Goals from Kuyt plus an own goal from Bolton striker Davies midway through the second half earned Liverpool a vital win in their pursuit for a top four finish. - Premier League Table -

A Liverpool side still missing the injured Fernando Torres started the stronger in an entertaining opening spell, but despite the possession, the home fans had to wait 20 minutes for the Reds first real attack of the game. An excellent cross from Insua was knocked just wide from Dirk Kuyt at full stretch.

Chung-Yong Lee almost scored one of the goals of the season for the Trotters after going on mazey run from the halfway line. The midfielder rounded Pepe Reina but his shot was cleared off the line by Kyrgiakos who was in the right place at the right time for the Reds.

Both Kuyt and Gerrard shot over from the edge of the area, but the Merseysider’s pressure finally paid off as Liverpool broke the deadlock on 37 minutes.

Insua’s cross was headed back across goal by Aquilani and Kuyt was well placed to divert the ball past the Bolton keeper.

Shortly after the break Ngog came inches away from doubling Liverpool’s lead after an effort from Gerrard was blocked by Jaaskelainen. The striker’s shot struck the crossbar before going out for a goalkick.

There was some luck about the Red’s second as Insua’s drive from outside the box took a wicked deflection off Davies before beating Jaaskelainen. There was very little the keeper could do to keep Insua’s effort out.

Maxi, Babel and Kuyt all had shots blocked in the final stages as the home side came close to adding a third. At the other end Reina had a quiet game as Liverpool kept their third Premier League clean sheet on the trot.

There was also some good news for Liverpool elsewhere as Tottenham drew away to Birmingham 1-1. The Merseysiders victory at home to Bolton coupled with Spurs’ draw now leaves the Reds just one point off fourth place.


- Match Stats: Liverpool 2–0 Bolton Wanderers

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Insua, Aquilani (Lucas Leiva, 66) Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard, Riera (Maxi, 74), Ngog (Babel, 85)

Booked: Mascherano

Goals: Kuyt 37, Davies 70 (og)

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Knight, Ricketts, Lee, Muamba (Elmander, 75), Mark Davies, Cohen (Gardner, 60), Taylor (Weiss, 66), Kevin Davies

Booked: Davies, Lee, Knight