A late goal from Argentine midfielder Maxi Rodriguez, set up by Fernando Torres, gave Liverpool their second consecutive 1-0 victory and propelled them out of the EPL’s relegation zone.

They became the first team to win at Bolton in the league this season, with a performance of more grit than style.

Torres was off-target with a couple of early efforts. And the best moment of a dour opening half came from Bolton’s Stuart Holden, whose excellent 20-yard volley on 22 minutes was parried to safety by Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina.

The game opened up after half-time with centre-half Sotirios Kyrgiakos heading over a Steven Gerrard corner and Maxi Rodriguez’s overhead kick from Torres’ header clearing the crossbar by inches.

Bolton’s Johan Elmander had a left-foot shot deflected wide and Zak Knight headed over from the resultant corner. But Kevin Davies came closest for the hosts, heading an inswinging Matthew Taylor free-kick narrowly wide in the 75^th minute.

The game looked destined for a draw. But on 86 minutes, Torres’ deft backheel nutmegged Gary Cahill, allowing Maxi Rodriguez to fire a low right-foot shot under Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, who got a touch on the ball but couldn’t keep it out.