Torres sets up Liverpool’s second of the afternoon as the Reds’ grab a 2-0 victory

Rafael Benitez kept Fernando Torres on the bench until the 59th minute as Liverpool defeated Bolton at the Reebok Stadium. Goals from Dirk Kuyt and Steve Gerrard, following a great assist from Torres, gave the Reds all three points. Following a lively start from Bolton, Liverpool enjoyed a period of possession with Dirk Kuyt testing the home goalkeeper from range, before later striking the crossbar from inside the box with a right-footed effort.

The Reds finally broke the deadlock just before the half hour mark as Kuyt crashed a header past Jaaskelainen. The Dutch striker met a Fabio Aurelio cross to leave the Trotters’ keeper little chance.

Liverpool should have made it 2-0 minutes later, but Robbie Keane failed to get a touch on a cross a yard out from goal. The chance was the last opportunity of a comfortable first-half for Rafa Benitez’ men.

The home side had a Cahill goal ruled-out on the stroke of half-time following a foul by Nolan on Reina.

Bolton Wanderers started the second-half on top, laying siege to Pepe Reina’s goal. Kevin Davies played Ricardo Gardner through for the Trotters’ best chance of the game, but the striker slipped just as he tried to place the ball past the Liverpool keeper.

Fifteen minutes into the second-half, Fernando Torres was brought on for Robbie Keane; and the Spaniard was soon in on the action. The forward hastled the Bolton defenders, before creating Liverpool’s second of the afternoon with a great piece of skill

A brilliant cross from Fernando Torres, using the outside of his right foot, was headed into the Bolton goal by Steven Gerrard. The home team could feel slightly unfortunate to have conceded a second goal following some good pressure.

Torres himself was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet as the forward struck the outside of the post with a snap-shot. The final action of the game was a close-range header form Lucas Leiva which whistled past the post.

- Match data:

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, Andrew O'Brien, Samuel, Taylor (Smolarek, 84) Nolan, Muamba (Gardner, 46), McCann, Elmander, Davies

Booked: Nolan

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Hyypia, Agger, Aurelio, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt (Lucas Leiva, 84), Gerrard, Riera (Beanyoun, 88), Keane (Torres, 59)

Booked: Carragher

Goals: Kuyt 27, Gerrard 72