Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth – LFC Player Ratings

Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth – LFC Premier League Player Ratings

Match day 2 for the reds, with a tricky visit from the south coast side. The same fixture from last season saw the reds run out 9-0 winners, in the most extraordinary result.

Three goals and three points at Anfield 🙌#LIVBOU pic.twitter.com/RpctsUZiJu

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 19, 2023

Alisson Becker – 8.0

The world’s greatest keeper and a certain starter when fit. Could do nothing for the opening goal, with the ball drilled into the far corner. Was reliable for the little work he had to do after that, with some alert moment between the sticks and as a sweeper keeper. Had a busy and brilliant flurry of saves at the end.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 7.0

After struggling to influence much of the on-ball possession last week, the hybrid of this team would have been desperate to make an impact. Needs to learn when to stay and when to go, which will be easier when a specialist defensive midfielder is part of that double pivot. The second half was a good showing of how to link up with Dom and maintain the shape as needed. A worry when being withdrawn for a suspected ankle injury.

Subbed – 74 mins

Andy Robertson – 5.0

The Scot struggled so much with his defensive work at Stamford Bridge, which led to increased talk of a left sided defender being signed. Was at fault for the visitors opening goal with an attempted clearance taking both himself and Virgil out of the game. Was keen to express himself further forward through the first half, yet continually had to scramble back. A better second half with simplicity returning to his game.

Ibrahima Konaté – 7.0

The monstrous defender has a brilliant partnership building with his captain, his desire and levels of play are a necessity in this altering formation. Was aggressive and reactive throughout, as the home side took control of the contest.

Virgil van Djik – 7.0

The big man looked back to his best last week, as the leader of his team. Was maybe too relaxed in the opening stages, with moments of a casual play. Was more solid after the early struggles, with an organization to his game that allowed the reds to surge forward.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 9.0 ⭐

A good start to the game, however, mass possession struggled to convert anything useful. The penalty came from smart footwork allowing the Hungarian captain to win the decision, which Salah was able to eventually score. His work rate was superb and his use of the ball was sublime at times. When the game needed and injection of direct play, the running with ball at feet was infectious. An incredible signing and a great performance.

Man of the Match

Alexis Mac Allister – 6.0

He seems restricted and under-utilized until a proper holding midfielder is signed. Was neat, tidy, and efficient, as the heavy possession stats saw him involved in initial stages of build-up play. Very unlucky with the red card, with the fine line to seeing a clear and obvious error meaning the sending off stood.

Red card – 58 mins

Cody Gakpo – 5.0

A first half of okay moments and then being unsure where to be, when to support, and how to help the midfield. As a 10 or as a player imbedded into the forward line, he is confident, yet this makeshift midfield position is not suited to the big Dutchman. Was the obvious player to be withdrawn after the red card.

Subbed – 62 mins

Luis Díaz – 8.0

His equalizing goal was a delight and showed that he is ready to light the Anfield fire this year. Every time he got the ball you expected something dazzling, which was an encouraging sign for a forward-thinking team that is still developing.

Subbed – 85 mins

Diogo Jota – 6.0

Despite the assist for the equalizing goal, he struggled to immerse himself into the patterns of play, with his poor decision making in heavy possession periods telling. I wrote in my pre game notes how the Portuguese striker was best when poaching, which is how best to describe the goal which took the game to 3–1. Instinctive and alter to get to the ball first.

Subbed – 74 mins

Mohamed Salah – 7.0

Looked dangerous if slightly ineffective, as the home side struggled to take control of the game. A slight worry over the missed penalty, yet both lucky and decisive with the rebound. Had some half chances come to nothing into the second half, as others came to the attacking fore.

Subbed – 75 mins

Subs;

Wataru Endō – 5.0 (on 62)

Came in to add a defensive minded midfielder, essentially after the red card. Did okay, first game in.

Harvey Elliott – 6.0 (on 74)

Looked happy and keen to link up with Dom.

Joe Gomez – 5.0 (on 74)

Steady and reliable, which was what was called for at 3-1.

Darwin Núñez – 5.0 (on 85)

Unlucky not start and ran like a man possessed.

Kostas Tsimikas – 5.0 (on 85)

Came in as Luis looked in pain.

The Manager;

Jürgen Klopp – 7.0

Maintained the same starting lineup, with reinforcements and injured players only just through the door. The key was clearly to overwhelm and out score the opposition, in the knowledge that big chances would be given up. The opening goal (and chance shortly thereafter) were a horrible watch, which could have seen the reds 0-2 down. The strategy and quality of Liverpool eventually shone through as the home side departed the first half as 2-1 leaders.

Celebrating 200 Premier League matches with a win!

Congratulations, @TrentAA 👏@LFC | @Oracle pic.twitter.com/lR9QZW95Yt

— Premier League (@premierleague) August 19, 2023

His side looked far more impressive in the second period, as you could see relationships forming within his starting eleven. The manager would have been upset at the red car and incoming ban, yet would have been delighted at how his majestic Hungarian was able to knit the attacking group together.

Three points and a vibrant attacking display.