Fernando Torres’ side put in a five star performance as they steamrolled the Rams to move top of the Premiership. The Spanish striker scored two as Liverpool recorded an impressive 6-0 win at home versus bottom of the table Derby County.

The Liverpool number 9 almost opened the scoring with a header from a right-wing cross from Pennant. Torres out jumped the Derby defence but his header was well saved by Stephen Bywater in the County goal.

Liverpool’s early dominance eventually found its reward 25 minutes into the first half. Xabi Alonso floated in a free-kick from 40 yards and the ball evaded everyone including Stephen Bywater in the County goal, before nestling in the back of the net.

After the deadlock had been broken the Merseysiders stepped up a gear as they surged forward in search of a second.

Just before half-time Ryan Babel doubled the Reds lead following good play from Arbeloa. The Dutch player stepped inside his defender and picked his spot from the centre of the area with a sweetly struck right-footed shot.

Rafa Benitez’s team continued to push forward following the break, and 10 minutes into the second half Fernando Torres deservedly got on the scoresheet. The striker collected a loose ball in midfield and proceeded to beat three Derby defenders before slotting home from the edge of the area. A classic Torres run and strike for his first goal in front of Kop. County simply had no answer to the Reds pace and movement upfront and Alonso made the Rams pay when he scored Liverpool’s fourth with a well-struck shot.

The Liverpool fans were on their feet again as a good move between Torres and Kuyt saw the ball blocked by the Derby keeper. Second half substitute Voronin was quickest to the rebound as he followed up to score number five.

Two minutes later Fernando Torres rounded off the afternoon’s scoring with Liverpool’s sixth. The striker pounced on Voronin's through pass before sliding the ball home for his third league goal for the Anfield side.

The Merseysiders played out the final 10 minutes to notch up their third Premiership win of the season. The Reds next travel to Portsmouth in the Premier League, and then face FC Porto at home in the Champions League.

Liverpool’s man-of-the-match and current top scorer will be looking to add to his goalscoring account when Fernando Torres play Pompey next weekend. The striker will be also be looking to score his first goal in the Champions League when the Portuguese side visit Anfield in Liverpool’s opening Group A fixture.


Match Stats: Liverpool 6-0 Derby County

- Liverpool:

Reina, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Agger, Finnan, Babel (Voronin), Alonso, Mascherano (Sissoko), Pennant (Benayoun), Torres, Kuyt.

Goals:

Xabi Alonso 25, Ryan Babel 45, Fernando Torres 56, Xabi Alonso 69, Andrej Voronin 76, Fernando Torres 78.

- Derby County:

Bywater, Fagan, Todd, Davis, Griffin (Moore), Pearson, Camara (McEveley), Oakley, Malcolm (Teale), Howard, Mears.

Booked: Griffin


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