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{ Fernando Torres lasted 66 minutes on his Chelsea debut with his new employers losing 1-0 to his former club Liverpool. Photograph: Sportsphoto/Richard Sellers

Fernando Torres says Liverpool caught Chelsea by surprise on his debut yesterday but remains confident that his new employers will have a say in the Premier League title race.

The £50m striker's much-hyped first appearance for Chelsea failed to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge and he was replaced after 66 minutes as Liverpool went on to win 1-0 through a goal from Raul Meireles.

"It was very difficult, Liverpool played a good game, with three at the back. We were not expecting that and maybe they took advantage," Torres told Chelsea TV.

"I think the fair result was the draw, it was unfair to lose that game, but now we are looking forwards to the next game and will keep fighting until the end. There are a lot of points still to play [for]."

After yesterday's disappointment Torres preferred to look on the positive welcome he received from the Stamford Bridge faithful.

"Obviously everyone wants to win, especially if it is their first game at home, but I will still have very good memories about my reception here and want to thank all of the Chelsea fans for that nice reception," he said.

"The result was not the best, but we have to keep going and fighting until the end."

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