How Did The Reds Rank in 4-0 Win Over Bournemouth?
Matchday 21 saw the reds travel to the south coast, where in form Bournemouth were looking to take another legendary scalp. As the final game of the Premier League weekend, this Super Sunday was exactly what the Liverpool fanbase craved, as the reds extended their lead at the top of the table.
The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Alisson Becker – 8.0
The world’s greatest goalkeeper is matching a couple of others in pursuit of player of the year, therefore, to see him available is a continued blessing. Enjoyed a straightforward first half where anything that needed dealing with, was done with relative ease. Gives confidence to the whole side.
Joe Gomez – 8.0
With both senior left backs still injured, there is now no issue with this ferocious defender taking a place on that flank. Maybe tried to be too ambitious with his distribution in a frustration filled first half, with a keen energy and willing to defend. Was quietly effective and offered great back post defending when needed. An assist late on was a nice moment for the man yet to score in red.
Conor Bradley – 8.0
The young academy product deserved to start once more, with an opportunity to cement himself into Liverpool v2.0. Kept things very simple and stuck to his defensive duties in a first half where his side dominated. The second half really showed character and determination from the youngster as he battled and won most of his encounters. A good assist for the third goal.
Ibrahima Konaté – 9.0
The France international defender has been in imperious form of late, so it was vital to see the giant start this vital game. Showed some good defensive instincts early on, to ensure his penalty was cleared and was largely dominant in the opening 45-minutes. The second half was again a show of power and desire as vital interceptions were coupled with bullying defensive work.
Virgil van Dijk – 9.0
The captain and leader of this team, his form has been crucial this season. Was commanding in the opening period as he pushed his defensive line as high as possible. He and Ibou were so fearless and combative that despite the form of former red, Dominic Solanke, very little opportunities were allowed.
Curtis Jones – 8.0
The future England midfielder is the first chosen name of the midfield group this season, given his importance to the club. Was industrious in the first half as the stubborn home side kept their nerve and clean sheet. The second half was about being smart on the ball and intelligent off it, which the academy product delivered in spades.
Alexis Mac Allister – 9.0
The Argentina World Cup winner is now looking comfortable and composed as the defensive shield, with a desire to control possession. Enjoyed plenty of possession through a territorial dominated first half. The second half was much the same, as clever interplay and control was needed with the tight score line. A tremendous overall game.
Alexis Mac Allister 🇦🇷 today
92 touches
87% pass accuracy
5/9 accurate long balls
14 ball recoveries (!)
10/15 ground duels won (!)
2/2 aerial duels won
3 interceptions
3 tackles wonBrighton, sorry the fee was so low 🫶🏻 pic.twitter.com/k4mEzXe7hq
— Moby (@Mobyhaque1) January 21, 2024
Harvey Elliott – 6.0
The England under-21 star was gifted a midfield start, with several players missing or injured. Tried to knit some passages of okay together, yet could not find rhythm with the Colombian ahead of him. Was neat and tidy, with tenacity not in question.
Subbed – 62 mins
Luis Díaz – 6.0
The Colombian flyer started as the wide right wingman, which was always going to excite the travelling support. Unfortunately for the maverick, he was unable to make a solid impression on the game and his efforts were mostly fleeting and controlled by the home defence.
Subbed – 62 mins
Darwin Núñez – 9.00
The Uruguayan raging bull has brilliant production this year, even if his shooting is sometimes questionable. Looked dangerous from the off and maybe could have had some better service from midfield. The second half is where he truly came alive, as a slick move allowed Jota to find the Uruguayan in front of goal, before a bottom corner finish took the reds into a deserved lead. Produced a wonderfully deft cross minute later, which should have added an assist. The visitors second goal was due to the pressing and ball winning of the number nine, before the assist and goal followed.
Darwin Nuñez 🇺🇾 today
2 Goals ⚽️ ⚽️
3 shots on target
3 chances created
2/3 tackles wonMay your praise be as LOUD as your criticism 🫶🏻 pic.twitter.com/X6wk2QsVhY
— Moby (@Mobyhaque1) January 21, 2024
Diogo Jota – 9.0
Man of the match
The Portuguese attacker finally started a game after a string of wonderful off the bench cameos, following his most recent injuries. The forward is in form right now and is the most direct attacker in the stable of scorers. A busy role in the middle (through the first half) probably restricted him somewhat. A more varied second half position allowed the assist for the opening goal, before he scored a beautifully struck second. The second goal by the former Wolves man was typical, as his determination eventually saw him find the bottom corner.
Subs:
Cody Gakpo – 8.0 (on 62)
Came on to deliver a lovely assist for Diogo Jota.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0 (on 62)
Came on to offer some energy against a team that was being overrun.
Owen Becker – 6.0 (on 83)
Came on to add energy.
Bobby Clark – 6.0 (on 83)
Came on to add energy.
Kaide Gordan – N/A (on 90+4)
Very nice to see him involved.
The Manager
Jürgen Klopp – 9.0
The German manager picked his strongest possible eleven, as the chance to extend their top of the table lead was thrust into his hands.
The first half was a mass of frustration, as domination failed to deliver the opening goal. No half time substitutions were made, as a slightly adjusted forward line allowed a little more movement than that which started. That movement allowed the opening goal that the manager craved, as Jota delivered a perfect assist for Darwin’s precise strike. More intent was delivered by his men, with smart substitutions helping to create more openings.
Two very clever substitutions later allowed younger legs to gain experience and relieve important assets of further game time. The final score line was deserved by the team and the travelling manager.
Pre-match Prediction:
Bournemouth 1 – 3 Liverpool