Henderson’s delightful curler, Skrtel’s thumping header and Adam’s deadly accurate daisy-cutter were the cherry on the top of the cake that was this simply brilliant performance from Kenny Dalglish’s side, who are oozing with confidence and gathering considerable momentum for the upcoming campaign following their best start to a League season in 17 years.
History was certainly stacked in the Reds’ favour, as they went into the clash having emerged victorious from the last nine meetings between the two teams, conceding only twice. However, after comprehensively defeating Premier League new boys QPR on the opening day of the season and running title challengers Manchester City close last weekend, Liverpool knew their opponents would be no pushovers.
As a result, the Reds raced out of the blocks, dominating the early exchanges and regularly carving open the visitors’ defence while playing an expansive brand of football that proved pleasing on the eye. After eight minutes Liverpool broke swiftly from a Bolton corner, referee Lee Probert intelligently allowing play to proceed despite a blatant foul on Suarez. Henderson’s defence splitting pass sent Downing bearing down on goal and only a superb last ditch challenge denied the former Villa winger what surely would have been the opener.
Fortunately, the Kop faithful didn’t have to wait much longer for the deadlock to be broken though, as the aforementioned trio combined excitingly once again to give the Reds a fully deserved lead. Suarez used the outside of his foot to curl a breathtaking ball into the penalty area, where Downing forced Bolton stopper Juusi Jaaskelainen into a smart save from close range. Kuyt pounced onto the loose ball and fed Henderson, who displayed notable composure to curl the ball left footed into the top corner.
It was an excellent finish from the versatile 21-year old, who proved to be hugely influential throughout the first 45 minutes. In fact, six of Liverpool’s shots in the first period were either set up or fired in by the talented Sunderland-born star.
Bolton reacted in the right manner though, Petrov’s fizzing volley bringing out the best in Reina on 18 minutes. However, the Reds remained in the ascendancy and always looked the more likely to score next. Henderson remained at the centre of every attacking move, Kuyt coming within a whisker of converting his cross and Suarez dinking the ball onto the roof of the net after being played through one-on-one with the keeper by the impressive number 14.
While Henderson was the dynamic driving force behind our attack, his midfield partner and fellow new signing Charlie Adam displayed his stunning passing range, picking out passes that few others spot and consistently pinging the ball around the park in a manner worthy of someone dubbed as the "new Xabi Alonso."
One example of this arrived two minutes before the interval, when Adam's raking 30-yard pass released Downing down the wing. He cut in behind Bolton's backline but was stopped in his tracks by a blatant handball from Steinsson. Despite audible protestations from the home side, Probert refused to point to the spot, instead awarding a free kick just outside the box. It was a tough call for him to make because, although the defender was clearly inside the box, replays later suggested that Steinsson actually handled the ball outside of the area.
Nevertheless, the Reds went into the break full of confidence following a hugely encouraging first half display, which was only marred by the withdrawal of young right back Martin Kelly on the half hour mark due to a slight hamstring problem. Kelly only returned last weekend from a lengthy spell on the sidelines but unfortunately he seems to be frustratingly injury prone, which could hinder his attempts to make the right back slot his own. However, after missing two years due to injury during his teenage years and recovering to break through to the first team, Kelly appears to have the mental toughness to persevere.
Following such a domineering performance, many commentators remembered that similar verve and style was displayed on the opening day of the season yet the Reds failed to capitalise and eventually disappointingly dropped two points at home to Sunderland. Determined to prevent a repeat of this, Dalglish sent his troops out fired up and hungry to add to their lead to put the outcome of the contest beyond doubt.
Thankfully, they followed the legendary Scot's instructions to the letter, netting twice inside the first seven minutes of the second half to secure the three points. First, Skrtel rose highest to meet Charlie Adam's right wing corner and send an unstoppable bullet header beyond Jaaskelainen.
The former Blackpool playmaker then went from provider to goalscorer immediately after, firing a low shot through Knight's legs and into the corner of the net with his weaker right foot from 25-yards out. With the three points in the bag, the rest of the half became an exhibition for the hosts, Suarez almost capping yet another magnificent performance when he fired into the side netting from a tight angle after rounding the keeper.
Not even a late consolation from Bolton forward Ivan Klasnic after a mistake from Jamie Carragher could take the shine off this display. The seemingly seamless transition into the starting line-up made by the Reds' summer signings is hugely encouraging and shows the wisdom of completing transfers during pre-season as opposed to minutes before the deadline.
Charlie Adam looked immediately at home at the heart of our midfield alongside the reliable Lucas Leiva, while Henderson's pervasive influence was note-worthy and Downing has clearly added dynamism to our wing play. Meanwhile, Jose Enrique has settled into the left back slot perfectly, looking as if he has played in our defence for years rather than weeks. With Suarez, Kuyt and Carroll also firing on all cylinders, it is regretful that the international break has arrived now, potentially disrupting the momentum built up by such a formidable start.
Challenging fixtures at the Britannia Stadium and White Hart Lane await the Reds when domestic football resumes, providing a useful litmus test for determining the ability this squad possesses. Four points out of six should be the target and, if achieved, would really see the Reds off to a scintillating start.
YNWA
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