Gerrard inspires red-hot Liverpool

Liverpool have continued their hot streak by beating Bolton Wanderers 4-0 with Steven Gerrard again at the heart of another impressive display.

Gerrard had a hand in all four goals as Liverpool moved to to third in the standings on 30 points.

Arsenal, who won 2-1 at Aston Villa on Saturday, lead the way with 36 points and Chelsea have 31 after their 1-0 win over West Ham United.

Manchester United, who host Fulham on Monday, and Manchester City, who drew 1-1 at Wigan Athletic, also have 30 points.

Liverpool have won their last five games in all competitions, scoring an impressive 21 goals in the process and although Bolton came into the game on the back of victory over Manchester United last week, it was a straightforward afternoon for the hosts.

Centre back Sami Hyypia nodded them ahead from a Gerrard cross after 18 minutes and the England midfielder was the supplier for the second as Fernando Torres ran on to his through ball and scored with a deft chip at the end of the first half.

In between those goals, Bolton should have been on the scoresheet but Nicolas Anelka somehow shot wide in front of an open goal.

Gerrard got the third from the penalty spot 11 minutes after the interval after striker Peter Crouch was fouled trying to reach another teasing delivery from his captain.

Gerrard then crossed for Dirk Kuyt, whose shot was parried by Jussi Jaaskelainen into the path of Ryan Babel who tucked in the fourth four minutes from time.

It was Bolton's first league defeat in the five games they have played since manager Gary Megson took over from Sammy Lee.

Source: stuff.co.nz