The Reds were overtaken by fierce rivals Manchester United at the table's summit on Saturday as Dimitar Berbatov struck late on to sink Bolton at the Reebok Stadium. Chelsea's last-gasp victory over Stoke also piled the pressure on Rafa Benitez's side - who drew with Stoke in their last outing - ahead of Monday's crunch Merseyside derby. And Torres, who is expected to start his first game for the Reds since returning from a hamstring injury when Everton arrive at Anfield, has urged his colleagues to improve their performances. "This year there is a clear sense that the league is our target," Torres said in the Sunday Mirror. "The only way is to have confidence in yourselves - maybe by stringing three or four wins together. "You also have to remember the next few weeks will go a long way to deciding how the season pans out. Now is really the time to step up a gear."
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has demanded his team-mates 'step up a gear' in the Premier League title race.
Fernando Torres:Time to step up
Match Report:Marseilles 1-2 Liverpool [Champions League] [Highlights]
Trailing in the Stade Velodrome, the Liverpool captain collected a square pass from Dirk Kuyt just outside the penalty area after 26 minutes and produced a wonderful first-time curling shot which dropped into the far corner of the net. It was a marvellous goal and could hardly have been better placed.
Gerrard added a second on the half-hour, converting a twice-taken penalty after Ryan Babel had been felled in the area for what turned out to be the winner.
Marseilles had gone in front after 23 minutes, Lorik Cana being allowed to run unchecked and collect a through-ball after Javier Mascherano had pushed up hoping for an offside flag.
Torres, Gerrard could be fit for Man United match
Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard have resumed light training and could be fit for Liverpool's match with Manchester United next week.
Manager Rafa Benitez said Thursday the duo could be back in 10 days, putting them in contention for the Sept. 13 Premier League game.
Torres tore a hamstring Sunday, while Gerrard is recovering from a minor groin operation last week.
"Both players are now back jogging and will be out for 10 to 12 days," Benitez said. "Gerrard might be back before Torres but you never know."
Match Report: Liverpool 2-1 Middlesbrough [Premier League]
Keane and Torres showed that their training ground work was benefitting each other as they showed a lot more purpose and togetherness up front. What they hadn’t planned for was the impressive Boro rearguard who were repelling Liverpool’s attacking threat.
Teams:
Liverpool:Reina, Arbeloa (El Zhar 83), Carragher, Skrtel, Dossena (Aurelio 75), Kuyt, Gerrard, Alonso, Benayoun (Babel 65), Keane, Torres.
Middlesbrough:Turnbull, Wheater, Huth, Pogatetz, Taylor (Hoyte 75), Aliadiere, O’Neil, Shawky, Downing, Alves (Mido 60), Sanli (Digard 87).
Goals:Mido 70.,Pogatetz 86 og, Gerrard 90.
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