Liverpool 3-1 Bolton: Jordan Henderson & Charlie Adam net first goals for club as impressive Reds join leaders at top of Premier League

The goal was exactly what Liverpool deserved for its early efforts, and by the end of the first half hour, Bolton was lucky to be only one goal behind as the Reds were producing some magnificent play. Luis Suarez had a good chance to double the advantage, but his lob over Jaaskelainen went over.

Bolton started to make some inroads as the half wore on, but Liverpool looked solid on the counter. There were appeals for a penalty when Gretar Steinsson appeared to handle the ball just inside the area, but referee Lee Probert adjudged Steinsson to have committed the offense outside the area and awarded Liverpool a free kick.

Liverpool started the second half at breakneck speed, scoring two goals in the space of a minute with Charlie Adam at the center of everything. It was from his wicked corner in the 52nd minute that first half substitute Martin Skrtel nodded home, beating his marker Zat Knight far too easily.

From Bolton's restart, the ball was stolen and Dirk Kuyt found Adam, who shrugged off a challenge from Nigel Reo-Coker. That allowed him time and space to fire his shot into the bottom corner on his supposedly weaker right foot, becoming the second player of the day to score his first Liverpool goal.

The Kop was clearly enjoying the performance from Kenny Dalglish’s men, who not only looked more comfortable in possession but also looked more physically capable than their counterparts. The movement from Suarez, Downing, and even Charlie Adam – noted more for his capabilities with the ball than without it – was well-worked.

While Liverpool did take its foot off the gas in the next 20 minutes, it never really looked troubled by the visitors. Even then, there were appeals for an indirect free kick in the area as Jaaskelainen looked to have picked up a backpass, but Probert waved them away.