Alonso pleased with victory

Xabi Alonso may not be player for Liverpool for too much longer, but his appearance in the second half of the Sunderland game helped turn the tide. Alonso found Fernando Torres for the game’s only goal late in game.

The Euro 2008 winner told Liverpoolfc.tv: “We’re really pleased to win our first game. To start with a win is good. After our performance in Liege it was important to get the three points and regain confidence.

“It was a professional performance at Sunderland. It wasn’t the best or most spectacular display but we knew they would be a tough team to play and that they would be motivated on the opening day. But we did our job.

“We’re really delighted to have won our first game and pleased for Fernando to have scored his first goal. Hopefully it can continue.”