Rihanna reigns with showstopping MTV performance (despite nearly busting out of low-cut top)

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By Chris Johnson

Stealing the show: Rihanna looked dangerously close to losing her top as performed at the MTV European Music Awards last night after learning her new single Only Girl (In The World) had hit No.1 in the UK charts


She left the clutch of awards to Lady Gaga.

But last night Rihanna still had something to celebrate at the MTV European Music Awards after learning her new single had climbed to No.1 in the UK singles chart.

The 22-year-old star performed the upbeat track Only Girl (In the World) at the the glitzy bash in Madrid, wearing a fairytale inspired costume - which she almost busted out of at one point - complete with crown and wand.

Her chart success saw Cheryl Cole's No.1 single Promise This slip a place - however the X Factor judge's new album Messy Little Raindrops did hit the top spot.

Rihanna's friend Katy Perry also went head to head with the unstoppable Gaga in several categories - but came off the worse after winning just one trophy for Best Video, California Gurls.

Gaga, who was unable to attend as she was performing in Budapest, collected awards in the categories Best Pop, Best Female and Best Song (Bad Romance).



Atmospheric: The singer performed on a fairytale set, complete with flowers, smoke and a sunset backdrop


Centre stage: She performed Only Girl, but didn't win any awards at the glitzy bash which was held in Madrid


Transformed: Earlier the singer arrived to the event in a ruffled white gown before changing into her more revealing stage outfit


Appearing by video link, the singer said of her award in the Best Pop category: 'I'm all the way in Budapest and I'm so sorry I couldn't be there to accept this award myself but there are 20,000 little monsters out there waiting for me, so I have to hurry up and get back on stage.

'This means so much to me Europe, I love you.'

An emotional Lady Gaga then thanked fans after winning her second and third awards, firstly Best Female and then Best Song, for her hit Bad Romance.

She interrupted her Budapest concert to say: 'I hate that I'm not there, but I'm working so hard', before breaking into a snatch of the song.

Hot on her platform heels was über-phenomenon Justin Bieber, who won both the prestigious Best Male category as well as Best Push Artist.

Shakira kicked off a female-dominated MTV Europe Music Awards in style tonight with a medley of songs.

The Colombian singer wore a silver bikini top and tasselled silver trousers to perform her latest single Loca, and Waka Waka (This is Africa).

This year's awards, broadcast live to millions of viewers across Europe, were held in Madrid's Caja Magica.

Host Eva Longoria took to the stage wearing a revealing black dress, in the first of 13 planned ensembles, before a quick change into a scarlet mini-dress.

She welcomed the crowd with a rousing 'Viva Espana!' before congratulating Spain on its recent World Cup victory.


She's back: Newly Katy Perry, a close friend of Rihanna, also performed in a white sequinned catsuit and tutu


Gossip Girl actress and musician Taylor Momsen presented the Best New Act award to Kesha, who thanked her 'bad-ass' fans and admitted: 'I'm about to pee my pants!'

Rock band Paramore beat Gorillaz and Arcade Fire in the Alternative category, with lead singer Hayley Williams admitting: 'We've never won an award on TV before.'

Their gong was presented by Jackass's Johnny Knoxville, who joked that he had been 'in two hospitals and many bars' since arriving in Spain.

Longoria then introduced Bon Jovi as the winners of the first Global Icon Award.

'This award is a testament to the millions of fans they have around the world,' she said.
Jon Bon Jovi said: 'Thank you, thanks I guess for making us icons.


Celebrations: She won an award for Best Video for her lively song California Gurls, seen here holding it aloft after collecting it on stage


'I want to thank everybody at MTV for this unbelievable ride over a quarter of a century - we're still doing what we do and doing it well.'

Katy Perry, host of the 2008 and 2009 awards, took Best Video for California Gurls, which featured Snoop Dogg.

Perry, who performed earlier in the evening, accepted her award wearing a metallic mini-dress with her hair in a high ponytail, and said: 'This is awesome, I really want to thank you guys, because I was just on stage and you guys are the best f***ing crowd in Europe.

