Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam scored their first
Liverpool goals as the Reds crushed Bolton 3-1 to move
top of the Premier League.
The summer signings struck either side of a powerful
Martin Skrtel header as the hosts, inspired by the outstanding
Luis Suarez, produced an electrifying performance at
Anfield.
Bolton struck late on through Ivan Klasnic but generally
offered little as Liverpool, backed by a raucous crowd,
displayed further evidence of their rejuvenation under
Kenny Dalglish.
The home team maintained a ferocious tempo from the
kick-off with Suarez, preferred to Andy Carroll up front,
at the heart of almost all their attacking play.
With another new player in Stewart Downing also influential,
Liverpool looked a different proposition from the Roy
Hodgson side which started the last campaign so sluggishly.
For Bolton defeat was a reality check after a promising
start to the season.
It may also have been their last game with Gary Cahill
as Arsenal consider whether to make another bid for
the inspirational defender before Wednesday's transfer
deadline.
Bolton struggled to cope with the pace of Liverpool
and were fortunate to survive when Downing lost control
in the area after a quick counter-attack.
It came as little surprise when the Reds claimed the
lead after more good work in the 15th minute.
Suarez brilliantly crossed into the box with the outside
of his left boot and Jussi Jaaskelainen reacted quickly
to keep out Downing's volley.
Dirk Kuyt was first to the loose ball and fed Henderson
who, after his first effort was blocked by Nigel Reo-Coker,
fired firmly into the top corner.
Bolton almost grabbed a spectacular equaliser moments
later when Chris Eagles crossed for Martin Petrov but
Jose Reina parried the Bulgarian's tight-angled volley.
Liverpool upped the tempo with Suarez driving forward
and Kuyt almost diverting in a low cross in from close
range.
Suarez then broke clear and coolly lobbed Jaaskelainen
but the ball dropped just over the bar.
Both sides were forced to reorganise midway through
the first half.
Bolton sent on Mark Davies after Fabrice Muamba went
off before Liverpool right-back Martin Kelly, who missed
the closing months of last season, left the action to
be replaced by Skrtel.
Suarez delivered another dangerous cross but Kuyt volleyed
straight at Jaaskelainen from a Downing flick-on.
Kuyt then went close from long range before the Reds
appealed for a penalty when Gretar Steinsson handled
as Downing tried to flick the ball past him.
Replays, however, backed referee Lee Probert's decision
to give a free-kick just outside the box and Henderson's
cross was cleared.
Liverpool maintained the pressure after the break and
within moments of the restart Suarez was clear again.
The Uruguayan broke into the box but his fall after
an attempted challenge by Zat Knight seemed rather theatrical.
Suarez, with countryman and prospective new signing
Sebastian Coates watching in the main stand, was then
involved in the action again on the edge of the area.
He was bundled off the ball but Adam picked up possession
and had a shot deflected wide.
The Scot took the resulting corner himself and delivered
an inviting cross for Skrtel to double the lead with
a thumping header.
Adam got on the scoresheet barely a minute later as
he finished off good work from Kuyt by firing low past
Jaaskelainen.
It almost got worse for Bolton as Suarez rounded Jaaskelainen
but shot into the side-netting.
Bolton had a rare opportunity when Klasnic had a shot
blocked by Jamie Carragher.
But there was little respite for the Trotters as Daniel
Agger charged forward from deep to fire a shot well
over.
Liverpool should have had a free-kick inside the area
when Jaaskelainen clearly handled a back-pass from Paul
Robinson under pressure from Suarez but Probert gave
nothing.
Suarez and Henderson made way for Carroll and Maxi
Rodriguez 14 minutes from time.
The Reds eased off but continued to dominate possession
with Jose Enrique twice finding room to whip in good
crosses.
Some of the gloss was taken off their afternoon, however,
when Petrov troubled Carragher and Klasnic tapped in
a stoppage-time consolation.
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