Liverpool scored three first-half goals against Bournemouth on Saturday, recovering from Arne Slot’s first defeat as Reds manager last weekend and moving (at least temporarily) top of the Premier League table.
WATCH LIVERPOOL vs BOURNEMOUTH LIVE
Luis Diaz scored two of the three goals within two minutes (26th and 28th) to decide the match. Darwin Nunez also scored a goal in the 37th minute to cap an electrifying eleven minutes that, if you looked closely, were reminiscent of Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
The result puts Liverpool ahead of Manchester City on goal difference for the time being, as the four-time defending PL champions host Arsenal in a major title fight on Sunday (11:30 a.m. ET).
Liverpool are lucky at the beginning, then the goals come
Sometimes you just need a bit of luck and a second chance. Bournemouth started the game well and even had the ball in the Liverpool goal, but Antoine Semenyo was inches offside when he scored in the 3rd minute. The Reds looked shocked at how quickly the Cherries had started, but this was their wake-up call, loud and clear. Liverpool found a good balance between controlled possession and the quick counter-attacking football we’ve seen from them under Klopp. The biggest difference – and a huge credit to Slot for reaching this point so quickly – is how confidently they now finish games. Set pieces aside, Bournemouth had 0.23 xG in the second half, despite having eight shots from open play. Liverpool gave them nothing instead of giving them hope of getting back into the game.
Player Ratings – Liverpool vs. Bournemouth
Latest information on the Liverpool vs Bournemouth match – by Andy Edwards
Final score Liverpool – Bournemouth: 3:0
Goalscorers: Luis Diaz (26′, 28′), Darwin Nunez (37′)
GOAL! Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth: Darwin Nunez scores a cracker goal for the first time this season
With a shot from Nunez, the Reds are 3-0 ahead against Bournemouth
Darwin Nunez’s stunning left-footed shot finds the corner of the goal to give Liverpool a convincing 3-0 lead over Bournemouth in the first half at Anfield.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Bournemouth: Luis Diaz does it again two minutes later
Diaz’s brace means 2-0 against Bournemouth
Trent Alexander-Arnold sprints through the Bournemouth defence to set up Luis Diaz for his second goal of the first half at Anfield.
GOAL! Liverpool 1:0 Bournemouth: Luis Diaz goes around Kepa and opens the scoring
Diaz wins Liverpool’s opening match against Bournemouth
A mistake from Kepa Arrizabalaga allows Luis Diaz to dribble around him and score Liverpool’s first goal against the Cherries at Anfield.
Liverpool’s starting line-up
Kelleher – Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson – Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai – Salah, Diaz, Nunez
Bournemouth starting line-up
Arrizabalaga – Araujo, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez – Christie, Cook, Kluivert – Sememyo, Tavernier, Evanilson
How to watch Liverpool vs Bournemouth Live, stream link and start time
Kick-off time: 10 a.m. ET Saturday (September 21)
Venue: Anfield
TV channel: USA Network
Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com
Focus on Liverpool, team news
OUT: Harvey Elliott (foot) | QUESTIONABLE: Alisson Becker (muscles)
Bournemouth in focus, team news
Out: Tyler Adams (back), Dango Ouattara (ankle)
Liverpool vs Bournemouth forecast
Bournemouth are one of the best prepared and best trained teams in the Premier League and Iraola will have had them focused on Liverpool all week while the Reds have been busy on the continent. Bournemouth will give Liverpool everything they want and more but in the end… Liverpool – Bournemouth 1:0.
