Liverpool vs. Bournemouth: The Reds Triumph in 3-1 Win After Early Scare
Liverpool vs. Bournemouth is a match Liverpool fans have fresh memory about since they won 9-0, the joint-biggest margin of victory in Premier League history last season. However, after suffering a 1-0 loss in the return fixture, we know the fans are hungry to exact revenge against the Cherries. Unfortunately for them, this Liverpool vs. Bournemouth match did not start as planned as Bournemouth took an early lead inside 3 minutes. However, with goals from their front three, the Liverpool faithful can breathe a sigh of relief as their team earn their first three points of the season at home.
4 Things We Learn After Liverpool vs. Bournemouth
Luis Díaz Is Carrying on the Legacy of Sadio Mané
You can doubt Liverpool’s transfer business, but you can never doubt how successful their signings are. Luis Díaz is a prime example of it as he possesses similar pace, flair, desire and finishing capabilities to their already departed left winger, Sadio Mané. After his dazzling debut against Leicester City in 2022, he has only gone from strength to strength for Liverpool, especially with his MOTM performance in the 2022 FA Cup final against Chelsea.
His individual qualities shone through in this Liverpool vs. Bournemouth as well as he skillfully controlled a deflected pass from Jota and acrobatically scored the equaliser for Liverpool. Furthermore, he continued tormenting the poor Bournemouth defence with his directness and sharpness, reminiscing of a certain Senegalese. If he continues to add to the two goals he already scored this season, who’s to say he will not surpass the Senegalese legacy?
Also Read: Real Madrid Complete Signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga on Season Long Loan for the 23/24 Season
Mohamed Salah’s Penalty Woes Continue
Despite scoring in this Liverpool vs. Bournemouth match and providing a stunning assist in their draw against Chelsea, Mohamed Salah is under heavy fire from a part of the Liverpool contingent for his constant struggle with penalties. Before the game, many were waiting anxiously for the starting lineup after the supposed conflict between Salah and Klopp. However, after seeing Salah’s name on the sheet, many concluded it was just a heat-of-the-moment reaction.
Moving back, Salah started in a front three with Jota and Diaz, and all three got on the scoresheet in this Liverpool vs. Bournemouth match. However, rather than praising the Egyptian king for scoring, many have criticised him for missing the penalty in the first place. For the record, Salah has now missed six penalties for Liverpool, including one, funnily enough, away at Bournemouth last season. Considering he scored his first 17 penalties in a row, it is a fair assessment to change to another taker, even with his 24 out of 30 record.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Defending Under Scrutiny Again
It is a new season, but with the same old topic, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defending is a liability to Liverpool. Many experts, pundits and fans have spoken vehemently about a position swap for Arnold to central midfield, where he can dictate play with his immaculate passing. However, he was indeed in midfield in the starting minutes of Liverpool vs. Bournemouth and miscontrol a ball from Van Dijk, leading to the opening goal from Bournemouth.
Thus, where does this leave us with? Do you play him further up the pitch? Our consensus is no, as although Arnold’s defensive flaws are plain and costly, he is an integral part of allowing Liverpool to start attacks from deep. While we could see Kloop seeking future additions to the squad to help cover for Arnold defensively, it is still one weakness that Liverpool has to cope with this season.
Refereeing Inconsistencies Are Ruining the League
After the Premier League decided to implement VAR, every Premier League Matchday is not complete without controversies. This season is no different, as Wolves suffered the brunt of controversy last week with their unawarded penalty against Manchester United.
This week, the flashpoint of controversies happened in the Liverpool vs. Bournemouth match. In the 58-minute, referee Thomas Bramall supposedly sent off Alexis Mac Allister for a 50-50 challenge against Ryan Christie. Mac Allister was as shocked as us to see the ref brandish the red card without even consulting VAR. Although the later replay showed it was anything but malicious, the ref did not overturn his decision.
Furthermore, Liverpool had a controversial penalty decision in their favour when Dominik Szoboszlai seemingly fell without contact. According to the former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys, both decisions are appalling and recommend former Howard Webb to join the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL).
Takeaways
While the positive result in the Liverpool vs. Bournemouth may fuel the fan’s hope for a top 4 finish, it is still way too early to gauge whether Liverpool can finish in the UEFA Champions League spots. However, considering the downward trajectory of Chelsea and Manchester United this week, Liverpool fans can enjoy bragging rights for the whole week.