Teenage pop sensation Justin Bieber, 16, was voted Best Male, beating Kanye West and Eminem to the award, while Linkin Park brought their road crew out to help celebrate winning the Live Act category.



Helping hand: Katy, who has hosted the awards ceremony twice before, gave new presenter Eva Longoria some hints on how to keep the crowd entertained by ripping off her dress to reveal a sexy corset


Outfit change: The Desperate Housewives star made a series of outfit changes, seen here next to some scantily-clad male models


In a pre-recorded segment featuring Dizzee Rascal, Longoria performed an awards-themed rap, while on stage her array of costumes included a purple silk dress and a black feathered outfit.

Perry, known for her eccentric costume choices at previous MTV Awards, then offered Longoria advice on how to keep the attention of the audience.

'As you know, I've hosted the show before a couple of times,' she said, before stripping away Longoria's demure prom-style black dress to reveal the actress in a tiny corset.

The 17-year-old Miley Cyrus, who rose to fame as a child star, also chose a revealing costume, singing Who Owns My Heart clad in a pale-coloured leotard.


It's all in the hips: Shakira opened the show and true to form put her rock hard stomach firmly on display


Looking good: The Colombian star performed her World Cup single Waka Waka (This Is Africa), wearing a tasseled silver grass skirt and a bikini top


Eminem triumphed in the Hip Hop category, accepting his prize from Brazil, while Shakira was given the Free Your Mind award in recognition for her charity work campaigning for universal education.

She said: 'I believe that music is the soundtrack of our lives: music can make you dance, can make you laugh, forget about your troubles, but it also makes you think, and can be a vehicle to make you think about important issues.'

The latter part of the evening featured performances from Plan B and Best New Act winner Kesha, who took to the stage in neon face paint to sing Tik Tok and crowd-surfed out into the enthusiastic crowd.

Actor-turned-singer Jared Leto's band Thirty Seconds to Mars scooped Best Rock, thanking their devoted fanbase, known as 'the Echelon' in their acceptance speech.


Strutting her stuff: Miley Cyrus put in a customary provocative performance, wearing fishnet tights and underwear-style clothing


Leto said: 'I would like to say thank you to the most wonderful family in the entire world - they are known as the Echelon and they aren't just fans, they really are everything we could hope and dream for.

'They have proved once again that if you are willing to walk the path of the dreamer, anything is possible.'

Longoria paid tribute to Gaga by arriving on stage in an imitation of the 'meat dress' the singer sported at the MTV Video Music Awards in September.

The host appeared in a dress shaped like a giant cut of ham, branding herself 'jamon iberico'.

The awards were closed by Bon Jovi, who played a medley that included Shot Through the Heart and It's My Life.


Crowd pleaser: Katy seen here on stage in Independence Square, Madrid, where the event was held



source: dailymail
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Eva Longoria wows the Europe MTV awards with 10 different outfits... including a giant HAM dress

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By Daily Mail Reporter


Piece of meat: Eva Longoria looks typically glamorous in a Victoria Beckham dress as she arrives to host the 2010 Europe MTV Music Awards, before later showing a sense of humour by changing into a ham costume


It was a busy night for Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria.

Not only did she have the pressure of hosting the prestigious Europe MTV Music Awards, she also had to do some quick costume changes to fit in a staggering 10 different outfits during the ceremony.

And the 35-year-old actress showed her sense of humour when she changed from her glamorous Victoria Beckham-designed arrival dress into a giant ham costume.

Perhaps the 35-year-old actress was channelling her inner Lady Gaga - who famously appeared wearing a meat dress in September's VMAs in Los Angeles.

Not only did Longoria appear in the spectacular array of outfits - she also wore sported a different hairstyle with each look.

She looked particularly happy to share the stage with four topless men wearing red and white briefs with letters spelling out her name on the back.

And Longoria didn't seem too afraid of showing off her stunning figure either.


Show of support: A group of male models sport briefs with host Eva Longoria's name written on the back, for this year's Europe Music Awards in Madrid, Spain


As she appeared alongside Katy Perry in a strapless midnight blue number, the singer dramatically tore off Longoria's skirt, leaving her in a revealing glittery corset.

