Bolton started brightly yesterday and almost took an early lead. El-Hadji Diouf's fourth minute free kick into the box deceived everyone, bounced in the six yard box and came back off the crossbar. It was an early escape for Liverpool and one they took full advantage of.
The Reds were quick on the break and it was a move like this that resulted in the opening goal. Some good passing found Steven Gerrard in space on the right and he tried his luck from the edge of the penalty area. His shot was going wide but it hit the Bolton goalkeeper in the face, screwed across goal and was blown into the net by a strong wind.
Ryan Babel was having an excellent game on the left, skinning Bolton full-back Steinsson every time he ran at him and bringing a couple of good saves from Jaaskelainen. Babel's pace was causing Steinsson such problems it must have been a relief for the defender when he picked up a knock and was subsituted just before half time.
Liverpool had Pepe Reina to thank for going in ahead at the interval. Bolton created an excellent chance just before the half hour mark when Kevin Nolan whipped in a pacy cross which was met by Kevin Davies. Reina somehow kept out the podgy striker's bullet header.
After the break the Reds stepped up a gear and the win was never in doubt. On the hour mark Jamie Carragher found Dirk Kuyt in space in the Bolton box. Kuyt's quick shot came back off the post but Bolton were unable to clear properly and Babel fired in a low shot to the near post for 2-0.
Fabio Aurelio scored his first Liverpool goal on 75 minutes when he chested down a corner and then volleyed home to make the win safe.
Bolton did pull a goal back through Tamir Cohen, son of former Red Avi, but Liverpool saw the game out to record their first away win since Boxing Day.
