision and wish him luck.

"There is no doubt that Fernando is a great forward, but we cannot think about that anymore. Carroll and Suarez are two excellent strikers and I am convinced they will be a major success for the club."

Liverpool Surprised Us - Torres

Fernando Torres has admitted Chelsea were caught out by Liverpool's tactics during Sunday's Premier League defeat.

The Spaniard only joined the Blues from the Merseyside club last Monday in a £50 million transfer, but believes his new side were caught out by manager Kenny Dalglish's decision to play with three central defenders - a move the home side never fully got to grips with.

"It was very difficult, Liverpool played a good game, with three at the back," Torres told Chelsea TV. "We were not expecting that and maybe they took advantage of that."

Raul Meireles scored the only goal of the game for the visitors midway through the second half, but Torres believes that a draw would have been the right result in a game of relatively few clear-cut chances. The 26-year-old also remains confident the defeat does not spell the end of the club's title hopes, as some have suggested.

"I think the fair result was the draw, it was unfair to lose that game, but now we are looking forwards to the next game and will keep fighting until the end," he said. "There are a lot of points still to play (for)."

Losing at home to your former club can hardly be considered an ideal debut, but Torres maintained that he will still cherish certain memories from the game and believes he still has a lot to look forward to at Stamford Bridge.

"Obviously everyone wants to win, especially if it is their first game at home, but I will still have very good memories about my reception here and want to thank all of the Chelsea fans for that nice reception," Torres said. "The result was not the best, but we have to keep going and fighting until the end."

Skrtel Reveals Injury Concern

Martin Skrtel has revealed he had to take an injection to complete Liverpool's weekend triumph at Chelsea.

The Reds centre-back was one of the heroes on Sunday as Kenny Dalglish's side recorded their fourth successive victory with a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

All the hype centred around Fernando Torres, who joined Chelsea from Liverpool on transfer deadline day in a British record £50million deal, but it was Raul Meireles who grabbed the headlines with the match-winning strike.

Spaniard Torres was virtually anonymous before being substituted midway through the second half, with the defensive trio of Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and Skrtel keeping their former team-mate at bay.

But the 26-year-old Skrtel admitted he required medical attention to last the 90 minutes after injuring himself in the opening period.

"I stretched my groin or a ligament on my left leg, I don't even know exactly what's wrong with it," the Slovakian, who has joined up with his national team for the midweek friendlies, explained to SITA.

"At half-time I swallowed a pain-killing pill and got an injection so that I could finish the game. I would not like to speak yet about whether it will be serious or not.

"The most important thing was that I could finish the game."

Match Report: Chelsea 0 - 1 Liverpool

Fernando Torres' much-anticipated Chelsea debut ended in disappointment for player and club as Raul Meireles sealed a memorable win for the Spaniard's former Liverpool team-mates.

Meireles hooked home from close range after 68 minutes to take the game - and potentially any lingering title aspirations - from the big-spending Blues.

It was a different story for £50million Torres though, with the most expensive player in British football history hauled off after 65 unremarkable minutes.

Torres received a noisy reception when his name was called, with his new fans cheering and his old ones booing the announcement.

The game was little more than a minute old when he had his first sight of Liverpool's goal, courtesy of a mislaid pass from Maxi Rodriguez.

The Spaniard took a couple of touches towards the edge of the area before aiming for the top corner, but there was too much elevation on the shot.

Liverpool continued to show nerves, Dirk Kuyt giving away possession in the middle of the park after under-hitting his pass to the lively Martin Kelly.

Torres followed suit when he next saw the ball, taking a heavy touch and surrendering possession under pressure from Steven Gerrard.

With Torres partnering Didier Drogba in attack, Nicolas Anelka's role was a more withdrawn one but the Frenchman struggled to create much in the opening 15 minutes.

Jamie Carragher and Kuyt combined well down the right to fashion a rare Liverpool attack but the Dutchman's cross could not find the waiting Meireles.

There was a heart-stopping moment for Martin Skrtel when Anelka nearly robbed him on the edge of the penalty box but the centre-half did well to hook away Ashley Cole's cross from the left.

Daniel Agger floored Torres, to the amusement of the away contingent, when he tried to pass him on the left flank but the free-kick was harmless from Drogba.

