Liverpool bounced back from a disappointing showing against Tottenham in their opening game to beat Stoke City 4-0 and extend their unbeaten run at Anfield to 31 games.

The Reds were convincing in their victory over Stoke and this win should give fans much relief. Fernando Torres' fourth-minute opener gave Liverpool the perfect platform to show their domination and the Reds did not disappoint. Steven Gerrard was the architect of the first goal powering a pass to Torres who slid home past a hapless Thomas Sorensen.

After that it was all Liverpool and they should have been two up hen Torres passed to Emiliano Insua, whose shot slid inches wide off the side netting. Dirk Kuyt and Torres tested Sorensen after 40 minutes and their pressure paid dividends on 44 minutes when Kuyt's low header off a Torres cross was deflected to Glen Johnson who coolly slotted home.

After the break Jose Reina was forced to make a string of saves as Stoke were determined to get back into the game. The most spectacular and important save from a fierce drive from Rory Delap. After 78 minutes Liverpool were 3-0 ahead when Dirk Kuyt latched onto a low cross sent in by Gerrard.

Andriy Voronin and Albert Riera replaced Gerrard and Kuyt on 81 minutes and Ngog replaced Torres on 84 minutes. Ngog had an almost immediate impact on the game when he headed home a deflected cross from Johnson.

Liverpool's commanding performance erased memories of the unexpected loss to Tottenham and Benitez would have been delighted with their showing.