Liverpool vs. Bolton Wanderers: Score, Grades and Reaction from FA Cup Match
Liverpool 0-0 Bolton Wanderers
Liverpool repeatedly failed in front of goal against Championship side Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup en route to a 0-0 draw on Saturday at Anfield.
The match featured former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey return to Anfield as the veteran sees out his career with Neil Lennon's club.
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Liverpool made four changes to their lineup with Glen Johnson and Joe Allen returning to the side after spells out on the treatment table. Departing club captain Steven Gerrard was omitted from the matchday squad for the tie.
The first half was a relatively drab affair with Bolton more than holding their own against their illustrious rivals.
The second-tier team played a strong, high line against the Premier League club, forcing Liverpool to proceed with an uncomfortable longer game.
The space behind Bolton's defence was evident for the Reds to exploit, but Liverpool's midfield failed to take advantage.
However, the front-line axis of Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho began to impose itself as the half progressed, and Rodgers' side started to get a foothold in the match, testing Bolton's back four.
Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo summarised the end of the first period, highlighting the home team's lack of cutting edge in front of goal:
But Liverpool came out in the second half in a more positive frame of mind and chased down Bolton in a more convincing fashion.
And on 50 minutes, substitute Lazar Markovic came close to winning a penalty as he appeared to be tripped as he burst into Bolton's area.
However, the ref waved play on, and the game continued—much to Markovic's dismay.
Once again, the Liverpool Echo's Jones and Ian Doyle reacted to an arguably poor decision from the ref that surely, if called, would have seen Bolton down to 10 men:
Markovic's addition certainly had an effect on the tie, and the attacker's direct running style began to give Bolton increased worries.
But the visitor's defence remained resolute under Liverpool's increasing attack, keeping its concentration as Liverpool penetrated.
Midway through the half, Bolton began to edge their way back into the game, with their forwards starting to cause more problems. Doyle gave some credit to veteran striker Eidur Gudjohnsen:
However, with the final whistle getting closer, Liverpool began to throw themselves into the attack in an attempt to steal the game.
And on 83 minutes, Liverpool thought they deserved yet another penalty as former Reds midfielder Jay Spearing appeared to shove Jordan Henderson.
But the ref once again waved away the appeal with Bolton breathing a sigh of relief. Liverpool's official Twitter feed described the events:
"81mins: The Kop demands a penalty as Jay Spearing barges Jordan Henderson in the box, but nothing is given #LFC 0-0 #BWFC
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 24, 2015"
Despite a frantic end to the match, it was Bolton who were celebrating after grabbing a well-earned goalless draw and replay.
Liverpool will be disappointed to yet again fail to break down an inferior opponent, which has been the story of much of their season.
Bolton showed a heart and spirit that deserved some reward.
They will now feel they can take Liverpool back to their home ground and finish off the job, heaping further misery on Rodgers.
Selected Player Grades
Lazar Markovic: B
This was a much-improved showing from Lazar Markovic, who has so far failed to repeat his form of last season in Portugal.
The Serbian gave Liverpool a stronger outlet on the break, but Bolton were exceptional in their tracking of the Reds' attack.
Markovic provided a dynamism missing from Liverpool's play in the first half, and this could be somewhat of a breakout performance from the forward.
Emile Heskey: D
It was a romantic return for Emile Heskey as he came to Anfield to say a belated goodbye to his former team.
The former England striker failed to impose himself on the game, but he gave his usual workmanlike performance.
He was substituted early in the second half. The striker was clearly ready for an early bath after a tough night's work.
Raheem Sterling: C
A difficult night was in store for Liverpool's prodigious front man as the attacking midfielder once again led from the point of the attack.
Coutinho and Markovic both gave the England international valuable support, but Sterling appeared out of sorts with a heavy touch and slow reaction speed.
It is on nights like these that Liverpool miss real quality in the striker's role—something Sterling struggles to provide on a regular basis.
Post-Match Reaction
Opta highlighted Liverpool's dominance on the night, showing just how well Bolton had done to stop the Reds' attack, keeping the score goalless to their credit.
But they also warned against Liverpool's poor record in FA Cup replays, offering Bolton a glimmer of hope:
Bleacher Report's Karl Matchett was wholly unimpressed with Liverpool's efforts on the night and criticised individuals for their poor contributions and performance levels:
The Daily Mail's Ian Ladyman pointed the finger firmly at Liverpool boss Rodgers and his decision making—questioning the lack of involvement of Rickie Lambert:
Speaking to the press after the game, Rodgers proclaimed his side had done all they could to break down Bolton, and praised his opposite number Lennon for the way he set his team up, as reported by Liverpool's official website:
"We did everything but put the ball in the back of the net. Creative-wise we were excellent and we were defensively solid against a good team.
Neil [Lennon] makes them very difficult to beat. We worked the spaces really well. With a bit of luck and the ball dropping for us and maybe better finishing we would have won the game. But we didn't. We kept a clean sheet and it was a good performance, but we just didn't get the goal.
"
It was a hard night's work for Liverpool, as the Anfield giants once again struggled to break down an opponent.
Bolton's defence by and large controlled Liverpool's talented attack.
Rodgers will be disappointed to have to play a replay with fixture congestion always a concern in the second half of the season.
But with Chelsea and Manchester City out, the FA Cup is a realistic target for the Anfield team to aim for.
