Liverpool FC: 5 Questions After the 3-1 Win Against Bolton

In what was undoubtedly their best performance thus far, Liverpool defeated Bolton 3-1 at Anfield.

Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam opened their Liverpool accounts, and Martin Skrtel scored on a header before Ivan Klasnic scored a late consolation for the Wanderers.  

Here are five things to consider before Liverpool's away tie against Stoke in two weeks.

1. Did Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson Show Their True Value?

Both Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson turned in fine performances, with Henderson scoring the opener and Adam contributing a goal and assist.  

In the case of Henderson, he was threatening throughout most of the contest, whether it was being in the right place to score or getting out wide and pumping in cross after dangerous cross.

While Adam still can't help himself from taking a wasteful shot or two, he also showed his quality on set pieces when setting up Skrtel, and he came up with a few mesmerizing long balls to the forwards.

My hope is that they will turn in many more performances like this, but considering their less than inspiring first two matches, it remains to be seen which version of these two will be seen moving forward.   

2. What Happens at Right Back If Martin Kelly Is Out?

Kelly made way for Martin Skrtel midway through the first half after suffering a hamstring injury. It is uncertain at this point how serious the injury is, but Kelly has two weeks during which he can hopefully recover fully. Even if he does, the incident brings up questions about Liverpool's depth at right back.  

While Skrtel wasn't bad today, I'm not convinced that he could play several matches there, as it isn't his natural position. Glen Johnson and John Flanagan weren't on the team sheet for different reasons, and neither of them have both the defensive quality and ability to get forward that Kelly does.

There are certainly options at right back, and should Johnson or Flanagan have to play, it wouldn't be the end of the world, but it is a bit nerve-wracking to consider a long stretch without Kelly.

3. How Much Time on the Pitch Does Andy Carroll Deserve?

After seeing the utter dominance of the pass-and-move style Liverpool employed today, the argument for including Andy Carroll in a first choice 11 is very weak, if it can even be made.  

It's unfortunate that the club paid the transfer fee worthy of a club talisman for him, but the combination of Suarez and Kuyt and the fluidity of all the attacking players was fantastic.  

When Carroll came on, he didn't even do what he's supposed to be best at: getting on the end of crosses and scoring with his head. He doesn't have the dribbling and passing ability of his teammates either, so it's probably best that he starts in cup ties and comes on as a sub in league play every now and then.   

4. Should Gary Cahill Still Be on Liverpool's Radar?

To answer the question frankly, I don't see how he could, even putting aside that Arsenal are looking like strong contenders for him.  

His individual performance today wasn't terrible, but the back line was beaten time and again by the Liverpool attack. The performance certainly wasn't a reflection of his approximated 17 million pound transfer fee.

Since he most likely wouldn't crack the starting 11 with Agger and Carragher still around and considering the recent signing of Uruguayan Sebastian Coates, Scott Dann is probably the better option.

5. How Does Steven Gerrard Fit in Once He Returns?

This purpose of this slide is not to say that Gerrard shouldn't be guaranteed a spot in the starting 11 once he is fit. He's the captain and an extremely influential player.  

My question, though, is what happens without Henderson on the pitch (the man Gerrard would likely replace), assuming he continues to turn in performances like the one seen today.  

Henderson provides a lot of width and strong crossing on the right and can also come inside, whereas Gerrard operates best in the middle of the pitch. Also, would some of the fluidity be lost if he were to play in the middle of the pitch?

Another consideration is that before his injury the offense revolved around him, whereas now Luis Suarez is the main offensive threat.

I don't believe that there will be any major problems with Gerrard's inclusion in the side, but it's interesting to think about how the attack will be different, if at all, with him playing consistently around the new signings.