Torres gave a glimpse of his sure touch when he flicked the ball to Frank Lampard to set up a quick break and moments later he had the chance to show his predatory instincts from eight yards.

He got on the end of Drogba's pass but saw the diving Carragher smother his shot.

With 33 minutes gone Liverpool should have had the lead.

Following good work by Glen Johnson, Gerrard drilled the ball across the face of the Chelsea goal and to Maxi at the far post.

The Argentina winger fluffed his connection from point-blank range and saw the ball canon back off the crossbar.

If the first-half's lack of quality could be explained away as nervous tension following the Torres transfer, the drab start to the second was a disappointment.

It took seven minutes for the first move of note, Kuyt handing Johnson a shooting chance from 20 yards, and even then no save was needed.

The hosts started to come to life after that, Drogba and Anelka each forcing corners as they looked to test Reina.

Torres continued to be a subdued presence and it did not help his cause that each time the ball came his way, at least two former team-mates were on hand to relieve him of it.

Kuyt, meanwhile, was working hard in the Spaniard's former lone striker role but with Luis Suarez waiting on the bench Liverpool had more explosive options in reserve.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti clearly felt he did too and with 65 minutes gone he called time on an unremarkable Torres debut by sending on Salomon Kalou.

The Reds took the lead soon after, Gerrard breaking down the right and whipping a ball into the centre that neither Petr Cech nor Branislav Ivanovic came to meet.

The ball evaded Kuyt but Meireles was rewarded for his supporting run and hooked the ball home with aplomb.

Drogba tested Reina at the near post as Ancelotti's men attempted to rescue both the game and their title challenge and also made a hopeful appeal for handball in the Liverpool area with 10 minutes remaining.

Liverpool had chances on the counter, substitute Fabio Aurelio hammering one at Cech's near post and drawing a smart save.

The Blues became increasingly frenzied in their attempts to draw level and the first appearance of new £20million signing David Luiz, as a replacement, passed by almost unnoticed.

Ivanovic appealed for a penalty as injury-time began, but the officials were rightly uninterested.

Kenny Dalglish Says Liverpool FC's Only Motivation Against Chelsea Was Desire To Win

Kenny Dalglish insisted the sight of Fernando Torres in a Chelsea shirt hadn’t provided any extra motivation for Liverpool in yesterday’s impressive 1-0 victory over Chelsea.

The British record £50million signing endured a miserable debut as Raul Meireles scored the only goal of the game at Stamford Bridge.

A fourth successive victory lifted the Reds into the top six of the Premier League for the first time this season.

“The players approached it professionally,” he said. “I don’t think (Torres’ presence) was any incentive.

“The incentive for us was to get three points and we did. Whatever someone else wants to do with their life is up to them.

“I came here to win three points and it would have made no difference if Carlo Ancelotti was playing up front, I’d still want the three points. The personnel of the opposition is not important to me.

“To be honest, he had one shot on target and Jamie Carragher made one great block tackle on him, but I’m not here to talk about other people’s players. I’m here to talk about my own players.”

Victory was achieved without either of the two strikers Dalglish brought in to replace Torres.

Andy Carroll is still sidelined by a thigh strain and Luis Suarez was an unused substitute as Dirk Kuyt worked tirelessly up front.

Dalglish believes his new recruits will face a battle to get into the side.

“The players were fantastic in their determination to win,” he said.

“As this football club has always said, the most important people are the people who are at Liverpool Football Club and that is the way it will always be.

“We have signed two fantastic players in Suarez and Carroll and we’re looking forward to seeing them – if they can get in the team that is. With the way we played today that won’t be easy.

“We’ve had four games now and we’ve played different systems, and not had any goals against. That’s down to a great pride in their work and a fantastic respect for the club. Whatever way we play will be to our strengths.”

A remarkable transformation in the Reds’ fortunes has reignited talk of Champions League qualification and boosted Dalglish’s chances of being handed the job on a permanent basis.

However, the caretaker boss insisted he’s just focused on carrying out the duties he was given.

He said: “If you win games, you get points, you move up the table. We’ve had our reward with four on the spin, and we’ve got next Saturday to look forward to against Wigan.

