Liverpool recorded an emphatic 3-0 win against Bournemouth as they returned to winning ways in the Premier League after their shock 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.
A brace from Luis Diaz and a goal from Darwin Nunez on his first start for the club under Arne Slot spearheaded the home side to a routine victory as they built on their 3-1 win against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League to continue their fine start to the season.
Here’s how the Liverpool players fared in what turned out to be a routine win at Anfield.
Defence
Caoimhin Kelleher: 9 – Fantastic display from the young goalkeeper in the absence of Alisson Becker as he made a string of notable saves, most notably from Luis Sinisterra in the second half. Liverpool have an able deputy between the sticks if the Brazilian ever finds himself on the sidelines. Chris Sutton described Kelleher as a phenomenal player and the Irishman more than just showed his class with a superb performance at Anfield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 8 – Another creditable showing from the England international as he defended resolutely and provided a trademark assist for Luis Diaz’s second goal of the game.
Ibrahima Konate: 9 – The French international was a rock at the back for Liverpool and also provided an assist for Diaz’s opening goal with a pin-point long pass. Also kept the Bournemouth attackers at bay with relative ease and was undoubtedly one of the best players on the pitch.
Virgil van Dijk: 8 – Showed his class with another assured display at the back alongside Konate.
Andy Robertson: 8 – Was relatively untroubled in what turned out to be a routine win as he continues to establish himself as a key player under the new manager.
Midfield
Alexis Mac Allister: 8 – The Argentina midfielder was at the top of his game and pulled the strings for Liverpool in the centre of the park. His calmness and class on the ball were apparent as the Reds cruised to a routine victory.
Dominik Szoboszlai: 6 – A rather uneventful display from the Hungarian midfielder but he didn’t do too much wrong as he produced an industrious performance. Was withdrawn for Curtis Jones at the 60-minute mark. The 23-year-old has blown hot and cold since his £60m from RB Leipzig, but it could be argued that he didn’t have too much to do against Bournemouth.
Ryan Gravenberch: 7 – Arguably the easiest game of the season for the Dutch international, who has seemingly cemented his status as Liverpool’s number six under Slot.
Attack
Mohamed Salah: 7 – Usually Liverpool’s main man in attack but was largely kept at bay by the Bournemouth defenders as Nunez and Diaz got their names on the scoresheet. Salah, however, provided the assist for Nunez’s goal in the first half
Darwin Nunez: 7 – An energetic display from the Uruguayan on his first start for the club under Slot and scored a fantastic goal with his weaker foot in the first half. More than just justified his selection with his first goal of the season to put the game to bed.
Luis Diaz 9: Man of the Match – The Colombian international continued his fantastic start to the season for club and country with a well-taken brace in the first half. Already has five Premier League goals to his name and has made a massive impression under the new manager.
Substitutes
Curtis Jones: 6 – Came on in the 60th minute for Szoboszlai and got some valuable game time under his belt as he works his way up to full fitness. With a handful of games around the corner in all competitions, Jones could be in for a start in the coming games.
Cody Gakpo 6 – Didn’t have too much to do after coming on but is in line to start games for Liverpool after his fantastic display against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League.
Federico Chiesa: 6 – The Italian made his Premier League debut for Liverpool and played as the focal point in attack in place of Nunez in the second half, which is rather interesting as he usually plays out on the wing. Hit the post in the 76th minute but it wouldn’t have counted anyway as he was flagged offside.
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