Torres hat-trick does for Royals
Torres continued his bright start to his Anfield career with a hat-trick
Tuesday, 25, Sep 2007 10:31
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres set out his claim for a permanent starting spot in Rafael Benitez's frontline with three of the goals in his side's 4-2 Carling Cup win over Reading.
The £23 million signing has begun the Reds' past two goalless League outings on the bench, but on being restored to the starting lineup he tore the home defence apart at the Madejski Stadium.
Another summer signing Yossi Benayoun opened the scoring for Liverpool, before Torres netted three times in the second half.
Bobby Convey and John Halls scored Reading's goals but Steve Coppell's side ended the night with one less front to fight on this term.
Elsewhere a goal from out-of-favour forward Georgios Samaras secured Manchester City a 1-0 win at home to Championship side Norwich.
Portsmouth successfully negotiated their trip to Burnley with another 1-0 victory as David Nugent scored his first goal for the south coast side.
Sheffield United romped to a 5-0 win over Morecambe which featured a brace apiece for strikers Billy Sharp and Luton Shelton.
Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler also scored twice as Cardiff came away from the Hawthorns with a 4-2 win over West Brom.
Fellow high-profile signings Trevor Sinclair and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink struck the Bluebirds' other goals.
There were also extra-time wins for Blackpool over Southend and League One Luton over Championship Charlton.