Torres surprised at Liverpool tactics

LONDON (AP):

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has praised the performance of his former side Liverpool after the Reds won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Torres, who joined the Blues from Anfield for £50 million last week, came up against his ex-teammates on his first game for his new side but was largely ineffective, with a three-man Liverpool defence playing him out of the game.

Speaking to Chelsea TV, he said: "It was very difficult, Liverpool played a good game, with three at the back.

"We were not expecting that and maybe they took advantage of that.

"I think the fair result was the draw, it was unfair to lose that game, but now we are looking forwards to the next game and will keep fighting until the end.

"There are a lot of points still to play (for)."

Torres also thanked the Chelsea fans for the reception he received, though will have heard the jeers from the fans that used to idolise him.

Major setback

The former Atletico Madrid man insists the Blues are still in the hunt for the Premier League, despite Sunday's defeat seeing them suffer a major setback in the title race.

"Obviously, everyone wants to win, especially if it is their first game at home, but I will still have very good memories about my reception here and want to thank all of the Chelsea fans for that nice reception," he said.

"The result was not the best, but we have to keep going and fighting until the end."