Read more about Match Reports.
Liverpool 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Match Reports, 17:27, August 29, 2010 ,
Fernando Torres came to lacklustre Liverpool's rescue to give them a scarcely-deserved 1-0 win against West Bromwich Albion.
Torres struck the only goal on 65 minutes to give Liverpool their first win of the Premier League season but they were made to work all the way by a spirited Albion - who had James Morrison rather harshly sent off late on.
The Reds lacked rhythm throughout but a touch of class from the otherwise quiet Spaniard Torres - a sweet volley from 18 yards from Dirk Kuyt's cross - proved to be the difference and settled the match.
West Brom held their own for most of an even contest and went closest to scoring in a disappointing first half, Marc-Antoine Fortune forcing Pepe Reina into a smart save on 24 minutes with a firm low shot. West Brom also had a penalty appeal waved away as Liverpool struggled to make an impact.
The Baggies lost momentum after the break but looked comfortable at the back until Torres struck on the counter-attack, a minute after Fortune had an effort saved by Reina.
Torres nearly doubled the lead on 72 minutes, but a fine Scott Carson save, his only major contribution in the match, denied him. West Brom did not threaten an equaliser, but Roy Hodgson will know his first league win as Liverpool boss did not come from a vintage performance.