Liverpool vs Bournemouth – Match Report
Liverpool were able to record their first victory of the season over Bournemouth, securing a 3-1 win in spite of Alexis Mac Allister’s dismissal.
The Reds got off to a horrendous start as a mix up at the back resulted in Alisson having to rush out, leaving an open goal for Jaidon Anthony to tap into, only for it to be ruled offside. Refusing to learn from their mistakes, Trent Alexander Arnold took a heavy touch that Dominic Solanke tried to punish, only for it to be blocked but quickly fired into the net by Antoine Semenyo. The finish was befitting of the Cherries’ fast start as they deservedly took the lead.
Liverpool continued to let Bournemouth’s high press get the better of them, with their defenders wary of the imposing Solanke and Semenyo. However, a crucial slide tackle by Andy Robertson facilitated a rapid counter attack, as Diogo Jota’s deflected pass was nicely controlled and flicked up for an acrobatic finish by Luis Diaz. Liverpool were level once more as Diaz continued to put Max Aarons on the backfoot.
With Jurgen Klopp’s men slowly growing into the game, they were awarded a penalty through Joe Rothwell’s swipe on Dominik Szoboszlai on the edge of the box. As Mo Salah lined up on the spot, his powerful effort was saved by Neto, only for the Egyptian to fire the rebound into the top left corner.
Bournemouth’s fast start was scuppered by a buoyant Liverpool side, whose pressing game was much improved after going ahead. The home side will have been disappointed not to further extend their lead, with skipper Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate proving wasteful from set pieces.
Liverpool were well on top in the second half, as the Cherries could not replicate their intensity shown in the first quarter. They were however, handed a lifeline as Alexis Mac Allister was controversially shown a straight red card for catching Ryan Christie on the shin.
However, the Reds quickly scuppered any chances of a Bournemouth comeback after Szoboszlai’s long range effort was poorly parried by Neto and thrashed into an empty net by Jota.
It was safe to say that Liverpool’s new signing Wataru Endo, was thrown in at the deep end, being substituted onto a team with ten men. Despite this, Klopp’s side were able to stay on top and create chances, notably through Szoboszlai’s driving runs. Bournemouth were running out of steam and increasingly looked to play on the counter attack, following the introduction of Kieffer Moore.
It was cause for concern for Liverpool fans, as they saw Alexander-Arnold subbed off following discomfort in his left ankle. The Cherries however, remained in the game, feeding off of Liverpool’s mistakes, with Justin Kluivert’s powerful strike forcing a save from Alisson.
The Reds rejoiced as the final whistle confirmed their first win of the season, as Luis Diaz continued his fine form and new signing Dominik Szoboszlai displaying his attacking prowess. Bournemouth will take solace in their dominant start to the game and the success that their high press yielded, notably through Antoine Semenyo. However, this is surely only the start of what Andoni Iraola’s promising Cherries have to offer.
