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Fernando Torres was an essential part of Rafa Benitez's Liverpool team
Fernando Torres was an essential part of Rafa Benitez's Liverpool team Fernando Torres was an essential part of Rafa Benitez's Liverpool team

BACK IN THE DAY

The Irish News, December 17 2009: Pressure eases on Rafa after home win

L IVERPOOL’S 2-1 victory over Wigan in the week of the 50th anniversary of Bill Shankly's first match at the club would not have impressed the legendary manager, but it was a welcome relief for current boss Rafael Benitez.

Young French striker David Ngog’s 10th-minute glancing header from Fabio Aurelio’s cross and Fernando Torres’ second-half scrambled effort proved enough to see off a Latics side, for whom Charles N’Zogbia scored an injury-time consolation.

It was only Liverpool’s fourth win in 16 matches and just their second at Anfield since September 26, but it will do much for the team's shaky confidence.

Although Ngog impressed in the first half the crowd eagerly awaited the arrival of substitute Torres for his 100th appearance, which eventually came in the 64th minute.

The striker duly delivered with his 61st goal for Liverpool to wrap up victory, his 49th goal in 69 league appearances.

That statistic alone underlines how important he is to Liverpool.