Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League in excellent fashion, courtesy of a 3-0 win over Bournemouth. The Reds were coming into the game on the back of a couple of 1-1 draws and had seen Manchester City overtake them in the Premier League.
Bournemouth were going to be tricky opponents but Liverpool had Georginio Wijnaldum returning to the starting XI and Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold were also on the bench. Sadio Mane scored the opener via a header before Wijnaldum made it 2-0 in the first half with a quality finish.
The third goal was the move of the match as Mohamed Salah slotted past the Bournemouth keeper after a backheel from Roberto Firmino in the box. The Reds now hold a three-point lead before City play Chelsea on Sunday. This was an excellent performance from the Reds with several players starring.
Liverpool Player Ratings
Alisson – 7/10
Alisson made a decent save from Ryan Fraser early in the game, but wasn’t troubled too much by the Cherries.
James Milner – 7/10
The Englishman did a much better job as the right-back today when compared to the clash against West Ham. Milner also picked up an assist for the first goal.
Virgil van Dijk – 7/10
The Dutch defender had a relatively easy game and was back to his best after a couple of iffy performances.
Joel Matip – 7/10
Matip also had a decent outing at the back, and there were a couple of great runs from the Cameroon defender too.
Andy Robertson – 7.5/10
Provided a perfect cross for Wijnaldum to score, and the Scot did his usual bit down the left flank.
Fabinho – 8/10
Another fantastic performance from the Brazilian as he looked comfortable in the defence and the attack.
Naby Keita – 8/10
This was Keita’s best performance since West Ham on the opening day. The Guinea midfielder created the third goal with a beautiful pass and will hope for similar performances in the coming weeks.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 9/10
Wijnaldum was the star of the game as he proved how important he is to the side. The Dutch midfielder scored a brilliant lob over Artur Boruc and has been missed a lot in recent games.
Mohamed Salah – 8/10
Salah scored the third goal of the game and looked in better form playing on the right rather than down the middle.
Roberto Firmino – 8/10
The Brazilian had chances to score but couldn’t make the most of it. However, his backheel to Salah was something else.
Sadio Mane – 8/10
Another game where Mane scored the first goal of the game. The Senegalese headed home a cross early on and calmed some nerves.
Substitutes
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6/10
Great to see the Englishman back and he could have scored too.
Daniel Sturridge – NA
Another game, another late cap.
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Divock Origi – NA
Came on late in the game.
