Reds top after Bolton win

Martin Skrtel was the other scorer on a day when Kenny Dalglish's boys treated their supporters to a superb exhibition of football.

Ivan Klasnic fired a consolation in injury-time but the Reds now lead the pack on goal difference ahead of Sunday's fixtures after equalling their best start to a league season for 17 years.

Andy Carroll had to settle for a place on the bench for the visit of Owen Coyle and co, who last season had the worst away record in the Barclays Premier League. That meant Dirk Kuyt partnered Luis Suarez up front.

The opening exchanges were characterised by Liverpool playing some sumptuous football, Charlie Adam the puppeteer in midfield while Suarez and Kuyt played like Jacks who refused to go in their boxes.

The only surprise when the home side opened the scoring was that it took 15 minutes. Suarez was the architect with a swerving cross struck with the outside of his right foot. Downing's first-time volley was saved by Jussi Jaaskelainen but Henderson was there to guide the ball into the top corner before wheeling away in ecstasy.

Click on the play button below to watch Henderson's opener

Bolton attempted an instant reply but Pepe Reina was on guard and aware to block Martin Petrov's hit.

The game was developing into an open affair and Liverpool could have added to their lead twice in quick succession, first when Adam bypassed the Bolton defence with a lofted ball to Suarez, then when Henderson centred to Kuyt. On both occasions the strikers just failed to connect.

Next Henderson played Suarez clean through. The Uruguayan could have gone either way round Jaaskelainen but instead chose the lob and was unfortunate to hit the roof of the net.

The crowd were jubilant at the football they were witnessing - the pass and move philosophy being played out before their eyes.

But not everything was going Dalglish's way. On 30 minutes the Scot was forced to swap Martins - the injured Kelly being replaced by fit again Skrtel.

Kuyt was next to threaten before the break, angling over from 12 yards after another neat move from the hosts.

The final act of the period saw Gretar Steinsson cautioned for handball right on the chalk of the penalty area. Referee Lee Probert enraged the Liverpool players by not awarding a penalty but those in red should have done better with the free-kick.

Watch the best of our 3-1 win in 15 minutes

The question now was whether Liverpool could avoid a repeat of their opening day draw with Sunderland, when a superb first half was followed by a languid second.

The answer came seven minutes after the restart when Skrtel headbutted an Adam corner into the Kop net.

A minute later, with The Fields of Anfield Road still echoing across L4, Adam made it 3-0 with a right-foot drive into the bottom corner from 25 yards. It was party time inside English football's most atmospheric stadium.

Suarez almost made it four after rounding Jaaskelainen but it was the side and not the back of the net that rippled.

The crowd were on their feet again on 77 minutes when Maxi replaced Henderson - the latter receiving a standing ovation for his man of the match display.

Skrtel almost collected a second goal with 80 minutes on the clock, while substitute Carroll swivelled before firing wide inside the box.

Liverool's final chance of the game fell to Downing, who cut inside after a dribble down the left before firing over the crossbar into the Kop choir.

But it was Klasnic who had the last word, pouncing after a superb Jamie Carragher tackle looked to have halted Petrov.

Liverpoolfc.tv journalists' man of the match: Jordan Henderson.

Click on the play button below to watch our post-match chat with Jordan