Liverpool beat Bournemouth to take top spot in Premier League

Team recovers from previous round’s setback and kills off game in the first half

Fulminant

It took just the first half for Liverpool to beat Bournemouth 3-0 in the fifth round of the Premier League and, once again at Anfield, make amends for last week’s setback against Nottingham Forest. With some exquisite long balls from Konaté, the Reds built up the victory in a matter of 11 minutes midway through the first half. Luis Díaz scored twice – the first after Kepa’s clumsy clearance outside the area – and Darwin Núñez rounded off the scoring with a beautiful left-footed goal. The result means the Reds sleep at the top of the English Championship.

Effective

Bournemouth caused a scare early on in the match, with a goal by Sinisterra disallowed for offside, after a VAR review. Little by little, Liverpool took control of the game and then knocked their opponents out. In the 25th minute, Kepa came out poorly to meet Konaté’s pass and Luis Díaz was left with an empty net to open the scoring. A minute later, they extended their lead. In the 36th minute, Darwin Núñez completed the victory with an individual play, hitting the corner with a shot with his left foot. The Reds held on to their advantage throughout the second half. The most the visitors managed was a Sinisterra shot that hit the crossbar, from a corner kick.

Substitute

Liverpool played their first game of the season without Alisson, who was out with muscle pain. Kelleher took over in goal and left the field with a clean sheet. The Irishman was more challenged in the second half, when he even saved a shot from Sinisterra that hit the crossbar: the ball rebounded off Alexander-Arnold and the goalkeeper saved.

Leader’s Day

Liverpool are currently top of the Premier League. With the same 12 points and a better goal difference (9 to 8), they are ahead of Manchester City, who play at home to Arsenal this Sunday. Check out the Premier League table