Liverpool finally start their season with Stoke stuffing

Liverpool 4 Stoke 0. After the disappointment of their defeat at the weekend to Spurs, Liverpool finally kicked their season off in style last night with a four-goal thumping of Stoke which saw Fernando Torres open his account for last season's Premier League runners-up.

The Spaniard was on the scoresheet within five minutes, set up by the excellent Steven Gerrard. New boy Glen Johnson made it two just before half time with a spectacular volley on his home debut after the ball was cleared off the line.

Stoke emerged for the second period with a touch more purpose, but were soon chasing the game again after Gerrard released Dirk Kuyt for a sliding finish on 78 minutes, before subsitute David N'Gog selaed the rout with a header from a Johnson cross.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYINGTony Barrett, the Times: "Take Glen Johnson, he of the exorbitant transfer fee and dubious international form. His challenge from Benítez - one that he chose to accept by swapping cash-strapped Fratton Park for cash-stripped Anfield - was to add attacking flair from a deep-lying position, a quality that is sorely needed against stubborn opponents such as Stoke. A minute before half-time, Johnson marked his home debut by popping up in Stoke’s six-yard box to score with an acrobatic scissor-kick that doubled Liverpool’s lead. The goal suggests that Benítez has acquired a full back of rare adventure."

Andy Hunter, the Guardian: "This was a most complete victory over Tony Pulis's men, whose game plan was unhinged inside five minutes when Torres took Rafael Benitez's advice to stop arguing with opponents and match officials and concentrate on what he does best. His first goal of the season banished the misery of Sunday's opening day defeat at Tottenham Hotspur and much more besides. Seven times Liverpool were held at home last season, with Stoke among the lesser lights who prevailed here, but not this time. That particular bugbear was swatted with ease last night."

John Edwards, Daily Mail:  "An extra bonus for Benitez last night saw the much-maligned Lucas continued his impressive form by playing a key role in an early Liverpool onslaught. And new signing Johnson played himself into the affections of an admiring Kop with a goal and a fine show of attacking full-back play down the right. Benitez sprang to the defence of Lucas after he was derided as a wholly inadequate replacement for Xabi Alonso and predictably played him last night, alongside Javier Mascherano. The Brazilian may never match Alonso’s range of passing or eye for an opening, but there are increasing signs he is beginning to grow in confidence." ·