Reds enjoy Bolton romp

After demolishing Wanderers, they have scored 21 goals in that five-game run to move into third place in the table, a point behind Chelsea with a game in hand.

Goals from Sami Hyypia and Fernando Torres - his 11th in 17 games - had Liverpool in command at the break and a Steven Gerrard penalty sealed what was a comfortable victory before Ryan Babel tapped in the fourth.

Bolton had gone five games unbeaten under new boss Gary Megson, but despite a initially defiant display, they were eventually brushed aside.

It was Liverpool who went ahead from a set-piece. Gerrard's 16th minute free-kick was flicked into the bottom corner by Hyypia.

On 38 minutes, Nicolas Anelka should have equalised. Jose Reina and Jamie Carragher collided on the edge of the box, and the ball ran for the Frenchman on the right of the six-yard box.

But somehow he managed to miss an open goal from 12 yards, putting his effort into the side netting. And Bolton were to regret that clanger.

A minute from the break, Torres eased Liverpool's tensions with a stunning goal. Gerrard's 35-yard, inch-perfect through ball, sent Torres into the box to clip his 12th goal of the season over Jussi Jaaskelainen.

In the 54th minute, Peter Crouch looked to be impeded by both Meite and Michalik as he went for a Gerrard cross. Referee Steve Bennett pointed to the spot and Gerrard drilled the penalty home.

Dirk Kuyt replaced Torres on 76 minutes, and the Dutchman helped Gerrard set up Babel for the fourth with six minutes left.