Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points – before Arsenal host Manchester City on Sunday.
Mohamed Salah got the Reds on their way to a 2-0 win away to Bournemouth from the spot, after referee Darren England controversially awarded a penalty for Lewis Cook’s foul on Cody Gakpo.
The Egyptian bagged his 20th league goal of the season, in a feisty game that saw Liverpool pick up five yellow cards in the span of 18 minutes in the second half.
But they were able to see out victory against an in-form Andoni Iraola side thanks to Salah, who curled a stunning effort into the top corner to wrap up the three points.
Here’s how Express Sport rated the Liverpool players against Bournemouth.
Liverpool player ratings vs Bournemouth (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Alisson – 9
Made a smart stop to push Justin Kluivert’s effort around the post and came away with a clean sheet by denying Antoine Semenyo with an incredible save down low from close range.
There have been plenty of calls for Caoimhin Kelleher to play but Alisson proved exactly why he is considered one of the best in the business after a series of incredible saves.
Defence
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 5
Struggled to deal with Semenyo and found himself fortunate not to have seen the Ghanaian put the hosts ahead early on, hitting the post.
Went down holding his thigh and had to be replaced by Conor Bradley in the second half, concerning news ahead of a busy fixture schedule coming up.
Ibrahima Konate – 6
Defensively solid but his passing needs improvement, especially against high presses as capable as Bournemouth’s.
Virgil van Dijk – 8
An outstanding defensive performance, the strongest of Liverpool’s back four. He stepped up when necessary, especially early on in both halves when Bournemouth were very much on top.
Andy Robertson – 6
Made a few rash tackles and will be aware of the need to step up his game after recent performances by Kostas Tsimikas.
Midfield
Dominik Szoboszlai – 5
Wasted a good chance when in on goal after 22 minutes and made a few careless errors in possession. Harvey Elliot and Curtis Jones are waiting in the wings for an opportunity to impress.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
Took a while to get into the game but found his groove against a tough and physical Bournemouth midfield. Booked for hauling down Milos Kerkez early in the second half.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6
Kept the ball ticking over in typical fashion but struggled to deal with waves of Bournemouth attacks early in each half. Booked for obstructing Dango Ouattara to block a counter. Was taken off after an hour for Curtis Jones before he picked up a second yellow.
Attack
Mohamed Salah – 9
The ever-reliable Salah got his goals, as he so often does. There was little doubt when he stepped up and powered an effort past Kepa Arrizabalaga, moving level with Frank Lampard on the all-time league goalscorer charts with 177.
He was able to wave past Lampard in the second half, having stood up Kerkez before peeling an effort into the top corner that left Kepa with absolutely zero chance of scoring. Salah had very little space in the box, but only needs an inch to make an impact.
Cody Gakpo – 7
Won a forwards’ penalty that often goes the other way, having felt contact from Cook before being felled, before being taken off for Darwin Nunez.
Luis Diaz – 6
Worked hard but will need to provide more attacking impetus now that Slot has his full complement of forwards at his disposal.
Substitutes
Curtis Jones (61′) – 7
Provided a wonderful assist for Salah’s second goal, having started the move just outside his own area. A lively cameo that will have given Slot plenty to think about.
Darwin Nunez (70′) – 6
Given another chance off the bench after illness prevented a rare start against PSV in midweek, but needs to start taking these chances, even if they do come in small doses.
Conor Bradley (70′) – 6
On for Alexander-Arnold after the England star suffered a thigh injury. He could become very important in the weeks to come.
Wataru Endo (88′) – N/A
