Final Thoughts: Liverpool remain unbeaten after crucial Bournemouth victory

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By Steven Smith
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Bournemouth 0–1 Liverpool – Premier League Post-Match Report

By Steven Smith

After Liverpool’s midweek EFL Cup victory over Tottenham, Andoni Iraola’s side returned to Premier League action with a difficult trip to the south coast to face the manager’s former club, Bournemouth.

This was always going to be an intriguing encounter, with Bournemouth arriving after European action in Spain and Liverpool hoping that the Cherries would be feeling the effects of their midweek exertions.

Liverpool ultimately got the job done.

It was not spectacular, it was not comfortable and it was certainly not a performance that will live long in the memory, but it was an important 1–0 victory that moves Liverpool onto nine points from their opening five league matches.

Most importantly, the Reds demonstrated that they can win a difficult game without needing to dominate every aspect of it.

The Starting Eleven

Liverpool XI

GK – Alisson Becker

RB – Ronald Araújo

CB – Jérémy Jacquet

CB – Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB – Milos Kerkez

CM – Alexis Mac Allister

CM – Dominik Szoboszlai

RW – Cody Gakpo

AM – Florian Wirtz

LW – Bradley Barcola

CF – Alexander Isak

Substitutes Used

Víctor Muñoz → Bradley Barcola (71’)

Trey Nyoni → Florian Wirtz (71’)

Ryan Gravenberch → Dominik Szoboszlai (80’)

Lewis Koumas → Alexander Isak (80’)

Goal

Bournemouth 0–1 Liverpool – Alexander Isak (Florian Wirtz) – 57’

Match Statistics

Possession – Bournemouth 46% | Liverpool 54%

xG – Bournemouth 0.76 | Liverpool 1.57

Total Shots – Bournemouth 9 | Liverpool 12

Shots on Target – Bournemouth 2 | Liverpool 3

Fouls – Bournemouth 11 | Liverpool 13

Corners – Bournemouth 3 | Liverpool 3

First Half

The opening half was a cagey affair, with neither side able to establish complete control.

Liverpool enjoyed slightly more possession and looked to build patiently, but Bournemouth were aggressive in their pressing and made life uncomfortable for Iraola’s side.

The Reds struggled to create clear openings, with Florian Wirtz finding himself under constant pressure whenever he attempted to operate between the lines.

Cody Gakpo also found it difficult to impose himself from the right-hand side, while Bradley Barcola showed flashes of danger without being able to consistently penetrate the Bournemouth defence.

At the other end, Alisson Becker was called upon to produce one of the moments of the half, making a sensational low save to keep the scores level.

Liverpool’s defensive structure was otherwise impressive.

Jérémy Jacquet continued his remarkable start to life at Liverpool, repeatedly reading danger and clearing his lines, while Ronald Araújo provided the physical presence required against an energetic Bournemouth attack.

Virgil van Dijk remained vocal, constantly organising those around him.

Neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval, but Liverpool knew there was more to give.

Second Half

The second half became increasingly controlled by Liverpool, and the breakthrough eventually arrived in the 57th minute.

Florian Wirtz produced a clever flick at the near post, creating the opportunity for Alexander Isak to finish from close range.

The Swedish striker made no mistake. Cody Gakpo had been instrumental in delivering the initial cross.

It was precisely the contribution Liverpool needed from their record attacking signing, and although his overall involvement had been limited, his positioning and composure when the opportunity arrived were excellent.

Liverpool then had to defend their advantage.

Bournemouth continued to press and attempted to increase the tempo, but Liverpool’s defensive spine stood firm.

Jacquet was once again excellent, while Araújo and Van Dijk provided the physicality and experience required to see the match through.

Alexis Mac Allister also became increasingly important as the game progressed. With Liverpool’s midfield still an area requiring further development, the Argentine provided much-needed control, passing and protection.

Iraola introduced Víctor Muñoz and Trey Nyoni in the 71st minute before bringing on Ryan Gravenberch and Lewis Koumas with ten minutes remaining.

The changes helped Liverpool manage the closing stages and protect the lead.

Bournemouth had opportunities, but Liverpool refused to surrender the advantage.

Final Thoughts

This was not a classic Liverpool performance, but it was a mature one.

The Reds had 54 per cent possession, created an xG of 1.57 compared with Bournemouth’s 0.76 and ultimately deserved to take the three points.

There is still plenty to improve.

The midfield remains a concern, Wirtz is still searching for his best form and the attacking combinations are not yet operating with the fluency Iraola will ultimately demand.

But there are encouraging signs.

The defensive spine is beginning to take shape. Alisson was excellent, Jacquet was once again outstanding, Araújo provided strength and Van Dijk continued to organise the group.

Mac Allister offered control, while Isak delivered when the opportunity arrived.

Liverpool have now responded to the frustrating draw against Fulham with two consecutive victories, beating Tottenham in the EFL Cup before grinding out a difficult Premier League win at Bournemouth.

That is progress.

Iraola’s Liverpool are still a work in progress, but nine points from five Premier League games represents a strong foundation.

The performances will improve as the squad becomes more accustomed to the demands of the new manager’s system.

For now, the Reds have learned another valuable lesson: sometimes winning ugly is just as important as winning in style.

Steven Smith’s Pre-Match Prediction:

Bournemouth 1–3 Liverpool

Final Score:

Bournemouth 0–1 Liverpool

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