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Match Report

Bolton 3 : Liverpool 1

Bolton 3 : Liverpool 1

01/21/2012 08:51:43 PM

Bolton climbed out of the relegation zone with an impressive 3-1 win over Liverpool at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

A coolly-taken opener from Mark Davies gave the Trotters the lead before Nigel Reo-Coker doubled it after an identically slick build-up from the hosts.

Craig Bellamy provided hope of a comeback before half-time but this was quickly extinguished by Gretar Steinsson’s volley early in the second period.

The visitors had looked comfortable in the opening exchanges, passing the ball with familiar vigour but they were to be stung in ruthless fashion by their hosts' first attack.

A ball inside to David N'Gog saw the Frenchman flick brilliantly first-time to the onrushing Davies who took two touches into the box before firing past a helpless Pepe Reina.

Dalglish's men had an opportunity to hit back on the counter but Rodriguez could only control a lofted ball with his hand.

The chance spurned Liverpool into further action and only desperate defending could prevent Craig Bellamy driving home from a Rodriguez layoff in the box as their influence on the game grew.

Henderson's drive from distance, after a trademark Daniel Agger run from defence, was then well stopped by Adam Bogdan as the Merseysiders cemented their hold on the game, if not the scoreline.

If the Reds had been looking more impressive, they had infinitely less cutting edge as Reo-Coker proved by giving his side their second goal with their second clear chance.

In an almost mirror image of the first goal, a flick-on allowed Eagles to burst from midfield but instead of the late-runner going alone, he passed to Reo-Coker who confidently smashed past Reina to give his side an unlikely two-goal lead.

Given their terrible start, Liverpool barely deserved a chance to get back into the game but they got just that with eight minutes of the first half remaining.

A wonderfully controlled header from Andy Carroll allowed Bellamy through on goal and the Welshman’s touch to take him away from defenders was equally impressive, leaving him to dink over Bogdan and give his side hope.

A late free-kick from Petrov underlined the possibility of a Bolton third as Liverpool went in perhaps the more dominant side, but a goal down.

As the second half began, Dalglish's men asserted their dominance as a clever passing exchange allowed Charlie Adam to fire at goal.

However, this did not last long, as Bolton extended their lead five minutes into the second half.

A ball into the box was brilliantly won by David Wheater and dropped to fellow defender Greta Steinsson who produced a striker's finish to put his side two goals to the good.

The visitors pushed even harder after conceding the third goal but their toothless forward line continued to provide more problems than answers as the Trotters held out resolutely.

That the game was not going to change in Liverpool's favour was then further emphasised as Agger drove onto the bar 20 minutes from time after a brilliant run.

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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EPL-The Final Day
14/05/2012 4:41:36 PM
What a day it was; Manchester City had the title, then lost it, then had it again. Bolton were safe, then just as quickly they were gone. Arsenal secured their place in next season's Champions League, while fourth-placed Tottenham must wait until Sunday morning to see whether they will join them or not.