Player ratings

Liverpool 0 Bolton Wanderers 0

ADAM BOGDAN 9 One breathtaking stop from Borini and a handful of other fine efforts too but it was the Hungarian’s composure and superb handling which really deserves praise.

MATT MILLS 8 Looked to be treading a fine line with Sterling early on but then produced a couple of outstanding challenges close in on goal. Got lucky with one penalty call.

DORIAN DERVITE 8 The Frenchman was immense at times, reading the game well and using the ball well too. Like Mills, he produced some crucial tackles as Liverpool piled forward.

TIM REAM 9 Possibly the American’s best game in a Wanderers shirt? Almost faultless, in fact in a defensive sense. A reminder of the Premier League pedigree he possesses.

JOSH VELA 8 Had the Liverpool press pack asking “who’s this kid?” Bossed midfield for spells either side of half time. A performance way beyond his tender years.

LIAM FEENEY 7 Didn’t get into the first half enough but you know you’ll get nothing but 100 per cent effort from Feeney and he helped keep a solid shape after the break.

NEIL DANNS 8 Ran himself to a standstill in a game that clearly meant a lot. Screened the back four and ensured Coutinho, Lallana and Henderson did not break through.

DARREN PRATLEY 8 Pratley’s athleticism was so important for Wanderers, if only to ease the pressure. Stuck to his task all evening and never gave Liverpool a moment’s rest.

DEAN MOXEY 7 Back in the team and proved an inspired choice. Went closest to a goal with a fizzing shot and while he tired late on, kept the home side quiet down the left.

EIDUR GUDJOHNSEN 7 Left Anfield upset he hadn’t snapped up one of the two chances that fell to him but there were moments when his experience on the ball was absolutely vital.

EMILE HESKEY 7 Hunted down Liverpool defenders and battered them in the air. Didn’t quite link up with Gudjohnsen as well as he has in the past – but a minor gripe.

Subs: Wilkinson 56 (for Heskey) – Worked hard for the cause 7

Spearing 73 (for Mills) – Dug in when it mattered 7

Wheater 83 (for Moxey) – Some brave headers late on 7

Not used: Lonergan, McNaughton, Hall, Trotter.

Liverpool

3-4-2-1

SIMON MIGNOLET 6

GLENN JOHNSON 6

EMRE CAN 7

MAMADOU SAKHO 8

JAVIER MANQUILLO 6

JORDAN HENDERSON 7

JOE ALLEN 6

JOSE ENRIQUE 5

ADAM LALLANA 7

PHILLIPE COUTINHO 8

RAHEEM STERLING 7

Subs: Markovic 7, 46 (for Enrique), Lucas (for Allen 68), Borini 68 (for Manquillo).

Not used: Ward, Lovren, Lambert, Rossiter.

MATCH STATS

POSSESSION Liverpool – 68 Wanderers – 32

SHOTS ON TARGET Liverpool – 9 Wanderers – 0

SHOTS OFF TARGET Liverpool – 15 Wanderers – 7

CORNERS Liverpool – 6 Wanderers – 4

FOULS AGAINST Liverpool – 9 Wanderers – 15

OFFSIDES Liverpool – 2 Wanderers – 0

Booked: Liverpool – None. Wanderers – Mills 12 (foul on Sterling), Vela 17 (foul on Allen), Dervite 73 (foul on Lallana), Pratley 85 (foul on Johnson).

Sent off: None.

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire) 6

Those of a Liverpool persuasion will claim they should have had two penalties and at least a one-man advantage.