Liverpool 2-1 Bournemouth: Liverpool Player Ratings

It was too close to comfort at times but in the end, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool got it done. The Reds had their backs to the wall after a spate of poor performances of late. The night did not get easier as Callum Wilson scored in the ninth minute to give Eddie Howe’s side the lead.

Liverpool responded well and equalized through Mohamed Salah before Sadio Mane completed the turnaround well before half-time.

Mane was in the thick of things and almost scored a stunner in the second half, only to see his strike bounce off the crossbar. Ryan Fraser looked to have equalized for the Cherries, only for a diving James Milner clearance to deny him.

That was the closest Bournemouth came as Liverpool then saw out the game. The Reds now need just nine more points to win the title. With 82 points from their first 29 games, Liverpool now have the best ever start in any of Europe’s major leagues. They also broke the record set by Bill Shankley’s side for most consecutive wins at home.

The attention now shifts to Atletico Madrid as the Reds hope to complete another famous turnaround against Spanish opposition.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Adrian (6/10)

The Spaniard had a shaky start to the match and could prove to be a problem against Atletico. He could do nothing about the goal and didn’t do much wrong the rest of the night. Rushed off his line quickly to close down Fraser who lobbed him for what looked to be his second, only for Milner to come to the Spaniard’s rescue.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10)

Looked rusty after being rested for the trip to Chelsea. Still looks to be regaining his touch as he blew hot and cold with his delivery. Was solid overall in defence and put in a number of good crosses that the Reds could not take advantage of.

Joe Gomez (5.5/10)

The youngster will feel right to be aggrieved following the foul on him in the build-up to Bournemouth’s goal. Apart from that, he did rather well and was not overly troubled. The difference he makes is clear when you compare how the defence was all over the place against Watford.

Virgil van Dijk (7/10)

A strong performance by the Dutchman. he will be glad to return to his usual level of performance after a couple of setbacks last week. Provided a scrumptious through ball to put Mane on goal for the winner. Had the better of Wilson for the night and largely looked untroubled.

James Milner (8/10)

An inspirational leader and a solid performer on the pitch. The 34-year-old captained the team from left-back, deputizing for Andrew Robertson. Led his team by example and put in a battling performance. The highlight of his night has to be the goalline clearance to deny Ryan Fraser an equalizer.

James Milner Liverpool Player Ratings — James Milner made an excellent goal-line clearance

Fabinho (5.5/10)

Yet to rediscover his best form after returning from injury and lost the ball cheaply as Bournemouth went close via Fraser. A better display than his last couple of performances.

Georginio Wijnaldum (7/10)

Showed lots of energy and kept things tidy in midfield. Didn’t do anything spectacular but did what was expected with aplomb.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (6/10)

He played a part in his side’s second goal and showed lots of intent going forward. Drove well with the ball at his feet and put in an improved showing than the one at Stamford Bridge.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Liverpool Player Ratings — Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain showed intent playing in midfield

Sadio Mane (8/10)

An excellent return to form for the Senegalese who helped the Reds turn the tie around. He provided the ball to Salah for the Egyptian’s equalizer before putting his side ahead 13 minutes later. He ran onto Van Dijk’s defence-splitting pass and calmly slotted the ball past the hapless Cherries keeper. Almost scored from a brilliant strike in the second half, only to see it bounce off the crossbar.

Mohamed Salah (7/10)

The Egyptian scored his 70th goal in his 100th league game for the Reds. An incredible stat considering the names below him. Showed intent and purpose from the go. Was let down by his passing in the final third but always looked capable of making something happen.

Took his goal well as he squeezed the ball at the near post to bring the Reds level. He became the first player since Michael Owen to score 20 or more goals in three consecutive seasons for Liverpool.

Mohamed Salah scored his 70th league goal on his 00th appearance in the EPL for the Reds

Roberto Firmino (7/10)

The Brazilian seems cursed not to score at Anfield this season. A quiet afternoon could have gotten better had he taken his chance in stoppage time.

Liverpool 2-1 Bournemouth: Liverpool Player Ratings