Bournemouth v Liverpool match report: Stunning 4-0 win for Klopp’s Reds

The Reds played out a sizzling 4-0 victory over Bournemouth and prepare for their next Premier League clash against Arsenal.

Ahead of the teatime Premier League fixture, Liverpool FC travelled down south to Bournemouth’s stadium to face Eddie Howe and the Cherries.

Liverpool’s most recent match against Everton in the first of the Merseyside derbies was an infuriating act to watch. Fans were baffled at how a completely Red-dominated game turned into a shared result.

Jurgen Klopp and his side were obviously still sour after their underwhelming derby result. And Bournemouth were the ones to face the aftermath.

A magic show

Move along David Copperfield, because today Liverpool stole the show with their raw, untamed magic. The first of the four goals came after just 20 minutes when Philippe Coutinho took on the Bournemouth defence and smoothly slotted the ball past Asmir Begović.

Just six minutes later, Liverpool’s second came in an unsuspected package. Roberto Firmino’s overhead kick sailed into the box and hit the back of the net by none other than Dejan Lovren.

The Croatian had previously been booked for his challenge on Joshua King which fans are arguing was in fact, Lovren’s best tackle of the season. But making up for his error, the central defender threw himself towards Firmino’s ball in and sent home the second goal for the Reds.

What a morale boost for the most criticised LFC player. Great goal, Dejan.

On the stroke of half time, Mohamed Salah put the Reds a huge 3-0 up against the opposition. The goal scoring Egyptian racked up his 20th of the season after an impressive shot from inside the box. The Premier League’s top scorer twisted and turned away from Bournemouth’s defence and fired a sensational strike past Begović.

Bobby Firmino was the final scorer of the evening after a superb Coutinho cross in. The Brazilian interplay saw the Cherries concede their fourth of the day. Completely opposite emotions from the two teams.

After finishing 9th in the table last season, Bournemouth have truly slumped in form this season. Their top scorer – with 16 goals in the 2016/17 campaign – Joshua King is pulling off a stellar disappearing act too.

A tightened system

After Liverpool’s sticky defensive period in the Premier League, they’ve emerged from the ashes bigger and better. Not only are they one of the hottest strike forces in football right now, but their midfield and defence has massively improved.

The Reds’ defence was solid today. The only real chance for Bournemouth was Jermain Defoe’s howler of a miss after he escaped Liverpool’s centre-backs. A clean sheet for the away team adds to their 4-0 achievement.

The link-up between the team today was fantastic. Man of the Match Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain played especially well, getting into threatening positions and narrowly missing goal twice. The former Gunner has definitely slotted into the team perfectly after a jittery start to his debut campaign. I can only hope he starts against his old club on Friday and shows them how far he’s come already.

Adam Lallana replaced Salah as Klopp’s first sub of the day. The Number 20 got himself booked after just seconds of being on the pitch but fans are certain it was a harsh card. Lallana has been itching to get himself back onto the pitch since he was given the all clear on his injury. We can excuse a bit of boisterousness at this stage, Adam!

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Ahead of Arsenal

Klopp’s decision to keep Sadio Mané on the bench this evening was a great tactic. His teammates did an amazing job of bringing home the bacon without too many of them risking fatigue. No doubt Mané will join the Fab Four in Liverpool’s next clash vs Arsenal.

Andy Robertson has been going above and beyond his expectations at the club. After his elusive game time, the Scotsman has replaced an injured Alberto Moreno as first choice left-back. With a point to prove, Robertson has definitely showcased his ability to defend and go forward after he bagged an assist against Bournemouth.

Next: Player ratings: Bournemouth v Liverpool

Joe Gomez, Ragnar Klavan and Lovren are doing a great job of keeping Liverpool out of hot water. Let’s hope Klopp has finally stumbled upon the key formula to keep goals away from Simon Mignolet.

Will the gaffer still pursue the Virgil van Dijk move in January? Right now though, that’s the last on the Kopites’ minds as Liverpool continue to show off their ever improving abilities.