The match began with high energy, but Bournemouth’s early pressure was stifled by two quick offside calls. Evanilson and Antoine Semenyo, eager to make an impact, were caught offside in the first three minutes. Just a minute later, Bournemouth thought they had found the breakthrough when Semenyo found the back of the net following a slick team move. However, celebrations were cut short as the goal was disallowed after a VAR review. VAR determined that Semenyo was offside, keeping the game at 0-0.
Liverpool responded swiftly to the overturned goal with an attempt from Andy Robertson, who narrowly missed from the left side. The Reds looked to capitalize on Bournemouth’s early frustration, applying pressure through well-timed crosses from Mohamed Salah and quick transitions.
Liverpool’s Persistent Attacks Pay Off
Despite Bournemouth’s promising start, Liverpool quickly found their rhythm, with Luis Díaz leading the attack. A powerful right-footed shot from Díaz in the 26th minute finally broke the deadlock, putting Liverpool ahead. The goal came from a perfectly placed assist by Ibrahima Konaté, demonstrating Liverpool’s efficiency in counter-attacking play.
The momentum continued just two minutes later when Díaz added another goal to his tally, this time with his left foot. Trent Alexander-Arnold, known for his creative passing, provided a brilliant assist, setting up Díaz to slot home from the left side of the box. Bournemouth struggled to cope with Liverpool’s pace and precision, as the home side quickly established dominance.
Bournemouth’s Defensive Struggles
Bournemouth’s defense was tested repeatedly, and while goalkeeper Kepa managed to make several key saves, the backline was unable to hold off Liverpool’s relentless attack. Justin Kluivert’s yellow card in the 18th minute for a reckless foul on Ryan Gravenberch marked a shift in the game’s physicality. Bournemouth tried to push back, but their efforts were either too high or too wide, with key players like Semenyo and Evanilson missing crucial opportunities.
Despite these setbacks, Bournemouth did manage to get some shots on target, with Kluivert coming close in the 30th minute. However, Caoimhín Kelleher, Liverpool’s goalkeeper, remained steadfast, saving multiple attempts and maintaining the Reds’ clean sheet.
Núñez Caps Off a Dominant First Half
As the first half drew to a close, Liverpool secured their third goal in the 40th minute, this time through Darwin Núñez. The Uruguayan forward showcased his clinical finishing by driving a left-footed shot past Kepa, assisted by a brilliant pass from Mohamed Salah. Núñez’s strike came at a crucial time, just before the halftime whistle, further demoralizing Bournemouth.
Liverpool’s dominance was evident as they controlled possession and made the most of Bournemouth’s defensive lapses. With three minutes of added time, Bournemouth had little opportunity to recover before the half ended with a commanding 3-0 lead for Liverpool.
Liverpool Dominates the Second Half Despite Bournemouth’s Resilience
As the second half commenced with Liverpool holding a commanding 3-0 lead, Bournemouth made early substitutions, bringing on Dango Ouattara for Justin Kluivert. This change injected some energy into Bournemouth’s attack, but Liverpool’s defense held firm. Early attempts by Antoine Semenyo, including a powerful shot from outside the box, were either blocked or saved by Liverpool’s defense and goalkeeper, Caoimhín Kelleher.
The game saw Liverpool continue to assert their dominance. Despite several attempts from Bournemouth to break down The Reds’s defense, none could penetrate their disciplined backline. Ryan Gravenberch, who was pivotal in midfield, had his shot on goal saved by Bournemouth’s goalkeeper, Kepa. The tempo remained high as Bournemouth tried to find a breakthrough, but their efforts were constantly thwarted by The Reds’s organized defense.
Bournemouth Struggles to Capitalize on Opportunities
Bournemouth had several moments that could have turned the tide in their favor, but poor finishing and resolute defending by Liverpool kept them at bay. Semenyo’s shot in the 54th minute was saved, while attempts by Marcus Tavernier and Antoine Semenyo were either blocked or lacked the precision needed to find the back of the net. As the match progressed, Bournemouth’s frustration grew, with The Reds continuously breaking down their offensive plays.
Bournemouth managed to win consecutive corners between the 63rd and 64th minutes, but they could not capitalize on these opportunities. The closest they came was when Dean Huijsen’s header in the 77th minute sailed just over the bar. Luis Sinisterra’s introduction in the 70th minute did bring fresh energy, but even his header in the 83rd minute only managed to hit the bar, exemplifying Bournemouth’s inability to convert chances into goals.
Tactical Substitutions Keep Liverpool in Control
Arne Slot made tactical changes to maintain Liverpool’s grip on the game. Substitutions like Curtis Jones for Dominik Szoboszlai and Federico Chiesa for Darwin Núñez ensured fresh legs in key areas. These substitutions allowed Liverpool to maintain their offensive pressure, with Chiesa hitting the post in the 78th minute and forcing Bournemouth’s defense to remain on high alert.
The Reds’s attacking intensity remained unrelenting. Mohamed Salah, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, almost added to the tally, with several shots blocked or saved by Bournemouth’s Kepa. Federico Chiesa also proved dangerous, with his shots causing problems for Bournemouth’s backline. Despite Bournemouth’s defensive efforts, they couldn’t find any momentum to shift the game in their favor.
Bournemouth’s Late Surge Proves Ineffective
As the game neared its conclusion, Bournemouth pushed hard to get at least a consolation goal. Luis Sinisterra was particularly active, hitting the crossbar in the 83rd minute and having multiple shots saved by Kelleher. The last ten minutes of the game saw Bournemouth bombard Liverpool’s goal, with attempts from Alex Scott and Sinisterra again being denied by the in-form Kelleher.
Despite this late surge, The Reds held their nerve. Curtis Jones’ late shot in the 85th minute was blocked, and attempts by Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo failed to find the net. The match ended 3-0 in favor of Liverpool, with Bournemouth left to rue their missed opportunities. The Reds’s strong defensive performance, paired with clinical attacking play, ensured a comfortable victory as they maintained their unbeaten run.