Perry had also sported a array of attention grabbing outfits when she hosted the show back in 2008 and 2009.

Longoria seemed to be a popular host at the star studded bash, which saw performances from Perry, Rihanna, and Bon Jovi.

She wore a red mini dress and led the crowd with a rousing chorus of Viva Espana to congratulate Spain on its World Cup victory.


Ripping it off: Longoria's sophisticated looking navy blue dress turns into something more revealing when singer Katy Perry tears it off


Before the show, Longoria had expressed her excitement at walking the red carpet in one of her friend Victoria Beckham's dresses.

'She's definitely sending over some things,' she told Radio One's Newsbeat.

'I definitely want to wear one of Victoria's dresses, I just absolutely love her dresses and I think structurally they're just absolutely beautiful and form fitting.

'That's the only dress I am sure of as of right now - one of Victoria's.'


Costume change: The star sported a number of revealing outfits during her hosting duties at this year's awards including a red-mini dress to congratulate the Spanish football team on their World Cup victory


Quick changes: Longoria changed both her hair and her outfits during the show, wearing a black dress with a black criss cross design, a black and white number with a frill and a black sparkling dress with feather skirt


Her other glamorous outfits included a black and white frilly top with black hot pants, a clingy low cut cream dress, a sequinned mini dress with feathered skirt and a black dress with a criss-cross design at the front.

Despite the exhausting costume changes, Longoria clearly seemed to enjoy her hosting duties.

She later tweeted: 'Thank u Madrid! I love Espana!! MTV EMA's you rocked! Had so much fun! Back to work now on DH!'

The star plays passionate Gabrielle Solis on Desperate Housewives which is now into its seventh season in the US.



Sexy back: Longoria's Victoria Beckham designed dress featured intricately designed see-through panels at the back, while she later changed into a sequinned showgirl style number with a plunging front neckline









source: dailymail
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Here come the Brands: Katy Perry and Russell make first public appearance since wedding... and show off their matching rings

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By Chris Johnson


The happy couple: Katy Perry and Russell Brand made their first public appearance together as a married couple at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Madrid tonight


They've been keeping a low profile since their wedding in India three weeks ago.
But tonight newlyweds Katy Perry and Russell Brand resurfaced, making their first public appearance together as a married couple at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Spain.

Katy looked stunning in a mini red sequin dress and was wearing a gold ring on her wedding finger. Her husband also had one to match.


His and hers: The pair showed off their matching wedding rings at the glitzy event


The pair got married in the ultra-exclusive Arman-I-Khas resort, close to the Ranthambore Safari Park in rural Rajasthan last month.

It came after the pair met at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York in 2009, where Russell was the host.

Katy, who is nominated for five awards in tonight's show, will pave the way for Eva Longoria to present the event. Perry previously presented at the event in an array of attention-grabbing outfits in 2008 and 2009.


Leggy: Katy dazzled in a red sequin minidress teamed with with peep toe blue heels


Show-stopping: Katy later performed at the show, wearing a sequinned catsuit and headband


Ahead of the event, Eva tweeted a picture of herself getting ready, with the accompanying message: 'In hair and makeup..the countdown begins!'.

She then made her arrival in a stunning black Victoria Beckham dress, complete with triangular panels on the chest and back.

Lady Gaga will be offering Perry some hot competition tonight as she is also up for five gongs.


Hostess with the mostess: Eva Longoria, who is presenting the ceremony, arrived in a short Victoria Beckham dress, complete with triangular see through panels on the chest and back



Getting ready: Eva tweeted this picture of herself in hair and make-up preparing for her night in the spotlight

The American singers put British stars in the shade at the glitzy bash, held this year at Madrid's Caja Magica.

The pair are competing against each other in the Best Pop, Female, Song and Video categories, while Lady Gaga is up for Best Live Act, and Perry has been nominated for Best World Stage Performance.

