• Premier League

Hodgson defends under-fire Torres

ESPN staff
November 29, 2010
Fernando Torres has cut a frustrated figure for much of the early part of the season © Getty Images
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Roy Hodgson has once again leapt to the defence of Fernando Torres, insisting he was "happy" with the striker despite an unusually nervous-looking showing in the defeat to Tottenham.

Hodgson admitted only last month that the Spaniard was mentally "a bit low" following a lacklustre World Cup. The 26-year-old had shown signs his form was returning with a classy double in Liverpool's victory over Chelsea but the goals have since dried up - he has fired blanks in his last three matches.

Liverpool were leading Spurs 1-0 when Torres wasted two glorious chances when clean through on goal either side of half-time. Normally such an assured finisher, Torres appeared to hesitate, allowing Spurs' defenders to recover, but Hodgson denied claims that a crisis of confidence has returned.

"I think 'crisis of confidence' may be too strong," he said. "I was pleased with Fernando Torres. Fernando himself, because he sets very high standards, will be disappointed he didn't take one of the goal chances which his good play - to be fair - created."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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