The Spain international struck a late brace to sink the Blues who had been up against it following Frank Lampard's controversial dismissal after challenging with Xabi Alonso in the 60th minute.

Liverpool bossed much of the game but found Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech in good form, but Torres finally broke the deadlock in the 89th minute as the Reds ended a run of three league games without a win.

"We knew before the game we had to win and we have more confidence now," said the former Atletico Madrid striker, whose goals were his first in the league since October following a string of injury problems.

He added to Sky Sports 1: "They are my first two goals after the injury; to score at home this season for the first time and against Chelsea is fantastic.

"With one player less Chelsea had to defend. A draw was good for them but we had to win. We worked very hard and with determination, but we know we have to improve."

The three points lift Rafael Benitez's troops to second place in the table, two points behind Manchester United having played one game more.

Torres added: "We know that Manchester United is favourite at top of the table, and we will fight until the end."

Benitez did not think Lampard's dismissal was the turning point, claiming the Reds had the edge throughout.

"I think we were better than them during the game," he said. "The question was to create more clear chances. We needed to wait until the end.

"It's true they were playing with 10 men but I think we were better through the whole game.

"It's always important to win, to score goals and to play well. We were in a fantastic position before and much better now. We have to keep going and have confidence in ourselves."

When asked to confirm whether Robbie Keane - who was again left out of the squad - would still be a Liverpool player after tomorrow's transfer deadline, Benitez replied: "I think so."

helsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari admitted Liverpool had been the better side but called on referee Mike Riley to review his decision to dismiss Lampard.

He said: "I think the result after what happened with Lampard was normal because they had more possession and quality, but before then [they did not].

"I want the referee to look at this on television and maybe change this card for Lampard. When I look at it I see it as a foul by the other player.

"Maybe when he looks on TV he will change the red card, and we will have Lampard for the next game."

Scolari admitted one of his players had committed a far worse foul, namely when Jose Bosingwa stuck his boot into the small of Yossi Benayoun's back as the Liverpool midfielder tried to run down the clock by the corner flag.

He said: "If the referee decided to send off Bosingwa I would have understood. A red card for this I would accept, but not Lampard's."

Despite feeling the red card changed the direction of the game, Scolari conceded Liverpool had been stronger, adding: "Liverpool were better than us all game.

"We need to look again, to try again, we have many games but we are behind two clubs [in the league standings].

"It is more difficult than before but we have to fight to the end."