The show, to be screened live by MTV to millions of viewers across Europe, will feature performances from Rihanna, Shakira, Bon Jovi and the Kings Of Leon.


Beauties: Singer Rihanna was the belle of the ball in a ruffled white gown while Brit Kelly Brook wowed in a short olive coloured dress with strappy back detailing


Work in progress: Rihanna tweeted a photo of herself with what appeared to be cream all over her face, posting the accompanying message: 'Getting ready for red carpet... EMAs here we come'


Female acts dominate this year's nominations, with Rihanna shortlisted for Pop, Female, and Song (Rude Boy) and Miley Cyrus earning a nod in the Female and Pop categories.

No British acts feature in the Best Male, Female or Pop categories, but nominees flying the flag for Britain include Muse, who are contending for Rock, Live Act and World Stage Performance, and Gorillaz, who are up for World Stage Performance and Alternative.

Alexandra Burke and Professor Green are both in the running in the Push Act category, while British rapper Plan B is nominated for two awards, and Ozzy Osbourne is up for Best Rock.


Battle of the necklines: Colombian singer Shakira wore a risque shimmering dress, which was very low cut to say the least while, right, socialite Hofit Golan also donned a revealing number


American invasion: Jersey Shore star Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi, U.S. singer Ke$ha and Miley Cyrus, right, who covered up for once in a flowing white nightie-style gown with a black bow


Gothic: Gossip Girl star and singer Taylor Momsen poses with her band, The Pretty Reckless, dressed in knee-high boots and an open shirt which revealed her bra

source: dailymail
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Controversy as Cheryl Cole refuses to vote: Treyc Cohen sent packing on X Factor as Katie Waissel is saved by Simon and Louis

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By Liz Thomas and Chris Johnson

She's off: Treyc Cohen, right, was eliminated from the X Factor tonight but judge and mentor Cheryl Cole refused to vote after Katie Waissel, who is also in her category, also came in the bottom two


First time in show's history as Cheryl refuses to pick an act to send home

Emotional Katie 'collapses' onstage after forgetting her words... but survives

Angry fans vent fury online claiming show was fixed to keep Katie in contest


Cheryl Cole sparked controversy on the X Factor last night when she refused to vote and choose between two of her own singers.

Katie Waissel survived and Treyc Cohen was voted off - but she could have been saved if Cole had voted for her.

If Cole had voted for her, her fate would have been decided by the number of telephone votes.

*** Scroll down to see the video... ***


Decision and indecision: In the end the other three judges had to take a call, with Simon and Louis choosing to save Katie and Dannii voting for Treyc


Viewers last night flooded internet forum claiming it was a 'fix' because X Factor producers wanted to keep Waissel in the competition. Many called for Ofcom - the media regulator - to investigate.

Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh both chose to save Miss Waissel despite admitting she was not the best singer while Dannii opted to save Treyc.

Miss Cole refused to pick between her acts - the first time a judge has done so in the show's history.


Pressing: Host Dermot O'Leary told Cheryl she should make a decision on who to send home as it was her job to do so, but she wouldn't budge


Saying goodbye: Katie and Treyc shared a hug after learning their fate


After asking Simon for his decision first, host Dermot O'Leary then moved on to Cheryl, which seemed to surprise her at being asked second.

She told Katie and Treyc: 'You are both talented women. I am refusing to send anyone home.'

The 27-year-old then said she was prepared to take the vote to deadlock once the other judges had voted, but host Dermot O'Leary instead opted to use the majority rule procedure having already pressed her to make a choice.

The decision fuelled suspicions that producers are keen to keep Miss Waissel in because she makes better television.

But a show spokesman said: 'Dermot was very clear. He asked Cheryl if she was refusing to vote. He told her if she refused it would simply be based on the majority. Those are the rules



Saved by the skin of her teeth: Katie broke down mid performance as she sang for survival and ended up singing in a heap on floor after forgetting some of the lyrics


Swan song: Treyc performed a powerful rendition of Toni Braxton's Unbreak My Heart


Miss Waissel has twice threatened to quit the show as she struggled to cope with the backlash against her.

