KENNY DALGLISH said the presence of Fernando Torres in the Chelsea side defeated 1-0 by Liverpool provided no extra incentive for the striker’s former team-mates.

Raul Meireles struck after 68 minutes to seal a memorable victory against the club that last week prised former Anfield icon Torres from the club in a British transfer record £50m deal.

But Dalglish insisted there was no additional motivation in the game beyond the lure of three Premier League points.

‘‘The players approached it professionally,’’ he said. ‘‘I don’t think (Torres’ presence) was any incentive. The incentive for us was to get three points and we did. Whatever someone else wants to do with their life is up to them.

‘‘I came here to win three points and it would have made no difference if Carlo Ancelotti was playing up front, I’d still want the three points.”

He added: ‘‘To be honest, he had one shot on target and Jamie Carragher made one great block tackle on him, but I’m not here to talk about other people’s players, I’m here to talk about my own players.’’ It was notable that while Chelsea drew a blank with a front three comprising star men Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Torres, Liverpool won without both of the men charged with replacing ‘El Nino’.

Record-breaking £35m signing Andy Carroll is still some way from match fitness and fellow newcomer Luis Suarez was an unused substitute.

That left the dependable Dirk Kuyt in a lone striking role.

‘‘The players were fantastic in their determination to win this match,’’ said Dalglish.

‘‘We have signed two fantastic players in Suarez and Carroll and we’re looking forward to seeing them – if they can get in the team that is.”