Liverpool put three first-half goals past Bournemouth on Saturday, to bounce back from Arne Slot’s first defeat as Reds boss last weekend and (at least temporarily) go top of the Premier League table.
WATCH LIVERPOOL vs BOURNEMOUTH LIVE
Luis Diaz scored two of the three goals in two minutes (26th and 28th) to break the game open and Darwin Nunez added a stunner of his own in the 37th minute, capping off an electric 11 minutes that seemed to resemble Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool if you squinted hard enough.
The result pushes Liverpool ahead of Manchester City on goal difference for the time being, as the four-time defending PL champions will host Arsenal in a massive title showdown on Sunday (11:30 am ET).
Liverpool ride their luck early, 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 Liverpool’s goal, but Antoine Semenyo was offside by a couple inches when he scored in the 3rd minute. The Reds looked shellshocked at how quickly the Cherries had started, but that was their wake-up call, loud and clear. Liverpool struck a good balance between controlled possession and the quick counter-attacking football we saw from them under Klopp. The biggest difference — and a huge credit to Slot for reaching this point so quickly — is how comfortable they are to see games out now. Aside from set pieces, Bournemouth had 0.23 xG in the second half despite taking eight shots from open play. Liverpool gave them nothing, rather than giving them any hope getting back in the game.
Player ratings - Liverpool vs Bournemouth
Liverpool vs Bournemouth updates - by Andy Edwards
Liverpool vs Bournemouth final score: 3-0
Goalscorers: Luis Diaz (26', 28'), Darwin Nunez (37')
GOAL! Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth: Darwin Nunez scores a banger for his first of the season
GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Bournemouth: Luis Diaz does it again two minutes later
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Bournemouth: Luis Diaz goes around Kepa to open the scoring
Liverpool starting lineup
Kelleher - Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson - Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai - Salah, Diaz, Nunez
Bournemouth starting lineup
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 am ET Saturday (September 21)
Venue: Anfield
TV Channel: USA Network
Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com
Liverpool focus, team news
OUT: Harvey Elliott (foot) | QUESTIONABLE: Alisson Becker (muscular)
Bournemouth focus, team news
OUT: Tyler Adams (back), Dango Ouattara (ankle)
Liverpool vs Bournemouth prediction
Bournemouth are one of the most prepared, well-drilled sides in the Premier League, and Iraola will have had them focused on Liverpool all week while the Reds were busy on the continent. Bournemouth will give Liverpool everything they want and more, but in the end… Liverpool 1-0 Bournemouth.
