Match of the Dave

The weekend’s fixtures concluded today with Liverpool travelling to Bolton in the wake of skipper Steven Gerrard’s scathing verbal assault on the lack of a title challenge from the reds and Everton hosting Portsmouth.

Bolton Wanderers 1 - 3 Liverpool

Liverpool have been a mixed bag this season (well, most seasons really…) but have recently started to turn up the heat a little. They were in control from early on in this game when Gerrard unleashed a strike from well outside the box that looked to be going wide, only for Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen to somehow (and like many observers, I still don’t quite know how) scoop the ball up and over his left shoulder and in to the net.

A second goal followed when Ryan Babel drove in a low, powerful shot and it was 3 - 0 as Aurelio volleyed home.

Despite the scoreline, Bolton did have their chances - at 0-0, a Diouf free kick from way out somehow eluded everyone in the box and was kept out by the woodwork. Later, Liverpool had the smart reactions of Pepe Reina to thank when he got down low to his left and held on to the ball well. They did pull one back via the head of Tamir Cohen, but it came too late in the game to make much difference and Liverpool went on to record their first league win at Bolton for over 5 years.

Everton 3 - 1 Portsmouth

Clearly a day for those residing on Merseyside, Everton recorded a strong win to stay fourth in the Premier League. The old cliche of a manager having to tear up his game plan when his side concedes is oft-repeated, but today Harry Redknapp will barely have had time to sit down and reach for his notebook before Pompey found themselves behind.

A free kick in the first minute was lofted in to the box by Steven Pienaar and Yakubu found himself with plenty of time (and no marker) to head home past a visibly angry David James.

Somewhat against the run of play, the visitors found themselves level soon after however, as Defoe got the slightest of touches and steered the ball past Tim Howard. He certainly appears to be relishing his opportunity for first team football since his move from Spurs and he’ll be pleased to have scored in front of watching England boss Fabio Capello.

Everton, though, have been extremely strong this season and certainly deserve a place in Europe. Phil Jagielka, a summer signing from relegated Sheffield United, was in particularly outstanding form today and can be credited with ensuring Pompey had little luck in front of goal.

In the 73rd minute, Pienaar again delivered well and this time Tim Cahill was the beneficiary, restoring Everton’s lead with his head before the game was made safe 8 minutes later through Yakubu’s second of the day, a powerhouse in to the top corner.

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