LONDON - LIVERPOOL pulled clear at the top of the English Premier League on Saturday - for a few hours at least - after cruising to a 2-0 lunchtime win at Bolton.

Headers from Dirk Kuyt and captain Steven Gerrard enabled Rafael Benitez's side to claim their tenth win in 13 matches so far this season.

Chelsea have the chance to return to the top on goal difference by beating West Brom later in the day.

Liverpool's first-half dominance saw Kuyt hit the bar before he got on the end of Fabio Aurelio's cross to give his side a 28th-minute lead with a looping header.

Bolton, who are just two points above the relegation zone, mounted a strong fightback after the break and might have equalised when Ricardo Gardner slipped with the goal at his mercy.

But Gary Megson's side were killed off after Fernando Torres came off the bench. The Spanish striker, who is on the comeback trail following a hamstring tear, found space on the right and picked out Gerrard with a delightful, outside-of-the-boot cross that the England midfielder glanced into the net. -- AFP