Liverpool’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League suffered a fresh blow on Saturday as they crashed to a 3-1 defeat at struggling Bolton. Goals from Mark Davies, Nigel Reo-Coker and Gretar Steinsson secured a vital three points for Bolton, who moved out of the relegation zone for the first time this season following the win. But the defeat saw Liverpool squander an opportunity to close the gap on fourth-placed Chelsea, and continued a miserable run of form for the Reds who have taken only six points from a possible 18 in their last six games. Liverpool, whose lone goal came from Craig Bellamy, are now in seventh place, six points adrift of Chelsea. Bolton manager Owen Coyle later challenged his team to stay out of the relegation mire over the second half of the season.
“We know we’re capable of having a big second half of the season and that’s what we must do, we must kick on,” Coyle said. “There’s room for improvement and that’s what we must strive for. I thought we were worthy winners. “Sometimes you ride your luck against the big teams but nothing could have been further from the truth today.” Earlier, Fernando Torres’ three-month goal-drought continued as Chelsea also stumbled in a 0-0 draw at Premier League newboys Norwich. Chelsea enjoyed the better chances of a scrappy game but were left frustrated as £50 million striker Torres drew a blank yet again.
The draw left Chelsea in fourth place, five points behind third-placed Tottenham, who face leaders Manchester City at Eastlands on Sunday. Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas later defended Torres, who has not scored for the club since October. “He couldn’t find the back of the net but we are not just looking for that,” Villas-Boas said. “With a little bit more luck he will find the back of the net.”