Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth. Luis Diaz’s quickfire double in the first half set the stage for Liverpool’s commanding victory over Bournemouth, as the Reds cruised to a 3-0 win at Anfield, returning to form in the Premier League.
Bournemouth thought they had struck early when Antoine Semenyo converted Justin Kluivert’s cross, but the goal was overturned by VAR for offside, providing Liverpool with a wake-up call. The home side wasted no time responding, with Diaz, Mohamed Salah, and Darwin Nunez all coming close before Diaz eventually broke the deadlock.
In the 26th minute, Diaz capitalized on a defensive error, rounding Kepa Arrizabalaga to slot the ball into the back of the net. Just moments later, he doubled Liverpool’s lead, this time coolly finishing through Kepa’s legs after latching onto a pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Nunez, making his first Premier League start in months, capped off an electrifying first half for Liverpool with a stunning curling shot from distance, marking his first league goal since a victory over Sheffield United five months ago.
Summer signing Federico Chiesa made a lively debut for Liverpool, coming close to adding to the scoreline with a long-range effort and a shot that rattled the woodwork, though he was flagged offside. Bournemouth, despite their bright start, were unable to find the net, with Luis Sinisterra hitting the crossbar in the dying moments.
The win propels Liverpool to the top of the Premier League table, at least temporarily, ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal’s clash on Sunday. For manager Arne Slot, the victory caps off a nearly perfect week, following a Champions League win over AC Milan, and signals a strong response after their disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest.
Diaz’s opening goal was a product of sustained Liverpool pressure, with Kepa forced into several saves before eventually being caught out of position. The Colombian winger has now notched five league goals this season, solidifying his place as one of Liverpool’s most dangerous attackers. Nunez’s spectacular strike further highlighted his potential, as he continues to find form after a lengthy absence from the starting lineup.
While Liverpool’s first-half performance drew comparisons to their famous 9-0 demolition of Bournemouth in 2022, the second half was less dramatic. Despite Chiesa’s energetic display and a few half-chances, Liverpool’s dominance allowed them to see out the game comfortably.
For Bournemouth, it was a case of too little too late. After a promising start, the Cherries struggled defensively, leaving gaps for Liverpool’s attackers to exploit. Semenyo, who had an early goal disallowed, was Bournemouth’s brightest spark but found himself repeatedly thwarted by stand-in Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. The visitors managed 19 shots but were let down by poor finishing and defensive lapses.
Bournemouth’s defensive openness, particularly in the first half, allowed Liverpool to surge forward with ease. Although they limited the damage in the second half, the Cherries’ inability to maintain possession and their vulnerability on the counterattack proved costly.
The defeat leaves Bournemouth reeling after back-to-back league losses. Manager Andoni Iraola, who picked up a yellow card for his protests in the first half, will now miss their next match against Southampton, further compounding their woes.
In contrast, Liverpool continue to build momentum, having now won 10 of their last 11 Premier League encounters against Bournemouth. As they eye the top of the table, the Reds look set to challenge for the title, with players like Diaz and Nunez firing on all cylinders.
Next up for Liverpool is a trip to face Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Bournemouth will hope to bounce back at home against Southampton.
source – BBC
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