LIVERPOOL 3 BOLTON 0

Match Highlights



Team of the day..

Reina, Riise, Carragher, Hyypia, Finnan, Gonzalez, Gerrard MBE (captain), Alonso, Pennant, Crouch, Kuyt.
Subs - Dudek, Agger, Fowler, Aurelio, Garcia

liverpoolfc.tv reports..

The Reds ran out deserved winners and overtake Bolton in the table after dominating the second half of this game and scoring three brilliant goals through first Crouch and then Gerrard and Kuyt. And only the brilliant reflexes of Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen stopped them scoring more.

This was the Reds' fourth match of a busy festive schedule so it was no surprise to see Rafa ring the changes. He made four in total, swapping Hyypia for Agger, Gonzalez for Garcia, Pennant for Aurelio and Crouch for Bellamy.

Bolton came to Anfield sitting one place above the Reds in 3rd, so perhaps it was of little surprise that the first half was a tight affair with scoring chances few and far between.

Liverpool did shade the first half though and Jaaskelainen was the only one of the two goalkeepers required to make a save; and what a save he made to deflect Steve Finnan's 27th minute rocket onto the crossbar.

The Reds began to take control as we approached half time and Xabi Alonso was unlucky to see his right footed shot finish the wrong side of the post with the Bolton keeper struggling to get to it.

The first half finished goalless and without Reina having to make a save; and it was Liverpool who offered the second half's first goal threat when Pennant crossed to Gonzalez and he headed over.

Liverpool were showing by far the greater ambition and they were rewarded for that when Peter Crouch gave them a deserved 61st minute lead with a goal reminiscent to the one he scored in the Champions League against Galatasaray.

The breakthrough came when Pennant found space and sped down the right before crossing to a waiting Crouch, who beat Jaaskelainen with a superb bicycle kick from 8 yards. It was a fitting goal for 2007's first Premiership goal.

Bolton were dazed and before they could get back to their feet, Steven Gerrard delivered a knockout blow when he made it 2-0 in the 63rd minute. And it was another excellent Liverpool goal as Pennant fed Kuyt, whose cross was volleyed into the Kop net by an incoming Gerrard.

Liverpool wrapped up the points when Dirk Kuyt scored to make it 3-0 in the 83rd minute and ensured that it really would be a Happy New Year for them and their supporters.

Rafa's comments..

The Liverpool manager said his team showed a great desire for victory and praised the work-rate of his players.

"My team was fantastic and we scored three amazing goals and it's a great way to start the new year," enthused Benitez.

"In the first half I thought we were a little anxious but I told the players at half-time to keep passing and moving and we would get some chances.

"Crouch scored an amazing goal and could have scored a couple more, it was nice for Gerrard to score after being awarded the MBE and Kuyt scored a deserved goal. Kuyt's work-rate was unbelievable. I thought Dirk would have been tired but he kept running and took his goal nicely.

"I'm really pleased with my players as their contribution today was fantastic and Pennant was important for us in the wide areas.

"Overall I'm not happy with our form over Christmas because we should have beaten Blackburn. We had a lot of chances in that game and we need to take them when we create as we did today."

louis' comments..

What a win to start a new year! The first game of 2007 in the English Premership and it turned out to be in Liverpool's favour.

Bolton was in 3rd place and Liverpool was in fourth. It was a important for us to win this game and kept on on our 3rd place. And we did. Bolton was hard to break down in the first half. Played real deep in defence and their mifield was fast closing down. However, we dominated the first half. With Alonso and Gerrard playing in the middle, we had lots of possesions of the ball. Steve Finnan was great in his crosses and Pennant was running at Bolton defences.

We played lots of wing-play and Finnan almost scored from a long shot. The Irishman had some space outside the penalty area and shot towards goal. Jaaskelainen saved the shot against the crossbar. Good try by the Finnan.

I was glad to see Peter Crouch back in the starting line up as i wanted him to show the world that he's doing well in Liverpool. I don't wish to see him leave Anfield. He didn't disappointed me. He scored a wonder goal again! A bicycle kick! Pennant crossed the ball into the penalty area and off he striked the ball towards the left of the goal.

Gerrard scored the second within a minute. It's a double blow. Bolton still suffering from Peter Crouch's goal and Gerrard capitalised it with a volley. It's nice build-up and it pleased me to see our captain scoring in the front of the Kop. 2-0 up and it was comfortable for Liverpool.

Jermaine Pennant was awesome in the right wing. Crossing and dribbling past Bolton defences and i could say that it was the best game he played for Liverpool. Dirk Kuyt added another one a third after a pass from Garcia. He managed to withstand Gardener and shot into the goal. It's a good goal for the Dutchman who's has not been scoring for quite some time. A morale booster.

I just love to see Sam Allardyce's pissed off face at the side benches, just despise his cocky face and he is so proud of his team's tactics of long balls. It's a great win for the players, fans and the staff.

3rd spot. 7 points away from chelsea. (with a game in hand.) Come On Reds! Continue keeping clean sheets and scoring goals. We can't afford to miss chances and any points. Bring on Arsenal.
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