Liverpool register morale-boosting victory

Wolverhampton: Fernando Torres' double and a sublime volley by Raul Meireles earned Liverpool a 3-0 win at Wolverhampton in the Premier League on Saturday, giving Kenny Dalglish his first victory since returning as manager of the Reds.

Torres opened the scoring in the 36th minute and rounded off the win in second-half stoppage time to seal a morale-boosting triumph for Liverpool, which started the day at Molineux only four points above the relegation zone.

In between the Spain striker's close-range finishes was a sensational goal by Meireles, the Portugal midfielder smashing a dipping volley into the net from 30 yards.

Dalglish had previously lost two matches and drawn one since replacing Roy Hodgson two weeks ago for a second spell at Anfield. His first ended in 1991.

"The way the lads competed was fantastic. The win was nothing short of what they deserved," Dalglish said.

Meireles, an 11.5 million pound signing from FC Porto in August, was at the center of everything in helping the 18-time champions end a run of five straight losses in the league.

"Raul played very well," Dalglish said. "He's a very good footballer. It takes time to adjust to the Premier League and he is getting better."

Only Wolves had picked up fewer points than Liverpool away from home heading into the match, but the result never looked in doubt from the moment Torres hit his first goal.

Christian Poulsen, recalled in place of Jay Spearing in the only change from the 2-2 draw against Everton last week, slipped in Meireles and his square ball was tapped in from eight yards by Torres.

Meireles and teammate Maxi Rodriguez had gone close before the deadlock had been broken. In the final few minutes of the first half, Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina made saves from Steven Fletcher and Nenad Milijas.

Liverpool started the second half well and Meireles made it 2-0 with a thumping first-time volley in the 50th after a long free kick had been headed back to him by Dirk Kuyt.

Wolves dominated territory after that but Liverpool always looked dangerous on the break, with Rodriguez having a weak shot saved in the 70th and substitute Jonjo Shelvey, set free by Meireles, slashing an effort wide in the 74th with only goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey to beat.

Torres slammed in his second for his ninth league goal a minute into stoppage time following another counterattack led by Kuyt.