Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth
Liverpool went back to the top of the Premier League today with a convincing win over travel-sick Bournemouth in front of a packed and delighted Anfield crowd.
With talk of pressure hampering the Reds’ progress, this was just what Jurgen Klopp needed to get his team back on track after two draws had handed the lead at the top over to Manchester City. It was Liverpool back at their best attacking with scintillating speed; a clean sheet with a depleted defence will have pleased the Liverpool boss no end.
Sadio Mane opened the scoring, and Mo Salah finished off the visitors after a brilliant Georgino Wijnaldum chip. Bournemouth are on a terrible run away from home, but take nothing away from Liverpool as this was a big win and fully deserved.
Highlights of the game
The nerves in the home end could have been shredded a little more in the first couple of minutes: Ryan Fraser almost put the Cherries ahead with a curling effort, but Alisson got a strong hand to the ball. Bournemouth fear no one, having recently thumped Chelsea 4-0, and this was an early warning for the Reds.
The Anfield crowd began to get restless but breathed a sigh of relief on 24 minutes when Sadio Mane met a James Milner cross and headed firmly into the Bournemouth net. The Reds relaxed immediately and were in the mood now, almost making it two, minutes later if Salah didn’t fluff his shot from 12 yards.
But ten minutes after the first came the second goal, and the crowd erupted. It was a beautiful finish from Georginio Wijnaldum who controlled a lofted ball before lobbing it over Artur Boruc and into the corner of the net.
Bournemouth’s Adam Smith had a good shout for a penalty just before the break when he fell under a challenge from Andy Robertson. But the referee was unimpressed, booking Smith as he retaliated. And that was the last real chance for the Cherries to get a result.
The game was over minutes after half-time after a lovely move from Liverpool, ending with a delightful flick from Roberto Firmino to tee up Mo Salah. The Egyptian curled the ball into the far corner to make it 3-0.
Liverpool seemed satisfied with that, and Bournemouth looked incapable of finding any way back into the game as the crowd relaxed into the afternoon. And it should have been four after a lightning Liverpool attack. Mo Salah crossed for Naby Keita. He really should have scored his first goal for Liverpool, but he blasted it high into the stands.
The home crowd was in a celebratory mood when they had another treat: Trent Alexander-Arnold came on after three weeks out injured. He almost capped his appearance with a goal, but Boruc did well to keep him out. No matter; this was a good day at the office for the Reds who went three points clear at the top.
Key statistics
All Liverpool eyes will be on the Etihad tomorrow to see whether Manchester City can return to the top with a win over Chelsea. The Premier League 2019 betting odds point to a race to the end. The Sky Blues look to have a very slight edge at the moment, but this comfortable win will do Liverpool a power of good.
The Reds’ main men were on target: Mane’s opener was his fourth goal in consecutive league games, and Salah’s goal was his 49th in 62 Premier League games.
The Cherries have been shocking on the road. This was Bournemouth’s eighth consecutive away defeat. Happily for Eddie Howe, their home form has been outstanding. Meanwhile, Liverpool has the only unbeaten home record and are undefeated in 33 games at Anfield.
And this was Liverpool’s ninth win against Bournemouth in 11 meetings…no surprises, really.
What’s next?
So while Liverpool fans keep up with the Premier League 2019 updates, the Reds will be preparing for another huge week of football. Klopp comes up against his old Bundesliga foes FC Bayern in the first knockout round of the Champions League. SBOBET odds will give the best range of Asian Handicap Betting options for this game so take a look tomorrow.
And then, it’s away to Manchester United in the big Premier League game of next weekend…mouth-watering.
The Cherries will be pleased to be back at home next week when they entertain the in-form Wolves in what should prove to be an entertaining clash.
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