New Delhi: Liverpool rubber-stamped their title credentials with a dominant 3-0 victory over Bolton at Anfeild on Friday afternoon.
Liverpool looked to return to the top of the Premier League against a Bolton side that had showed some excellent recent form, particularly away from home.
Rafa Benitez made two changes to the side that started against Arsenal, with Sami Hyypia replacing the injured Arbeloa and Benayoun replacing Lucas in midfield. Gary Megson meanwhile dropped Kevin Davies, with Fabrice Muamba replacing him in the starting eleven.
Liverpool’s inability to break down teams at Anfield this season has been much publicised, with the likes of Fulham, Stoke and West Ham all leaving Merseyside with a clean sheet. As a result Bolton arrived with confidence that they could leave with the points – increased by the fact they had emerged victorious from the three of the last four matches on the road.
Indeed the Trotters created the first opening of the contest. Scouser Kevin Nolan got in behind Sami Hyypia, but was caught in two minds whether to cross or shoot, and in the end he scooped the ball harmlessly into the arms of Reina.
However after this early opportunity Liverpool began to completely dominate possession and pushed Bolton back into their own territory. Kuyt flashed a header over the bar from the edge of the box, while full-back inside struck a volley that Jaaskelainen did well to beat away.
However, a breakthrough was inevitable, and on twenty-five minutes Albert Riera duly delivered. Gerrard whipped in a near-post corner and the Spanish winger broke in front of Johann Elmander to volley into the net and give the Reds a deserved and thoroughly welcome lead.
Bolton’s game plan had clearly been to contain, but that goal meant that their set-up with Elmander up on his own simply wasn’t going to cause Liverpool any problems whatsoever, and the home side continued to dominate proceedings. Both Daniel Agger and Carragher went close with long-range efforts, while Benayoun curled a cross-cum-shot straight across the face of goal.
Despite not being able to test Jaaskelainen on many occasions, Liverpool were in total control as half-time arrived. Gary Megson would need to significantly alter his sides’ approach if they were to make any inroads on Reina’s goal.
Kevin Davies came on for Samuel at half-time, but seven minutes into the second half the game was put to bed thanks to a sweeping Liverpool move.
Stephen Gerrard drove through the centre of the pitch and slipped a sliderule pass through to Robbie Keane. The striker, clearly buoyed by his stunning strike against Arsenal last weekend, opened up his body and smashed the ball into the top corner from inside the area to give his side breathing space. He appears to be finding some form just at the right time for his boyhood heroes.
And if anyone still doubted him, the Irishman added a third minutes later. Reina set off a counter attack by rolling the ball to Alonso. He spread the ball wide to Benayoun, who then slid the ball into Keane’s path and he struck confidently home to end this match as a contest. Three in two for Keane – Fernando who?
After the killer third the match meandered to a close as the home side were more than happy with their lot, and Bolton knew they had failed to ask any questions of Liverpool's home form today.
This was Liverpool’s best home performance since they defeated Manchester United in September, and Bolton simply had no answer to Benitez’ men on the day.
Riera’s opener was key to the outcome of this contest, and after the deadlock had been broken there was no doubt who would emerge victorious. It was a vital three points that sends the Reds back to the top of the Premier League table.
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