Maxi strikes late in Liverpool win

Maxi Rodriguez struck a late winner at Bolton as relieved Liverpool finally climbed out of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone with a 1-0 victory.

The Argentinian latched onto a brilliant Fernando Torres backheel to settle a competitive encounter at the Reebok Stadium four minutes from time.

Both sides created numerous chances in an evenly-matched contest but Liverpool left satisfied knowing their near month-long stay in the bottom three was over.

Liverpool started well and Torres headed over from a corner, before stabbing wide when his weaving run had put him through on goal.

Bolton came into the game and Jose Reina palmed away Stuart Holden's outstanding volleyed effort from 20 yards.

The hosts continued to push in search of an opener and the recalled Matt Taylor had two free-kicks saved by Reina. But it was Liverpool who could have gone into the half-time interval ahead but Sotirios Kyrgiakos forced Jussi Jaaskelainen to save from a Steven Gerrard cross in injury time.

Both teams struggled to gain any momentum after the break and Liverpool were further hampered by the loss of Joe Cole with a suspected hamstring injury.

Liverpool began to take control through as Jaaskelainen saved easily from Torres and Kyrgiakos flashed a header just over the bar. And they came close to taking the lead with 20 minutes remaining when - after a fine move - Rodriguez volley over.

Bolton hit back and Zat Knight could not control a header, while Johan Elmander dragged his shot wide, but Liverpool snatched the points in the final five minutes with a goal of the highest quality.

The ball was fed to Torres and he instinctively back-heeled to Rodriguez who poked powerfully past Jaaskelainen the sent the visiting fans into raptures.