“It’s repetitive but in my footballing life I was only ever told to look after the next game. Sixth is a lot healthier than 12th when we started. That’s credit to he players, who have given 100%.

“I’m only doing what I said I would come in and do, which is help. I’ll never stand in the way of progress at this football club. I have never had a conversation with the owners beyond the conversation I had when I came in.

“That’s where we stand at the moment and until there is more to discuss – that is where we are.”

Jamie Carragher Wants Kenny Dalglish Confirmed In Liverpool Job

Fernando Torres became the latest victim of Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool renaissance last night after the Spaniard's eagerly awaited debut as a £50m Chelsea player ended in deflation and a 1-0 defeat at the hands of former team-mates.

The striker's first appearance for his new club veered horribly off script as he was snuffed out by the impressive Jamie Carragher and substituted just after the hour. The travelling support had barracked his every touch but by the end were too busy rejoicing in Raul Meireles's fourth goal in five matches that confirmed the recovery instigated by Dalglish since he took over last month.

This success was achieved without the input of Liverpool's own new arrivals, the £23m Luis Suárez or the £35m Andy Carroll, with Carragher subsequently leading the calls for Dalglish to be handed the job full-time. "I have great respect for Roy, so I'd never say 'things have changed for the better' and that type of stuff," said Carragher. "As a club and as players we didn't do enough to help the manager out – the performances weren't good enough and obviously the managers take the brunt of it.

"But things have improved now and Kenny coming has got everyone onside. It's not our decision if he gets the job. That's up to the club owners. But for everyone, especially me and Stevie [Gerrard], he's a hero to us. The results are obviously going very well. If you're asking me, obviously I'd love him to be the manager."

By inflicting Chelsea's fifth defeat here in 132 league games Liverpool registered a fourth successive victory without conceding a goal, to rise to sixth place, only six points from the fourth Champions League qualification place. They can now aspire to returning to Europe's elite competition, potentially at Chelsea's expense.

"Good players come and go," said Carragher when asked about his former team-mate. "We've played against plenty of players [who have left] – we used to play against Robbie Fowler when he went to Leeds – and it's not easy. You know the quality they have and Fernando is one of the best strikers in the world. I'm sure he'll prove that for Chelsea but he's not with us now. We have to focus on our own team."

Dalglish was just as reluctant to talk about the departed Spaniard, whose transfer had so dominated the week and the build-up to this occasion. "I'm not here to talk about someone else's players but I don't think any of their forwards will be too happy about the game they had," he said. "We signed two fantastic players in Luis Suárez and Andy Carroll and we are looking forward to seeing them play, if they can get in the team. The way the boys played today it won't be easy for either of them.

"The Torres situation wasn't an incentive for us. Whatever someone else wants to do with their life, that's their choice. We've said all we have to say on the lad. I came here to win three points. If Carlo Ancelotti had been playing up front for Chelsea, I'd have still wanted the three points. The personnel and the opposition aren't important to me. We just look at ourselves and sixth place is a lot healthier than 12th, where we started.

"Now that's four clean sheets and 12 points from four games, so everyone connected to Liverpool is very happy. As for my role long-term, I'm only doing what I said I would do: come in and help. I won't ever stand in the way of progress at this club. I've not had a conversation with the owners and, until there's something else to discuss, that's where we are."

Ancelotti was left to reflect on a damaging defeat, with an opportunity to eat into the 10-point deficit from Manchester United at the top passed up. Chelsea have now lost as many games this season as Birmingham City, a side who hoisted themselves out of the relegation zone only with victory at West Ham yesterday, and the manager was left complaining that Glen Johnson's late barge on Branislav Ivanovic went unpunished.

"We're disappointed because we had an opportunity to close the gap but now we're still the same distance from United," said Ancelotti. "But we have to keep going. Maybe now we have less possibility to close that gap but we have to try again. We still have to try to fight again for the title.

"The right result today would have been a draw but this is football. Liverpool was strong defensively and we were not able to find the solution and we played too slowly from the back. But we need to give Torres time to adjust. He has experience, he has confidence and was enthusiastic to play today. In him and David Luiz we have bought players with fantastic abilities who will be the future of this club."