Liverpool's renaissance under Kenny Dalglish continued as victory over Fulham lifted them into their highest Barclays Premier League position of the season.
It was not the most notable of performances, although there were plenty of spells of good football from the hosts, as John Pantsil's second-half own goal divided the teams.
But the Reds registered back-to-back wins for the first time since early November to move up to seventh, within six points of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, and maintain the feeling of optimism which arrived when Dalglish replaced Roy Hodgson earlier this month.
The last time the legendary Scot faced a Fulham team at Anfield he was player-manager on the occasion of a 10-0 League Cup victory in September 1986 against the then third-division side - and he did not even score.
There was to be no repeat of those fireworks, understandably considering Liverpool's still fragile form and the Cottagers' precarious position.
Portugal international Raul Meireles was man of the match at the weekend and he started brightly again as he kept the advanced midfield role even on captain Steven Gerrard's return after suspension.
It was he who got on the end of Martin Kelly's right-wing cross to direct a low header goal wards which the goalkeeper turned around his post.
Stockdale was called into action again in the 25th minute when Glen Johnson, playing at left-back, cut inside to unleash a right-footed shot which the keeper tipped over.
Clint Dempsey forced Jose Reina into a low save just before the half-hour but the Spain international should not have been given a chance seconds later when Andrew Johnson cut the ball back to the penalty spot but Moussa Dembele hit his shot straight at the goalkeeper.
Daniel Agger fired a low 30-yard drive wide and Torres headed over from Kelly's cross in added time at the end of the first half as the hosts failed to make their dominance pay.
Maxi Rodriguez had a shot blocked by Aaron Hughes but when a cross was swung back into the area the Argentinean wasted his free header with an aimless looping effort.
But that was forgotten when Liverpool took the lead in the 52nd minute. [Read more…]
Source: Video courtesy of FootyTube.com
Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter.
The Dutch winger has penned a two and a half year deal with the Bundesliga outfit with the option of a further year.
Ryan Babel joined the Reds in July 2007 in a deal worth more than £10million. His Reds debut came on August 11, 2007 when he appeared as a second-half substitute against Aston Villa.
