After acquiring an injury in one of the Europa League clashes, Torres was forced to wear a protective mask in order to keep his nose from getting damaged. Coincidence or not, the Spaniard has also started scoring since he received the mask which, according to Metro, has made Benitez suggest that maybe he should continue using the protective gear until the end of the season.  The Spanish striker had a poor season up until the matches against Steaua in which he finally managed to influence the games’ outcome. His morale is clearly getting better and this has been plain to see in his latest performances.

Benitez said that the 29 year old has been struggling all season to find his form. He also wanted explain that talent is not an issue with Torres and that the only thing standing between him and his past performances is his mind. He has had a really hard time acclimatizing at Stamford Bridge, but hopefully he will be able to finally show why Abramovich spent so much on his transfer.

Chelsea’s coach also mentioned that, even if it may sound farfetched, it looks like the mask has really helped Torres. He has been training a lot better since he started using it. Benitez said that he looks more comfortable on the pitch and that he is definitely on the right path.

Benitez had some things to say about the match against City too. After accusing the referee of having a poor performance that influenced the outcome of the game, the Spaniard admitted he was surprised his team did not perform better. He said that he expected them to be in better shape both from a physical and a mental point of view.

Unfortunately, Torres did not score against Fulham in the West London derby last night but he did set up the second of John Terry’s brace as he flicked the ball on for JT to finish. It was a great performance by Chelsea capped by the stunning 35 yard screamer from David Luiz as The Blues won 3-0 at Craven Cottage. Chelsea are now 1 point ahead of Arsenal plus they have a game in hand and they are 4 points clear of Spurs in fifth. The Blues are 7 points behind Man City in second who also won last night 1-0 against Wigan in a dress rehearsal of the FA Cup final which Chelsea could have been in if they had only beaten City.