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Liverpool crush Bolton to remain in title hunt

15/11/2008

Liverpool put on a commanding performance against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium, wining 2-0 to maintain their push for the Premier League title.

Dirk Kuyt scored the opening goal midway through the first half and the Reds should have doubled their lead when Robbie Keane and then Steven Gerrard missed open goals.

However, with 20 minutes to go Gerrard eventually got on the scoresheet to put the game beyond doubt.

The Reds were aided by a nervous Bolton side that seemed content to sit back and concede possession and territory to Rafael Benitez's side.

Kuyt went close after 20 minutes but his strike from outside the box hit the crossbar.

The visitors took full advantage and had almost constant pressure before the Dutchman headed them in front.

Fabio Aurelio picked up a loose ball on the left flank and guided a cross to the far post which Kuyt headed back in the direction it came from, looping over Jussi Jaaskelainen into the top corner.

Kuyt nearly turned provider moments later when his cutback to the edge of the six yard box gave Keane an easy tap in but the Irishman conspired to miss the ball entirely with the goal at his mercy.

Liverpool were almost made to pay for their profligacy but were saved by referee Rob Styles. Gary Cahill headed home a corner only for Styles to rule it out for a foul on Pepe Reina.

Bolton took that momentum into the start of the second half and almost grabbed an equaliser but Ricardo Gardner slipped after rounding Reina and could not finish.

The Reds then missed another chance, substitute Fernando Torres set up Gerrard with a pin-point cross but the midfielder guided the ball wide.

However, he was on target on 73 minutes. Torres found him with a through-ball that split the defence, Gerrard beat the on-rushing Jaaskelainen to the ball and slotted home.

Liverpool could have added to their lead but Jaaskelainen saved well from Xabi Alonso before Torres hit the outside of the post.

Benitez's side deserved the points and the win got them back on track following their Carling Cup defeat at Tottenham in midweek.