Liverpool registered their second successive win in the Premier League with a facile 2-1 win over Middlesbrough. Captain Steven Gerrard was the Kop hero scoring in injury time to take his side through.

The win means manager Rafa Benitez starts this campaign with six points out of the six available. Benitez has been busy in the transfer market all summer and it appears his moves have paid off. The game itself started sedately and Liverpool appeared confident of preventing Middlesbrough registering their first win at Anfield in the Premiership since 1976.

Martin Skrtel replaced the injured Sami Hyypia in the Reds defence, while Robbie Keane and Andrea Dossena played their first home games for their new club. For Boro Ross Turnbull replaced Brad Jones in the goal after the latter sustained an injury just before the match.

Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt tested out Turnbull early on and the latter was forced to make a full stretch save Kuyt's drive in the opening minutes. Dossena and Jeremie Aliadiere clashed heads later on, which required a stitch for the Reds player, while the Frenchman came on with a heavy bandage.

Boro's Andrew Taylor tested Jose Reina with a stunning drive and a flying save from the Liverpool keeper kept his side in the game. Boro sent on Mido for Alves in the second half and the Egyptian was on the mark from 30 yards out with his low drive beating Reina all ends up on 70 minutes.

Carragher equalized for Liverpool after referee Mike Riley played advantage. Just when it looked like a draw, Liverpool skipper Gerrard smashed home the winner from the edge of the area after Wheater's defensive header had landed on his feet.