A physical game against Bolton is never particularly welcome, even less so at the end of such a packed festive schedule. Thankfully, though, Benitez' rotation policy meant our players were probably fitter, while their 3-2 win over Portsmouth may have taken more out of Bolton, who were unusually tame.
While we struggled to create many chances in the first half, two quick goals from Crouchinho and Gerrard looked to have settled the match just after the hour - and it would've been even clearer had Faye not been fortunate to escape a second yellow for dissent soon after. After that, I was hoping Kuyt at least would be rested, but instead Benitez chose to replace Gonzalez with Garcia (I'd have at least taken the opportunity to give Aurelio some match time). In the end, Kuyt's continued running was richly rewarded with a deserved goal, but I'm not sure the few minutes rest for him and Gerrard will make them that much fitter for our two up-coming games with Arsenal.
Still, the pleasing thing is a convincing win over a close rival (who didn't even muster a shot on target, according the the BBC) that moves us into third.
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