Liverpool up to fourth

Liverpool moved up to fourth place in the Premieership on Saturday thanks to two goals from Fernando Torres as the Reds deservedly scored a 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough.

Tuncay Sanli had stunned the home crowd, which was in an expectant mood following Tuesday's UEFA Champions League victory over Internazionale, by putting Boro ahead after nine minutes when the Turkish forward turned a Stewart Downing free-kick in with his shoulder.

Liverpool then laboured, but Torres latched onto a poor 28th minute headed back-pass from Boro skipper Julio Arca to round goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and equalise under pressure.

The Spanish striker then hit his second a minute-and-a-half later as he was fed by Fabio Aurelio to smash in from 25 yards.

Boro recovered well and thought they had equalised before half-time but Tuncay was correctly punished for poking past Liverpool shot-stopper Jose Reina with his hand.

And on 61 minutes Boro were to rue the disallowed effort as Torres, who is now the first Liverpool forward to score more than 20 goals in a season since Michael Owen in 2003, secured his third as he slotted into an empty goal following a mix-up between Schwarzer and Boro defender David Wheater.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Aurelio, Kuyt (Riise 73), Lucas, Mascherano, Babel (Benayoun 62), Gerrard, Torres (Crouch 90).

Subs Not Used: Martin, Skrtel.

Booked: Reina, Finnan.

Goals: Torres 28, 29, 61.

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Young, Wheater, Grounds, Pogatetz, O'Neil (Mido 59), Rochemback, Arca, Downing, Aliadiere, Sanli (Alves 69).

Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Boateng, Hines.

Sent Off: Aliadiere (85).

Booked: Aliadiere, Sanli, Wheater, Rochemback, Young.

Goals: Sanli 9, Downing 83.