Liverpool bounced back from their Carling Cup loss in midweek at Tottenham with a 2-0 win at Bolton. Dirk Kuyt and captain Steven Gerrard, both with headers, earned the three points for the Reds.

"I think the team had a lot of opportunities. In the first half we had plenty of possession, in the second half there was more long balls and second balls and they were more physical, but it was just a question of scoring the second goal and finishing the game," Reds boss Rafa Benitez told Sky Sports.

"We knew they would be aware of Gerrard and maybe Alonso, and yes it was man for man, but Gerrard was moving and creating plenty of space for Mascherano and Alonso, and we had plenty of possession," he said.

Benitez conceded Bolton were always in the game while there was just one goal in the match.

"We had two or three chances in the first half and also in the second half," he said.

"And so it was always possible from a corner, free-kick or long throws but as we said the second goal was crucial and it could have been three or four in the end."

Benitez was pleased to bounce back after that Carling Cup loss.

"Everybody knows we want to win every game, every competition but the league is the priority and I think if we stay top of the league the fans will be happy," he concluded.