Liverpool cruised past Bolton at Anfield to take pole position in the Premier League, thanks to debut goals from Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam, with a goal from substitute Martin Skrtel sandwiched neatly in between.
The rainclouds and sunshine had been alternating at Anfield ahead of the clash, but Liverpool fans were treated to the reds best display of the season so far.
A packed Anfield saw the reds, for the majority of the game, step back in time to the pass and move philosophy of yesteryear. Liverpool’s second win of the season arrived in their third game of the season, a massive 6 games sooner than last time around.
Downing started the brightest, until an uncharacteristic let down in control prevented him from grabbing his debut goal.
On the quarter hour mark he was involved again. Suarez’ delicious cross found Downing, who forced a save from Jaaskelainen, the ball fell to Henderson who at the second attempt fired a left footed curler in to the top corner. His celebrations were enthusiastic, symbolising a release of the pressure the price tag must have weighed upon him.
Suarez could have doubled the lead, when one of many magnificent through balls reached the Uruguayan. His delicious chip narrowly going over the top of the crossbar.
The reds were to suffer another first half injury concern. The excellent Martin Kelly taken off over concern over a hamstring problem, and Martin Skrtel sent on as a makeshift right back.
The change unsettled the reds slightly who took their foot off the pedal in the final moments of the half.
In the second half the reds came out as dominant as they had the first, and it was Martin Skrtel who headed in the second goal from another fine Charlie Adam corner.
A minute later and it was Adam who ensured the reds would take all three points, when he fired a low footed shot in to the corner of the Kop goal.
It wasn’t just the Bolton defence who were having problems keeping up with Luis Suarez. Referee Lee Probert denied the reds at least one deserved penalty – his sense of positioning clearly not used to a player as mobile as Suarez.
The reds closed out the game, but injury time a little complacency set in as Klasnic grabbed a consolation goal for Bolton. Reina was furious with his defence.
But despite this last minute glitch the reds were excellent value for their points. The international break, yet again, appears to have come at just the wrong time for the reds.
Potential signing Sebastian Coates and Steven Gerrard were both in the crowd watching the game. Watching this, they may be wondering if they will get a game.
Great to watch football like the old Liverpool with the pass and move philosophy rather then the over complicated tactics of Rafa that bored us to death!. How wonderful to see a British spine with Adam doing his stuff in the middle supported by the improving Henderson. Downing is class where as Carragher remains as reliable us the British weather!!
We still have Gerrard and Johnson to return but Carroll has some work to do, i feel that he’s slightly overweight so must slim down a bit then the goal’s will come!. Must mention Suarez who we seem to have got greatly on the cheap unlike many of Man City’s flops who forever struggle to impress!. The boy can do everything from dribbling to setting it up though must improve on his finishing that will come under Kenny for sure, he’ll learn from the best!
Torres was a great finisher but offered little else and was also very injury prone so looking back i feel that we got a great deal for him!. He’s struggling at Chelsea because the culture of the club doesn’t suit him not that he’ll ever admit it but he’s missing Anfield much more then we are him!
Hope we sign another forward before the window closes…Bellamy would be a good back up providing he’s realistic with his wage demands.It’s all lookin’ good babe so keep the faith and we’ll reclaim our place as being England and Britain’s top club, good times ahead!
Sumptious, sexy football. The first half against Sunderland was good. This was it over two halves. Shame about losing the clean sheet but really enjoyable seeing the reds pass the ball around so neatly in the oppositions half.
Lovely.