Torres earns derby win for Liverpool

Liverpool chances
Torres struck his tenth goal in eight outings after just seven minutes at Anfield. Xabi Alonso dispossessed Yakubu Ayegbeni, the ball falling favourably to Dirk Kuyt who guided the ball into Torres's path and the Spain striker rifled low into the far corner. It capped a vibrant start by the hosts, who could have gone into half-time further ahead but Kuyt and Ryan Babel both squandered chances before Steven Gerrard's dipping volley came back off the post.

Osman effort
Everton's best chance came when Leon Osman stooped to head Mikel Arteta's free-kick just wide soon after the restart, but Liverpool were rarely troubled as they moved five points clear of their rivals in the race for fourth in the Premier League. Chelsea second, though the west London side had Ricardo Carvalho to thank – not to mention some good fortune – as they beat Middlesbrough 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to keep the pressure on Arsenal FC and Manchester United FC, both victors yesterday.

Alves misfortune

Newcastle impress
The result means Middlesbrough slip to 13th, a point behind north-east rivals Newcastle United FC, who made it two wins in two with an impressive 4-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur FC. Trailing as half-time approached, Nicky Butt scored a timely equaliser just before the interval and the visitors did not look back as three goals in the second period completed the turnaround.