Bournemouth 3-2 Liverpool: The reigning Premier League champions suffered a dramatic defeat on the south coast as the Cherries scored in the closing stages.
Arne Slott rages on the south coast (Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool achieved a dramatic 3-2 victory thanks to a goal from Amin Adli, but were taken down by Bournemouth’s powerful punch in the closing stages.
Evanilsson put Bournemouth ahead with a goal midway through the first half, before Alex Jimenez doubled the home side’s advantage with a clinical finish. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk gave the Reds a lifeline just before half-time.
And it proved to be just the platform Liverpool needed, with Szoboszlai converting late on and seemingly securing their share of the points. However, a second-half throw-in caused chaos and Adli converted for the home side to secure victory. This leaves Arne Slott’s side in fourth place, one point behind Manchester United.
Bournemouth are currently 13th in the table. Here are the talking points at Vitality Stadium.
read more: Arn Slott and Alisson furious after Liverpool’s late substitutes hurt against Bournemouthread more: Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate shares update after tragic defeat: ‘Thank you everyone so much’
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Liverpool’s defense leaks again
Liverpool’s inability to keep the ball out of the net has proven to be their undoing time and time again this season. and the weak nature of their defenses ultimately cost them on the south coast.
A long ball from Marcos Senesi was not handled by captain Virgil van Dijk and Alex Scott picked it up on the right side of the penalty area. He then had the simple task of cutting a pass to Brazilian forward Evanilson and tapping it into the goal.
This is Bournemouth’s first opener and Slott will be furious that his captain’s lack of concentration has left his team on the back foot.
Evanison scores the opening goal between Bournemouth and Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
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Jimenez’s attack
Alex Jimenez is one of Bournemouth’s unsung heroes this season, having joined on loan from AC Milan. Bournemouth are obligated to buy him back at the end of his contract.
They will be grateful for his performances, including his recent impressive game against Liverpool. He ghosted in behind former Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkes and slotted home under Alisson, becoming the first Cherry player to get on the scoresheet.
There was a brief check for offside, but the goal was ultimately cleared by VAR. Slott was also furious that his team failed to replace injured defender Joe Gomez, who had 10 men sent off before Liverpool’s second goal.
Van Dijk gives Liverpool a lifeline
Van Dijk really needed a response after his mistake in Bournemouth’s first goal. And that’s exactly what he delivered minutes before the break.
The Dutchman evaded his marker from a corner kick and fired a brilliant header into the far corner of the goal. It was the 34-year-old’s third goal of the season, but his first in the Premier League.
Virgil van Dijk had a mixed night on the south coast (Image: Getty Images)
Reds call Robertson
If recent speculation is to be believed, Liverpool may not need Andrew Robertson for much longer. Tottenham are reportedly in talks with the Reds to sign the left-back.
However, given what happened at the Vitality Stadium, Liverpool may change their mind. Summer signing Kerkes endured a difficult first half and was replaced by Robertson.
Salah’s quiet return
Mo Salah started in Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Marseille in midweek, but the game against Bournemouth was Liverpool’s first Premier League appearance since returning from the African Cup of Nations.
And it wasn’t a particularly positive one, as Salah really struggled to get involved throughout the night. His touch seemed to desert him at key moments and he appeared to be on a different wavelength than some of his teammates. Until then…
Szoboszlai saves Liverpool
Szoboszai has been a player of interest for Liverpool many times this season. He is the only one who consistently performs at a high standard.
His talent for scoring important goals was also very useful for Slott, and it was on display again against Bournemouth.
Liverpool won a free kick on the edge of the area and Salah pushed the ball into Szoboszlai, who fired a shot into the top corner. You have to wonder where Liverpool would be without the Hungarian.
Adri wins
Szoboszlai’s goal seemed to give Liverpool at least a point, but Bournemouth had other ideas. Long throw-ins have proven to be a useful weapon in the Premier League this season, with Bournemouth the latest to take advantage of them.
A late throw caused chaos in Liverpool’s box. The ball bounced off the post, but Alisson was unable to collect it and was in a good position for Adli to dive home.
Liverpool players questioned the goal, but their complaints fell on deaf ears.
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