Arne Slot’s perfect Premier League start hit a stumbling block when Liverpool suffered a shocking home defeat against Nottingham Forest. They bounced back on Tuesday night and clinched a commanding Champions League win against AC Milan. However, the Dutch boss had to find an answer to Bournemouth’s low-block defending as they hosted the impressive Andoni Iraola’s army this afternoon.
It was a wake-up call for the Reds when Antoine Semenyo’s goal got disallowed by VAR in the early minutes due to offside. The Merseysiders responded viciously when Luis Diaz scored twice in two minutes before Darwin Nunez’s stellar strike earned them a 3-0 lead late in the first half.
Below the Liverpool players rated in their 3-0 win against Bournemouth.
Caoimhín Kelleher: 7.5
Was handed a rare start in place of injured Alisson Becker. The Irishman had some nervy occasions early into the game but responded well with timely saves, outings and claims.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 8
Relentless down the right with his outrageous passing game, link-up play and attacking expertise while setting it up for Diaz’s second. Played his part in the defensive third by tracking Marcus Tavernier and Justin Kluivert’s swift runs and movements.
Ibrahima Konate: 8
Diaz controlled his long ball expertly before slotting it beyond the onrushing Kepa Arrizabalaga. Showed his physical and aerial strength against Evanilson along with maintaining his passing discipline while playing it out from the back.
Virgil van Dijk: 8
Was below par against Forest but the veteran centre-half showed his grit and composure against the tricky runs of the Bournemouth attackers. Konate was clumsy at times, but the Dutch ace looked flawless throughout the contest.
Andrew Robertson: 7
Balanced his game between defence and attack. Used his experience against Semenyo as he allowed little space to the Ghanaian. Linked up well with Diaz down the left-hand flank.
Ryan Gravenberch: 8
Another monstrous performance from the Netherlands international as a deep-lying playmaker. Not only he broke down the Bournemouth moves but also made down-the-middle runs to stage swift counter-attacks.
Alexis Mac Allister: 7.5
Started from the deep but operated box-to-box as the Argentine drove the midfield show with his sheer vision, exquisite passing and smart one-twos. Gravenberch’s magnificence allowed him more freedom in the middle of the park.
Dominik Szoboszlai: 7.5
Worked extremely hard as an attacking playmaker as he converted defence into attack by winning possession down the deep and linking up high up the pitch. Made way for Curtis Jones around the hour mark.
Mohamed Salah: 8
Recorded the assist for Nunez’s goal. Kept the visitors on their toes with his creative spark down the right-hand flank but was unlucky as he could not find the target despite being close on several occasions.
Luis Diaz: 9
The Colombian once again showcased his flair and finesse in the attacking third. Made no mistake in capitalizing on Kepa’s error before doubling the lead with a neat finish moments later. Forced the custodian to make multiple saves before making way for Cody Gakpo midway through the second half.
Darwin Nunez: 8.5
Made the opportunity count with his tremendous work rate and a majestic goal. Received massive plaudits from the Anfield crowd while leaving the pitch for Federico Chiesa.
Liverpool Subs Vs Bournemouth
Curtis Jones: 7
A decent cameo from the Englishman who showed his technical traits in the centre of the pitch.
Federico Chiesa: 6.5
Depicted the glimpses of his quality during the final 20 minutes of the match.
Cody Gakpo: 6.5
Created a few chances as he came close to finding the target moments before the final whistle.
