Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League table with a routine win against Bournemouth, showing a much-improved performance across the board.
Alisson – 7
Had little to do throughout such was Liverpool’s dominance, but dealt well on the occasions he was called into action. Good save against Fraser in the opening minutes provided the platform for the win.
James Milner – 7
Battled well, filling in at right-back again. Got forward well and delivered some teasing crosses into the box. Indeed, it was his cross that gave Sadio Mane the opener, setting Liverpool on their way while ensuring Bournemouth were relatively quiet on the counter-attack at the other end of the field.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Another routine performance from the Dutchman, who wasn’t called into action often. Dealt well with any and all aerial threats and provided a calming influence to his teammates.
Joel Matip – 6
Stuttered in patches, looking a little wayward in possession which often allowed Bournemouth a route forward. However, he was able to recover well.
Andy Robertson – 8
Got down the flank well, delivering some threatening crosses into the box. Bagged another assist on an afternoon where he once again looked like the best left back in the league.
Fabinho – 9
Battled brilliantly in the middle of the park, keeping Liverpool in possession and on the front foot. Seemed to enjoy himself, getting forward in the second-half.
Gini Wijnaldum – 9
Probably my man of the match, showing exactly what Liverpool have been missing in the last few games. A calming influence, showing composure in possession. Struggled to make good on a few chances before delivering a sumptuous chipped effort to double Liverpool’s advantage.
Naby Keita – 9
Provided the perfect response to critics, showing energy in possession to bomb forward in support of the front three. Showed his vision and passing range, delivering a chipped through ball for Liverpool’s third. Deserves credit for his off the ball work too, working well in the relentless pressing system. A close candidate for MOTM too. Unlucky not to get a goal.
Sadio Mane – 9
Opened the scoring with a powerful header and was once again one of Liverpool’s brightest players in the attack. Battled well off the ball, chasing down to prevent what looked like a certain corner before setting Liverpool on a threatening counter.
Mohamed Salah – 8
Bright afternoon for the Egyptian, who almost scored on a few occasions. Unlucky not to get a first-half goal after Gini’s pass was slightly overzealous before a tremendous solo volley threatened to tear the roof off Anfield.
Roberto Firmino – 8
Missed a few opportunities and should really have put Liverpool 4-0 up in the second half, but his creative eye was on centre stage, helping to deliver a seamless attacking performance. Working off the centre-backs, his movement was pivotal all afternoon.
This will Keita the confidence that he needs to kick on