Liverpool beat Bournemouth 2-1 at Anfield in the early kickoff to go to within three wins of the Premier League title, after goals from Mo Salah and Sadio Mane ensured that Callum Wilson’s early goal for the Cherries was nothing but a little blip on the road.
The Reds were well below-par, though, and need to be much better on Wednesday night when Atletico Madrid come to Anfield, in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg.
Here’s how each player fared for the Reds.
Adrian San Miguel – 6/10
He was a little bit iffy in the first half, especially when parrying shots away. He got the job done, but definitely did seem like the Willian goal from midweek was playing on his mind.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 5/10
Not the greatest of games from Trent, again. His crossing was below par, he mishit set-pieces way too often, and was troubled by Stanislas.
Joe Gomez – 6/10
Unfortunate to not be given a free-kick when Wilson fouled him in the build-up to the Bournemouth goal, but was solid otherwise. Seemed to be the only vertical passer in the side in the second half.
Virgil van Dijk – 7/10
Stood tall, after the blip at Watford last weekend. He won his headers well in both boxes, and maybe should’ve done better when he headed a corner from Trent straight to Ramsdale. Super assist for Mane’s goal as well.
James Milner – 8/10
Terrific performance in his first Premier League start for a while. With Andy Robertson out, Milner started at left-back. He kept the Reds lead intact in the second half with a stunning goal-line clearance off a Ryan Fraser chip.
Fabinho – 6/10
Still does look some way off the pace, which is a concern, given it has been almost two months since his return from injury. The passing was a lot better today though.
Gini Wijnaldum – 7/10
Brilliant possession-shield in midfield, and drove forward really well. But an overall lethargic Liverpool meant that his forward runs could eventually come to nothing.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 5/10
Struggled to have any telling impact on the game, in truth. Was replaced by Lallana late in the second half.
Mo Salah – 7/10
Took his goal wonderfully well, after a terrible pass from Mane looked like it had killed the move. His third straight 20-goal season for the Reds.
Sadio Mane – 9/10
Looked the most likely to create anything, from the front three. Got a lucky assist after Salah made something off a horrible pass. Took his goal brilliantly, after a good pass from Van Dijk, and almost had a goal-of-the-season contender in the second half, but that clanged the post.
Roberto Firmino – 5/10
Not his best game, again. Somehow, that Anfield goal seems to keep eluding him, even when he has the most gilt-edged of opportunities, like the one in second half injury time.
SUBSTITUTES
Adam Lallana – 6/10
Got only ten minutes on the pitch, but was energetic, and set up Firmino’s late chance with a neat dummy.
Divock Origi – N/A
Came on in second half stoppage time, but had a chance to either go through on goal or set up Salah, but was denied by Smith.
