Liverpool were not really in the best of shape prior to hosting Bournemouth this afternoon at Anfield. They suffered back to back defeats against Watford and Chelsea which eventually shattered their ‘invincible’ dream as well as the hopes of lifting the FA Cup within a week’s time.
An injury to Alisson Becker in team training added more misery to the situation considering the significance of midweek’s high-profile Champions League (return leg) contest against Atletico Madrid.
An early goal today against the run earned the visitors a surprise lead, but the hosts managed to script a comeback capitalising on Bournemouth’s defensive lapses. Klopp’s men grabbed an unconvincing yet crucial victory before their decisive European night versus Diego Simeone’s men.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their 2-1 win against the Cherries.
Liverpool Players Rated In Their Nervy Win Vs AFC Bournemouth
Adrian: 6.5
Had a mixed game against Chelsea and Jurgen Klopp was forced to field the Spaniard amid Alisson’s injury woes. Could have done little to stop Callum Wilson’s early opener and must feel grateful to James Milner who made a terrific goalline clearance in the second half. The custodian, however, stood up to the challenge otherwise and made a few crucial saves to avoid yet another setback.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6.5
Was not as impressive as he usually has been all season with his crosses and set-pieces from the right-hand flank. One of his efforts was cleared off the line by Jack Simpson, but the youngster had a quiet afternoon otherwise irrespective of his attacking intent and cut insides and cross-field balls.
Joe Gomez: 7.5
Struggled physically against Wilson during Bournemouth’s goal, but the Englishman seemed to have been pushed by his fellow countryman in the build-up which was neither spotted by the on-field officials nor the VAR. Did well to contain Wilson for the remainder of the match and delivered a towering display barring a few duels.
Virgil van Dijk: 7.5
The Dutchman has not been in his best form in recent weeks and looked nervy at times despite encountering little threat this afternoon. But his presence was immense as he deserves plaudits for the pass that was converted by Sadio Mane to fire in the go-ahead goal just over the half-hour mark.
James Milner: 8.5
The versatile veteran featured as a left fullback in the absence of Andrew Robertson and indeed led by example to inspire a comeback win shaking off early jitters. Showed his commitment and tenacity once more while clearing off the line acrobatically to deny Ryan Fraser.
Fabinho: 5
Had yet another dismal show in the centre of the pitch. Struggled to win the ball back, ran cluelessly all over the ground and was beaten easily by the opponents while staging counterattacking moves. The Brazilian has not been the same since returning from his injury.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 6
Worked hard, played his part in the attacking build-ups but ran out of ideas later on. Lacked sharpness inside the box and was eventually taken off to be replaced by Adam Lallana late in the match.
Goerginio Wijnaldum: 7
Impressed with his off the ball work-rate, link-up play and calmness over the ball. Showed his strength to hold possession and distribute upfront for the attacking trio.
Mohamed Salah: 8
Looked sharp from the right-hand flank. Kept on threatening persistently with his swift skills, pace and tricky runs. Did exceptionally well to pick up Mane’s not-so-impressive pass and beat Aaron Ramsdale in Bournemouth goal to grab the equaliser.
Sadio Mane: 8
Had a shaky start but eventually ended up with a goal and an assist while staging the comeback. Hit the ball spectacularly from a distance in the second half which, however, hit the woodwork despite beating the Cherries’ keeper.
Roberto Firmino: 5.5
His work ethic is unquestionable, but the Selecao international must offer more in the attacking third being their ‘number 9’. He concentrated more on showcasing skills over finding the easy pass. Also, the forward should have found the net in the closing minutes when he skied the ball without any pressure. Made way for Divock Origi moments later for the final few minutes of the match.
Liverpool Substitutes
Adam Lallana: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Divock Origi: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