Fans earlier booed Katie during the tense result, prompting Dannii Minogue to later comment that nobody should be getting such a reception from the audience.

Outraged fans immediately went on internet forums to protest against the result. On Twitter, some demanded the episode is investigated by Ofcom.

On Twitter, EllisOfficial wrote: ‘#XFactor is an absolute fix. It should be investigated by Ofcom. The whole series has been constructed to launch Katie Waissel. FACT.’

alsy77 wrote: ‘I hate Katie Waissel - the judges can’t ignore the will of the people forever. Allons, mes enfants. Man the #xfactor barricade.’

PennyPstop said: ‘Eh? Cheryl makes up new rules and gets away with it? #xfactor Ofcom could get busy...’


Before the storm: Earlier on with her four girls, from left, Cher Lloyd, Katie, Rebecca Ferguson and Treyc


GKMikeTaylor added: ‘People calling X Factor a fix. They’re saying it as if it’s a sudden revelation.’

Fighting for survival Katie performed the track Please Don't Give Up On Me - but tripped over the words halfway through her song.

Clearly distraught, she battled on but lost the words again, ironically as she was singing the lyrics: 'Please don't give up on'.

In a desperate plea she then fell to the ground, sat down and said: 'Oh sod it,' as she continued to sing before breaking off at the end.

Trey performed a powerful rendition of Toni Braxton's Unbreak My Heart. Afterwards Cowell admitted that Treyc was the better singer, but saved Katie saying she was a more interesting performer.


Jumping for joy: Wagner was delighted after making it through again, but received huge boos from the crowd after hearing the happy news


There were huge boos as P.E. teacher Wagner made it through again.

The results show opened with all the contestants performing to the track So What by Pink.

Kylie Minogue, 42, performed her new track Better Than Today on the show, looking sexy in a short red dress and silver stilettos.

Following her rendition, sister Dannii was full of praise for her sibling, giving the performance 'ten out of ten'.

Former X Factor winner Shayne Ward earlier made his comeback with new single Gotta Be Somebody.

The 26-year-old said it was great to be back on the show, before asking fans to download his new track.

Earlier Cheryl told host Dermot O'Leary when asked how the hopefuls are coping: 'I thinking the pressure is really getting to all the contestants now, but in a good way because everyone's stepping up.'


Style wars: Dannii Minogue, right, was back on top tonight in a alluring lace corseted dress while Cheryl took second place in a beige asymmetrical number


All together: The judges walk out at the start of the show, with Dannii flanked by Louis and Cheryl next to Simon


On last night's show Matt Cardle brought the house down with an emotional rendition of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.

But after alluding to the song's personal meaning during the show, the painter and decorator later revealed why the Roberta Flack song was so special to his family.

In the ITV2 spin-off show The Xtra Factor, Cardle, 27, told how his mother Jennifer cared for her best friend Sharon's four sons after she died.

He explained: 'My mum's best mate was killed when I was 11 and she had four kids. My mum took on those kids and they absolutely made our family bigger and better.

'The oldest one Julian, his girlfriend was under similar circumstances and they got married a couple of years ago and I sang that as Kate came into the church. The whole day was one of the most emotional days of my life.'


She's back: Kylie Minogue sang her new track Better Than Today and said it was great to be back on the show


Looking good: The Australian star looked fantastic in a sexy little red dress


Matt and his older brother Dominic ended up gaining four brothers Julian, Ben and twins Tom and Rob.

Looking visibly upset as she talked to host Konnie Huq, he admitted he was too caught up in the emotional of it all to even notice the judges had given him a standing ovation.

Following his performance on The X Factor, the judges all gave him high praise, even bringing his mentor Dannii to tears.

She told him: 'You not only had the audience on their feet but all four judges. It was a perfect performance. I wish everyone at home knew the story about why you sang that song.'

Struggling to contain himself after his emotional performance, Matt told host Dermot O'Leary: 'I'm feeling a bit weak. Last week was a real struggle and I just wanted to come out and do my best. I feel so lucky.'


