A disastrous start to the campaign saw Liverpool settling for successive draws with Fulham and Crystal Palace before suffering a dreadful defeat against their bitter rivals Manchester United. Jurgen Klopp admitted the necessity of reinforcements in the centre of the pitch amid the ongoing injury nightmare to an array of first-team stars.
But the Anfield crowd witnessed a pumped-up side who kept on banging goals from the very beginning of the contest. It ended in an incredible 9-0 victory for the Merseysiders.
Below are the Liverpool players rated in their thumping win against Bournemouth.
Alisson Becker: 7
Was hardly tested between the sticks as the Cherries had no answer to the Reds’ ruthlessness at the other end of the pitch. A first clean sheet of the campaign for the Brazilian custodian.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 8.5
Hardly had any trouble in the defensive third, rather scored a spectacular goal from distance to make it 3-0 midway through the first half. Was taken off for 17-year-old Bobby Clark with minutes remaining.
Joe Gomez: 8
Maintained his composure in deep defence with timely blocks, interceptions and recoveries. Played it out from the back to instantiate swift counter-attacking threats.
Virgil van Dijk: 8.5
Although the visitors failed to threaten him enough in the heart of the backline, the Dutch centre-half must feel relieved after a shocking performance against the Red Devils. Headed home to score his side’s fifth of the afternoon from Robertson’s corner.
Andrew Robertson: 8
Lively from the left-hand flank with his overlapping runs, crosses and cut insides. Linked up well with Luis Diaz and set it up perfectly for Van Dijk from a corner. Also Played his part in Firmino’s second goal around the hour mark. Made way for Kostas Tsimikas a few minutes later.
Fabinho: 8
Had a comfortable outing deep down the midfield. Regained possession frequently and carried the ball forward to distribute the same high up the pitch.
Harvey Elliott: 8.5
Grabbed his first Premier League goal with a stellar strike early into the game. Was excellent with his movements as he combined spectacularly with Salah and Alexander-Arnold down the right-hand flank. Was replaced by Fabio Carvalho at half-time.
Jordan Henderson: 7.5
Operated box-to-box but as a left-sided central midfielder. Pressed well to unsettle the opponents and create space for his teammates. Was replaced by the young academy prodigy Stefan Bajcetic midway through the second half.
Mohamed Salah: 6.5
Not his day as he was denied once by Mark Travers but missed a couple of sitters. Tried his best to make it to the scoresheet which, however, did not work out on this occasion.
Luis Diaz: 9
Another majestic performance from the red-hot Colombian. Terrorized down the left with his work rate and flashy skills, opened the floodgate within a couple of minutes of the kickoff and wrapped it up in style with another header late in the match.
Roberto Firmino: 9
Back in business as he registered three assists and fired in twice before making way for James Milner in the second half. The numbers should boost his confidence after a poor show versus Man United.
Liverpool Subs Vs Bournemouth
Fabio Carvalho: 8
Scored with a volley in the second half after replacing Elliott at the break.
Kostas Tsimikas: 8
Registered a couple of assists in the second half for Carvalho and Diaz.
James Milner: 7
Enjoyed his time on the pitch. Was denied by Travers who kept his strike wide.
Stefan Bajcetic: 7
Showed great technicality in terms of passing and distribution.
Bobby Clark: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
