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Nobody doubts the importance of Fernando Torres for Liverpool, but the stats prove just what a talisman he is for Rafa Benitez’s side.
Wigan Athletic 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves booked their first ever away win in the Premier League. They lost 12 and drew seven in their inaugural season in 2003/2004.
Wigan only scored 17 goals in 19 home matches last season, equal fewest in the division with relegated Middlesbrough.
Birmingham City 1-0 Portsmouth
It was the first clean sheet for Birmingham since 26 December 2007. This ends their club record streak of 20 Premier League matches without keeping the opposition at bay.
Portsmouth have now failed to score in their first two matches this season. Last season their first goal came only on matchday three when Jermain Defoe netted against Everton on August 30.
Burnley 1-0 Manchester United
The 1-0 defeat against Burnley marked Manchester United’s first defeat in 27 meetings against promoted teams. Their last defeat to a promoted team was 2-0 at Norwich in April 2005.
Manchester United have now lost four of five League matches on August 19. They had previously lost on this day in 1992 to Everton (0-3), in 1995 at Aston Villa (3-1) and in 2007 at Manchester City (1-0).
Hull City 1-5 Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs are top of the table. The last time Tottenham were top of the table was on August 21 2005.
Jermain Defoe scored only his second ever Premier League hat-trick. His only previous hat-trick came in Tottenham’s 5-1 home win against Southampton in December 2004.
Liverpool 40 Stoke City
Liverpool have never lost a Premier League match in which Fernando Torres has scored. Torres has now scored in 28 different matches for the club (23 wins, five draws).
Dirk Kuyt scored Liverpool’s third goal converting a Steven Gerrard assist. Kuyt has scored each of his last three League goals from a Gerrard assist.
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