Liverpool 2-0 Bolton -- Post match

[Vermilion]

David Fairclough today when Kyriagkos took a bang in the face in the closing minutes "At least he hasnt got to worry about affecting his looks"

He would know.

[Shanks]

I think the point I was trying to make was that normally, a 2-0 win at home to Bolton should have seen a Mom in Riera, Maxi, Gerrard, Striker etc..

Kyriagkos will be guaranteed a game against the long ball relegation fodder.

[Assassin]

He would know.

It was very ironic

[Shanks]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/lates...or-improvement

Rafa Benitez admits Liverpool's performance in the 2-0 win over Bolton was far from perfect - but he believes his side now have momentum heading into three massive encounters.

It means Liverpool are now six league games unbeaten as they prepare for fixtures against Everton, Arsenal and City.

Benitez said:

"I'm pleased with the result, pleased with the second half - but not too happy with the first.

At the end of the day we needed to win and we won.

"The first half Bolton had some chances and we were a little bit lucky.

Pepe (Reina) and Soto (Kyrgiakos) were doing well but the second half was totally different.

We were more controlled and had more opportunities.

We could have scored more goals if Torres was playing.

"I am really happy because we're six games unbeaten and have more clean sheets. Very good.

"We are improving.

You can see the team is working very hard, and hopefully we can keep the momentum."

Asked how he assessed Steven Gerrard's performance, Benitez replied:

"Stevie was a little bit better.

He was trying very hard, that's the main thing.

When we scored the second goal the team played with more confidence and he was one of the players who could make a difference."

The gaffer also had words of praise for goalscorer Kuyt, adding:

"It doesn't matter if he plays as a striker or a winger or second striker, he's always around.

He can score goals and I'm really pleased for him."

Meanwhile, Benitez is not ruling out more transfer activity before the window closes on Monday - though Ryan Babel looks set to stay at Anfield.

He said:

"We are working.

We have a managing director and a chief scout.

"It's not easy because it's difficult to find better players than you have already in January.

At least we are watching players and trying to find someone who will be good for the team."

Quizzed about Babel's immediate future, Benitez added: "He will stay

Why only come out with this when we win but yet compliment the opposition when we lose or draw?

[Ben_Itez]

Unbeaten in 6 games, 4 wins and two draws, only one goal conceded - not bad for a team in dire form!!

Whilst still not playing at our best im very much liking our back to basics approach and once we see the return to form and fitness of our top attacking creative players i think we'll see a great improvement.

Our next 3 games are really tough but come out of those with 5 points or more and we'll have done well and still be on course for 4th.

[BrianF80]

....

[TheElephantMan]

....

Newcastle United?

[-V-]

I really don't think a form table from last season has any relevance

[Shanks]

....

Newcastle United?

Too many sherberts post.

I like them ones..

[vonk]

A much more assured performance, especially in the second half. Really expected Bolton to cause us some problems in the second half but Kryiakos was immense. Got the goals at the right time and tbh Pepe had nothing to do. The goalline clearance in the first half was a real turning point. We never really hit the heights but an important win. Tougher games ahead though. Thought Masch was excellent in midfield. On the flip side, apart from a great assist for the goal I thought Aquilani was distinctly average. Hope it's just fitness or maybe trying too hard but he doesn't look up to it at the minute.

A tale of two young players... Insua was my MOM - great left foot, nice crosses which would have meant goals if we'd had a striker on the pitch. Gets turned a little when facing a pacy winger but overall he was great today, as even Marky might admit.

N'Gog - sorry but he's pants. I think the fans are being very kind to him and if he was 17 or 18 I would understand, but he's 20 and I can't help wondering how long exactly he will need to learn how to control the ball. His first touch is a huge problem. Many times today it let the side down when we were on a promising break. He's shooting when he should be passing and as it comes down to the wire we can't afford the sort of chances he is missing. If Babel is being kept, surely he is a better option upfront than N'Gog. I realise I will probably get slated but if you are good enough you are old enough, and he's just not good enough.

[spud_gun]

Back to basics with the defending. It's made a hell of a difference.

[badpiggy]

more reasons for hope i guess. christ what a difference a goal against ****in wolves would have made...

was absolutely delighted for insua today. dunno whether he will ever excel defensively against good opposition but he was fantastic going forward today and he's got a mean bloody cross. thought riera was very bright in the first half. and i thought we really put a few lovely moves together. think aquilani will be excellent. he just needs a few things to go right for him and he'll be off. very encouraging the way he shows for the ball constantly. a good day at the office gary.

[Le Chef]

I bet Marky's narked off - Two of his most hated players did well !!!

[Shaggy]

He hardly ever posts after a win, and always comes up with some lame excuse when pulled up on it. He's miles from being the only one - there are tons of posters who only get going when we lose - but it's a bit transparent isn't it.

[SK]

good win, but we have to keep the momentum going. next up everton, and we simply must get a result and go on a winning streak. i feel if we win 5 or so on the trot, we'd put ourselves in a fantastic position to finish fourth as all of the teams are very inconsistent.