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.