Making a comeback: Former X Factor winner Shane Ward performed his new single Gotta Be Somebody


The show was opened by Cher Lloyd, who last week closed the show with an incredible performance of Shakespears Sister's Stay.

It was always going to be difficult for the 17-year-old to follow what Simon labelled 'the performance of the series', but Cher gave it a shot by bringing her own mix of soulful vocals and rapping ability to the stage.

Up next was Mary Byrne, who has so far wowed both the viewers and the judges with her performances in past live shows.

But again, she struggled to maintain the level she had previously achieved, and didn't do too well with her performance of Faith Hill's There You'll Be.
Katie Waissel followed and performed No Doubt's Don't Speak.

After ending up in the bottom two last week alongside Belle Amie, Katie admitted she was nervous about taking to the stage. But she managed to pull it together for her performance


Ensemble: Rebecca Ferguson, Mary Byrne and Cher Lloyd performed the track So What by Pink with the rest of the X Factor contestants


Aiden Grimshaw was next to take to the stage, and after his poor performance of Michael Jackson's Thriller last week, he was determined to get back on his feet.

But, while some people thought he may have left his intensity at home after the judges urged him to do a 'happy, lively' song, Aiden stuck to what he knew, and performed Nothing Compares 2 U, the Prince song made famous by Sinead O'Connor.

Another of Dannii's boys, Paije Richardson, was next to perform with a unique mash-up of The Monkees' I'm A Believer and Outkast's Hey Ya.

Following his performance, Cheryl told Paije: 'You absolutely made my night. Great song choice, amazing twist. My favourite performance of yours so far.'

Rebecca Ferguson, one of the favourites to win the show, was up next, singing Bob Dylan's Make You Feel My Love.



Heartthrobs: One Direction also performed the track to open the show
And, apart from Matt's performance, Rebecca's rendition went down the best with the judges.


One of the most controversial contestants on the show, Wagner, was next to perform.
After taking on the musical legend that was Elvis Presley, the Brazilian singer decided to mix up Viva Las Vegas and The Wonder Of You.

Treyc Cohen was up next, with a stunning performance of Aerosmith's Don't Wanna Miss A Thing.

Following her song, Louis said: 'You're looking really great tonight. No matter what song you're given you always come out and give it 100 per cent.'

It was up to Simon's one last act, One Direction, to close the show with a lively performance of The Kids Of America.

After the performance, which came complete with hundreds of cheerleaders and matching outfits, Louis said: 'You could be the next big band. I loved everything about the performance. But I have to get my rule book out, this song was not even a hit in America. You cheated, Simon.'

But Simon insisted: 'When you came out it was like sunshine on a beautiful day and then Louis the thunder cloud comes along!'


source: dailymail
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Liverpool 2 Chelsea 0: Fernando Torres gives Blues double trouble as Reds' revival continues

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By Matt Lawton

Cool finish: Torres keeps his head to slot home the opener for Liverpool as Terry closes in


What a remarkable transformation. In Fernando Torres, in Liverpool, even in Roy Hodgson.

It was only 21 days earlier, after all, that Hodgson watched his side stutter to an utterly demoralising defeat at Everton.

He sat in the press conference that followed, the manager of a Liverpool team seemingly drowning in the bottom three of the Barclays Premier League, and tried to defend a display so abject that a watching John W Henry must have wondered exactly what £300million had just bought New England Sports Ventures.
At Anfield, Henry and his colleagues must have been feeling rather more pleased with their purchase. They do have some players capable of matching their considerable ambition. Not least in the form of a striker who, only a week ago, looked like a poor imitation of one of the world's finest.

From Bolton to here, the change in Torres was extraordinary. At the Reebok he was wretched. At Anfield he was awesome, scoring two quite brilliant goals to condemn Chelsea to only their second League defeat of the season and propel Liverpool to ninth in the table.


In the execution of both his firsthalf strikes there were flashes of the player we have grown to admire; the same player who followed a brilliant first season at Liverpool with the winning goal in the final of Euro 2008; who was then voted among the top three footballers on the planet.

