Liverpool FC completed the task at hand in Bournemouth with a 4-0 win thanks to a convincing second half and increased the pressure on runners-up Manchester City. The defending champions are now five points behind with a game in hand
After a long break, AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC were back in action on matchday 21 of the Premier League. The Cherries last took to the pitch on January 7 in the FA Cup against QPR (3-2), while the Reds played their last game two days later in the League Cup semi-final against Fulham (2-1).
While Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola rotated back compared to the win over the second division side and only started Sinisterra, Cook, Aarons and Mepham again, Jürgen Klopp and his LFC only made changes in two positions – also due to the tight personnel situation. Alisson returned between the posts for cup goalkeeper Kelleher and Darwin replaced Gravenberch.
Bournemouth start bravely, Reds harmless
The Premier League leaders initially struggled mightily against the 13th-placed side. Bournemouth started bravely and earned four corners early on in the game. However, there was nothing more than a shot from an acute angle from Tavernier, which Alisson was able to save (7th)
Liverpool then took control of the game more and more, but remained harmless. Apart from a few shots from distance, which Neto had no problem picking up, only Diogo Jota posed a threat, but Darwin’s cross was narrowly missed (37′). The final phase of the first half belonged to the Cherries again, but Christie and Solanke also missed a sharp Kluivert cross at the other end (44′).
Diogo Jota and Co. turn up the heat
Something had to change for the Reds – and it did. Not in terms of personnel, but in terms of play, LFC changed after the break. The first dangerous shot hit the back of the net. A quick attack via Jones and Diogo Jota found Darwin, who held his nerve in a one-on-one with Neto and slotted home to take the lead (49′).
With the 1-0 lead behind them, Liverpool continued to pile on the pressure. However, a hard tackle by Zabarnyi on Diogo Jota in the penalty area had no repercussions (52′). Youngster Bradley then missed from close range with a header (53′) and failed to beat Neto with his foot from the resulting corner (54′).
Bournemouth continued to make an effort, but the game became a little more disjointed as a result, and apart from a dangerous corner from the hosts (62′), there were no real goalscoring opportunities. At the other end, Diogo Jota, who provided the assist for the 1:0, put the lid on the game. First, he took the first touch of Gakpo’s through pass from the half-right and fired into the far corner (70′), then – after initially making an air pocket – he gave Neto no chance in the far corner from a similar position (79′).
Darwin also scores a brace
With his third goal of the day, the Portuguese had finally decided the game, which is why there was little left to do in the closing stages. But one player still had the desire: Darwin pushed a cross from Gomez over the line in stoppage time, completed his brace and made the final score 4:0 (90. +3).
Liverpool maintained their lead at the top of the table and increased the pressure on Manchester City, who are now five points behind with a game in hand. The Reds return to League Cup action first, however, with the semi-final second leg at Fulham on Wednesday (9pm). AFC Bournemouth, who remain in 13th place, face Swansea City in the other cup competition, the FA Cup, the following day (8.45pm).
