Top gun Torres - Rafa hails derby winner

Torres took his side a decisive step nearer a fourth-place finish with a first-half winner against Everton and will again be a key figure in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg with Arsenal at the Emirates.

Red masters: Torres celebrates with Dirk Kuyt after scoring what proved the decisive goal at Anfield

Liverpool can qualify for next season's tournament by holding on to fourth or becoming European champions for a sixth time and Benitez believes Torres' prolific form could help them achieve both objectives.

Benitez said: "The team showed character and quality again, but it is always important to have someone like Fernando to finish things off.

"We knew we were signing a fantastic player who would score goals for us but I think he has surprised a few people. To be closing in on 30 goals in your first season is an exceptional return, particularly for a foreign player who is getting used to a new country.

"He has to be one of the best strikers in Europe and the understanding that is developing with Steven Gerrard is one of the keys for us at the moment. We've got Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel providing a threat on either flank as well, and it is giving us balance and helping us create chances.

Tornado: Liverpool striker Fernando Torres storms in alongside Phil Jagielka (front) to steer home the winner

"It was important to show discipline as well as character, particularly after all that has been said about respecting referees.

We always do that but it helped today that we had a referee (Howard Webb) who was not arrogant and did not want to be the star of the show."

With the kind of form Torres is in, few would back against him dragging Liverpool into top gear at the right time. The jubilant Spaniard reflected on his 28th goal in 38 appearances this season and said: "To score the winner in my first derby is fantastic. But the victory was the most important thing because Everton are further away than before and we can concentrate on the Champions League now."

While Liverpool cemented their hold on fourth place, Chelsea kept up the pressure on Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester United with a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough that came courtesy of a post and a rearguard display.

Ricardo Carvalho's sixthminute winner could not mask their return to faltering form but manager Avram Grant still has United in his sights.

He said: "We passed Liverpool, passed Arsenal, so now we need to keep winning. I cannot say it was our best game but after so many weeks of good football it was important to win rather than the quality of the game."

Liverpool legend Kevin Keegan believes his old club and the top three could have more competition next season after his Newcastle side finally hit the goal trail. They produced a stunning 4-1 win over Tottenham at White Hart Lane yesterday and recovered from Darren Bent's opener to score four goals in the Premier League for the first time since victory over Sunderland in October 2006.

Goals from Nicky Butt, Geremi, Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins lifted Newcastle into 13th and Keegan said: "We're a small squad but if we can add little bits to this, it could be quite exciting."

EURO WATCH

JAVIER MASCHERANO is bound to be back in Rafa Benitez's thoughts for the tough first leg at the Emirates. The defensive midfielder is available for the Champions League after being banned from the derby.