If there remain concerns about his pace, and whether those knee and groin problems have robbed him of the ability to accelerate in the same fashion, he has certainly rediscovered much that is good about his game.

The predatory instincts were back, as was the intelligent movement and the touch of a genius. It was best demonstrated in the first goal, even if the finish for the second was more spectacular.

For Hodgson, it was obviously a relief to mark Henry's first League game at Anfield with such a memorable victory.

'Until this, my most enjoyable day at the club was when I arrived in the summer,' he said as he celebrated his first ever win against Chelsea.
'And it's been downhill ever since.'

The difference in his team was obvious. Confidence. The confidence that was missing for the first two-and-a-half months of the season but began to return with that defeat of Blackburn and now appears to be back in abundance.


Kop idol: Anfield salutes striker Torres as he celebrates by the corner flag with Reds midfielder Meireles


Four straight wins is some run for a team who were on thier knees at Goodison and you sense they can now build on this, despite the fact that a shortage of top-level players will undermine their chances of seriously challenging for honours.

Even Henry must realise that. Even Henry, with his limited knowledge of his new sport, must have recognised that yesterday they beat a Chelsea team weakened significantly by the absence of key individuals.

Didier Drogba's entrance was delayed until half-time - Carlo Ancelotti said he was suffering with a fever on the eve of the match - but it was in midfield that the game was lost. With no Michael Essien or Frank Lampard, Chelsea lacked their usual strength and power, and Liverpool benefited enormously as a result. Lucas, too often a lightweight at this level, actually looked quite dominant at times.


Over the top: Chelsea captain Terry (top) and midfielder Obi work together as they attempt to stop Torres


There were a number of good Liverpool performances. While Dirk Kuyt was outstanding for a player just back from injury, Raul Meireles had one of his best games for the club, as did young Martin Kelly as emergency cover for Glen Johnson at full back.

It was Kuyt, though, who provided the ball for that opening goal from Torres in the 11th minute with a delightful diagonal ball that the Spaniard anticipated brilliantly.

First came the touch to bring it under control, then the combination of speed and strength to escape the clutches of John Terry and finally the finish, lifted over the advancing Petr Cech. Chelsea finished the game having enjoyed 60 per cent possession, mainly because Liverpool struggled to retain the ball after the break.

But they offered little in response and paid for a lack of urgency and finesse with the goal Torres then produced just before the interval.

What started with Ashley Cole losing the ball to Meireles continued when the Portuguese midfielder delivered an excellent pass into the path of Torres, who took two or three strides before unleashing a curling right-footed shot that squeezed through blue shirts and between a flat-footed Cech and his left-hand post. It was the Spaniard's 44th goal in 47 League appearances at Anfield, further proof that Henry must do all he can to keep him at the club.

With the arrival of Drogba came an improvement in Chelsea's football and with it the need for some fine defending, not least from Pepe Reina, who excelled in denying Florent Malouda from close range in the 66th minute.


Get in: Torres watches his effort find the net as the Spaniard doubles Liverpool's advantage
In fairness to Liverpool, Cech had to produce a similar save to stop Kuyt from increasing Liverpool's advantage eight minutes after that.


But when Nicolas Anelka then saw a shot bounce off Reina and strike the underside of the crossbar, only the rapid reactions of Jamie Carragher prevented Drogba from reducing the deficit.

Understandably, Hodgson was as delighted as Ancelotti was disappointed to see his side's lead at the top of the Premier League cut to two points.

Hodgson has been under enormous pressure since Henry and his business partners bought this football club and even on Friday, when the American held court with a selection of reporters in London, he could not give the former Fulham manager many guarantees.

This, and indeed the three straight wins that came before it, will have bought Hodgson some time, and a quick glance down the fixture list would suggest they can climb higher still over the next fortnight. After trips to Wigan and Stoke they will host West Ham.

'I'll enjoy ninth for a little while,' said Hodgson with a smile.

It's not the kind of statement a Liverpool manager would usually make, but it's a measure of just how desperate a situation Liverpool were in as recently as three weeks ago.


source: dailymail

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