A devastating 11-minute spell in the first half was enough for Liverpool to return to the Premier League winning list with a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth thanks to strong performances across the board.

Liverpool – Bournemouth 3:0

Premier League (5), Anfield
21 September 2024

Goals: Diaz 26′, 28′, Nunez 37′

Caoimhin Kelleher – 8 (out of 10)

Another injury to Alisson gave Kelleher the chance to be in the starting line-up for the first time since early April.

He initially created pressure by allowing himself to be put under pressure, but when it mattered, he was more than up to the task of keeping the ball out of his goal.

The Irishman’s quick reactions in the closing stages prevented a clean sheet. You can see why he is desperate to play regularly and he deserves it.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 7

A solid, if not spectacular, performance from Alexander-Arnold by his high standards! His powerful forays were the highlight of his game and allowed him to set up Luis Diaz’s second goal.

Bournemouth posed greater challenges to their defence in the second half and ended up losing more tackles than they won (five wins, six losses), according to FotMob.

Ibrahima Konate – 8

Konate had plenty of balls as the Reds tried to recover them, perhaps giving Bournemouth a false sense of security that he wouldn’t play a sensational pass to Diaz.

He was constantly involved, finishing his afternoon with 124 touches – 29 more than the next best – and in the air he was untouchable, winning all four of his aerial duels. This place belongs to him.

Virgil van Dijk – 8

The captain had the impression that he was making everything look easy. He put a header on his head and the ball was cleared. He was asking questions while the ball was on the ground and cleared.

He even tried to create something at the other end of the pitch with a lovely first touch from a set piece. It was saved but we enjoy seeing him play with such ease.

Andy Robertson – 7

It was one of his best games of the season, the midweek break clearly doing him good. The Scot was efficient on the ball and worked tirelessly to win it back.

You couldn’t ask for more from him.

Ryan Gravenberch – 8

His posture when scoring or winning the ball back is a joy to watch, it comes from the confidence he has built up this season and his name is rightly known at Anfield.

Once again, powerful forays and line-breaking passes – including 11 into the final third, the highest of the game – were at the forefront. He was a contender for Man of the Match but was narrowly overshadowed by his teammate.

Alexis MacAllister – 8

The Argentinians’ passing game is ridiculous. His half-volley straight to Mohamed Salah’s feet deserved an assist and that was just one example of how he opened the game.

Mac Allister was busy on both transitions and perhaps our only complaint is that Slot didn’t give him an extra break when the game was comfortably won.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7

Playing with the same midfield group for the sixth game in a row, he was able to find gaps to exploit, but again he could have made better decisions on the final ball.

With the Reds putting in a cautious performance and a comfortable 3-0 lead, Slot made the right decision to have him clock out just after the hour mark.

Mohammed Salah – 7

Salah made sure he didn’t go three games without scoring by providing the assist for Nunez, but he will be frustrated by not converting his own chances.

He was a constant presence in the Cherries’ penalty area and managed four shots from those positions – all on target. He did a lot of things right and in a way it was nice to see that Liverpool were not need he managed to score a goal and take all three points.

Luis Diaz – 8 (Player of the Match)

He was a bundle of energy from the start and was rewarded with two goals in as many minutes. He was careful to get around the goalkeeper for the first goal and was key to the second with a clean touch.

Diaz seemed to test Kepa Arrizabalaga at every opportunity, which might have delayed Liverpool’s lead as a shot from the byline could have found its way into the six-yard box. But that’s just a gamble.

Darwin Nunez – 7

Arne Slot hoped his team would put him “in a position where he can be dangerous as often as possible,” and his combination with Salah on the right wing did just that.

The one-two with the Egyptian saw him unleash an extraordinary shot that rebounded off the post – you could feel his immediate relief. He needed that and we want more of it.

Nunez made some important runs without the ball to keep the defenders at bay, but some misplaced passes also thwarted chances.

Substitute

Curtis Jones (for Szoboszlai, 61′) – 7 – Dropped back into one of the deeper midfield positions and worked well with Mac Allister.

Federico Chiesa (for Nunez, 72′) – 6 – He shot straight into the central position and his first touch was a shot – that tells us what to expect!

Cody Gakpo (for Diaz, 72′) – 7 – Created three chances in his limited time on the pitch.

Unused substitutes: Jaros, Quansah, Gomez, Bradley, Tsimikas, Jota

Arne Slott – 8

He got the appropriate response from his team during the week, but it was equally important to get back on track with another kick-off at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

Liverpool were tested at times, but a devastating 11-minute spell in the first half was enough to snatch the game from Bournemouth and Arne Slot will have been delighted to see Nunez take his chance.

The Reds’ lead allowed him to use his bench efficiently, and Szoboszlai and Diaz in particular were given time to rest before heading into the next four-game series over the next two weeks.

He is back on track and now all eyes are on how he will approach the League Cup game against West Ham next week.