Sunderland 0 Liverpool 1: Moment of Torres magic lifts Benitez

Bad week for Liverpool's beleaguered manager finishes on high note as inspirational Alonso ensures Black Cats' luck finally runs out By Michael Walker at the Stadium of Light A dramatic, explosive finale to a dramatic, explosive day to end a dramatic, explosive week at Liverpool for Rafael Benitez. Drama, drama, drama: it is not The Liverpool Way traditionally, but these are different times at Anfield. That three Spaniards were at the centre of intense attention on Wearside yesterday reveals that. Just a few hours after Benitez felt compelled to issue a statement of loyalty on the club's website, following morning reports that he had considered his position last week as the interminable Gareth Barry saga carried on, Benitez saw his half-time substitute, Xabi Alonso – the man whom Barry would replace – inspire Liverpool to... [read full story]