The Black Cats fell to a 1-0 opening day loss at home to Liverpool on Saturday – failing to heed boss Roy Keane's pre-match warning about matchwinner Fernando Torres.

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But Murphy, who confessed he should have done better with his side's best chance, says there is a fresh air of confidence about the squad.

Sunderland didn't take a single point off the top four last season, yet the Irish striker said: "We went into Saturday's game believing we could get something.

"Last season against the top four, we were probably only hoping to get something.

"The manager has brought in good players and having them in the team is demanding more from all of us.

"The new signings want the ball to feet – they want to pass and move and not look for the long ball.

"I think you will see a lot more passing football from us this season and I think we can give a lot of teams problems with it. We set a high tempo against Liverpool and had chances, so we're disappointed not to get a draw from the game."

Murphy had new signing El-Hadji Diouf as his attacking partner against Rafa Benitez's Reds and they caused problems.

Diouf crossed for Murphy to bring a save out of Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina in the first half.

"It was a good chance and I should've done better with it," said Murphy.
"Dioufy did well and I was trying to get some power on the header but put it straight at the keeper."

Diouf then didn't get the best contact on Murphy's second-half cross before Torres struck the killer blow seven minutes from time as the home defence backed off.

"The gaffer had told us before the game not to give these players space or they'll punish you, which is exactly what happened," said Murphy.

"Torres is not worth the money he is without reason and it was a good finish, even though we're disappointed he got the space.

"He's had his one chance and taken it. We probably had better chances and didn't take one of them. It's something we have to learn from."