Five talking points from Liverpool's win over Bournemouth

Published on 19 August 2023 at 20:00

Liverpool ran out 3-1 winners against Bournemouth at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday 19th August. The Cherries had a goal disallowed in the first minute, but scored their opener only two minutes later.

 

Liverpool turned things around with an equaliser from Luis Diaz in the 27th minute, with goals from Mo Salah and Diogo Jota sealing the win for the Reds.

 

Here are five talking points from Liverpool’s victory.

 

A Sloppy Start
Liverpool’s defensive frailties led to Bournemouth’s opener in the third minute of the match. Trent Alexander-Arnold lost the ball, allowing Dominic Solanke to drive into the box and pass to Antoine Semenyo, who scored. This followed the Cherries having a goal disallowed in the first minute of the game after a defensive error from Liverpool which saw Alisson caught out. Liverpool will need to tidy up at the back and avoid giving away cheap goals if they want to ensure they don’t miss out on Champions League football for the second season running.

 

Mac Allister Sees Red
New signing Alexis Mac Allister was sent off for Liverpool in the 58th minute of the game, leaving the Reds to play out the remaining half an hour with only ten men. The decision to send off the Argentinian was a harsh one, as Mac Allister attempted to tackle Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie and caught his shin in the process. VAR reviewed the decision and the red card stood, meaning the Liverpool midfielder could face a three match ban.

 

Dominik Szoboszlai Brilliant
Dominik Szoboszlai has had a great start to life at Liverpool. He played well against Chelsea on his Premier League debut, and his form continued against Bournemouth. He won the penalty that led to Liverpool’s second goal, and their third came when Bournemouth ‘keeper Neto spilled  Szoboszlai’s shot into the path of Diogo Jota. With the loss of key faces in Liverpool’s midfield during the transfer window, fans of the Reds will be hoping Szoboszlai can keep producing performances like his first two.

 

Alexander-Arnold Injured?
Trent Alexander-Arnold was taken off for Liverpool in the 76th minute of the match. The right-back appeared to be limping before that, and had strapping put on his ankle after he came off. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has said that the injury came from a kick, and with a trip to St James’ Park to play Newcastle coming up next Sunday, Klopp and Liverpool fans will be hoping it is nothing serious.

 

Endo Makes His Debut
After joining Liverpool from VfB Stuttgart only yesterday, Wataru Endo made his debut, replacing Cody Gakpo in the 63rd minute of the game following Alexis Mac Allister’s red card. The Reds’ new number three showed promise, but the full extent of his impact at Liverpool is yet to be seen with his debut only lasting half an hour.

 

Ellen Gwynn

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