Liverpool drifting apart

Fernando Torres 17th goal of the season salvaged a point for Liverpool, as Rafa Benitez’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

Boro had taken the lead on 26 minutes through skipper George Boateng, who finished off a move he started after linking with Stewart Downing and Jeremie Aliadiere.

However, not for the first time of a deeply disappointing season, Torres rescued Liverpool. The Spaniard netted a screamer from 25 yards, after receiving a pass from sub Ryan Babel. Torres beat Schwarzer with a sizzling shot from 25 yards after the Boro defence were slow to close the Spaniard down when he received the ball from Babel.

Moments later, Babel could have scored a similar goal himself as the Boro defence stepped off him as he motored towards goal, but the Dutchman’s aim was not as true as Torres.

Liverpool could have snatched all three points in injury-time, but Schwarzer made a good save with his legs to keep out Hyypia’s header from substitute Xabi Alonso’s corner.