Liverpool were very impressive against Bolton and played with a desire to get that early goal. I was really impressed with everyone on the pitch that day but especially Alonso in the center of the park. He made things look so easy and pulled all the strings. It is crazy to think that we were going to sell him in the summer and hopefully any of the rumour that he still might leave are just that, rumors.

Once Riera used the bottom of his boot to score Liverpool looked to be in charge. Bolton's only real chance of the game was inside of the first minute. Once that chance went begging we rarely looked to be in trouble. Keane capped off an excellent 90 minute display with two fine goals, the first was a great strike after a fantastic through ball by Gerrard and the third was a fantastic Liverpool move that started with our keeper. Gerrrard was even afforded the luxury of a rest. Special praise must go to our young left back Insua. I have been hoping he would get a few chances this season and the illness to the Doss at Arsenal might have been the best thing to happen to Insua's career. He has taken his opportunity with both hands and was excellent all day against Bolton.

Three more points were on offer less then 48 hours later up in Newcastle. Liverpool simply were magnificent all afternoon. It's hard to pick a man of the match in this game as almost every was excellent. Lucas and Mascherano bossed the middle of the park while Steve G was given a key to St. James Park. I was surprised to see Keane on the bench but he can have no complaints in this one. Kuyt, playing the lone striker, didn't add much in terms of shooting but his work rate and hold up play were fantastic. Again, Insua was excellent. Gerrard scored the first after clever play from Yossi. Hyypia scored the second after he had earlier missed an easier chance. It should have been 6-0 at this point if were not for Shay Given. Then at the stroke of half-time Newcastle scored to make the contest interesting again. Newcastle started the first few minutes of the half brightly but once Ryan Babel pushed the ball home from the 3 yards the game was over. Gerrard added a fourth after excellent play from Lucas while Alonso made no mistake from the spot for number 5. A fantastic all round display.

The buzz I felt going to be on Sunday was great. Two very good performances in 48 hours and 3 points clear at the top. A long way to go as any Liverpool fan can tell you but as our captain said we have to enjoy it.

I woke up Monday morning to the news that our captain was in jail and since then has been charged with assult. I was both surprised and disappointed to hear this news as our captain always seems to handle himself pretty well off the pitch. I do understand the need to be out and about especially at this time of year. I'm sure he didn't have a drink to speak of over the holiday period and without a league match for 13 days he probably decided to have a few drinks and stay out late. He deserves that much.

From what I have read it seems this is a case of to much drink and his ego getting involved. . Steven might not have been drunk but surely he should have just let it go about the music that he wanted to hear. His mates probably kicked off on his behalfand he was involved in some poor behavior. Really it's not that big of deal but I'm sure it will get drawn out in the media and opposing supporters will love it. Be ready for some new songs at the Derby on the 19th. I stand behind our captain 100% as well as I feel sympathy for the victim in the case. All in all I wish it didn't happen.

Anyway, I was glad to see the club standing behind him as well. It's the right thing to do.