Torres gets Reds back to winning ways

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Defeats by Manchester United and Reading following a long unbeaten run had raised doubts about their title credentials, while Portsmouth arrived at Anfield on the back of six away wins.

But despite a brief scare when Benjani Mwaruwari pulled a goal back after Yossi Benayoun and a Sylvain Distin own goal had given the hosts the early advantage, Fernando Torres struck twice to ensure the points.

Midfielder Benayoun gave David James no chance with a superb volley from 20 yards after being set up by Harry Kewell. It was Benayoun's second league goal following his summer move from West Ham.

Liverpool took confidence from making the breakthrough and extended their lead three minutes later. Dirk Kuyt and Torres linked up with the Spanish striker trying to set up his team-mate. Distin, though, got his bearings wrong and the ball came off his leg and past his own goalkeeper David James.

Papa Bouba Diop almost pulled a goal back a minute into the second half but his effort went marginally over the crossbar.

Portsmouth pulled a goal back in the 57th minute with Benjani's ninth of the season. He steered his effort wide of Pepe Reina from the edge of the area after being set up by Kanu to stun Liverpool.

Kewell then showed some inspiration to race forward in the 67th minute to send a dipping shot from distance over the top.

Liverpool regained their two-goal advantage a minute later following a glorious pass from Javier Mascherano to substitute Ryan Babel. Babel's effort was parried by James only for Torres to find the corner from the rebound.

Torres added to his tally in the 84th minute and made it 4-1 to Liverpool with his 14th goal of the season, a clinical finish after he had been set up by Steven Gerrard.