Match Recap: Liverpool Can’t Figure Out How to Beat Bournemouth
By Paul Drake
First Half: The Cherries Seek Their First Win At Anfield
Before the match, Liverpool held a minute-long applause in memory of the 96 Hillsborough victims. A classy move by a classy club; the 28th anniversary is on April 15.
Liverpool begin the match in a positive way, but it only lasts seven minutes. Bournemouth strike giving the Cherries a 0-1 lead.
The goal comes off a Wijnaldum mistake, who was under pressure from Arter. Wijnaldum sends the ball back to Mignolet, sadly Afobe read the situation perfectly and pounced before Mignolet could get on the ball. Then, a little flick and Afobe sends the ball into the back of the net.
Liverpool continue to dominate possession, which is to be expected facing a side like Bournemouth. The Reds continue their high-octane press and as the first half nears its end, the Kop is getting restless.
We have all seen this before, the Reds struggle against a lower or mid-table defense. It is difficult for fans to see their side struggle to break down Bournemouth’s defense!
Then, just two minutes later, in the 49th minute, Coutinho sends a magical shot into the back of the net. Liverpool are equal! Firmino and Coutinho continue to prove a winning combination up front for Klopp.
That is Coutinho’s 29th goal, making him the highest scoring Brazilian in the Premier League. He truly is the little magician. In the final minutes, Coutinho attempts to go for his 30th goal with a header, but it is defended well by Adam Smith.
Liverpool will need to up the pace and create some space for Coutinho and crew to slip through and put one in the back of the net. It is vital that the Reds come away with 3 points…