After a mixed start to the season that included defeat to Manchester United, Liverpool FC got their frustrations out of the way against promoted Bournemouth to record their first win of the season.
After picking up just two points from their opening three games, Liverpool FC got off to exactly the start they needed to boost their confidence on Saturday. Luis Diaz headed in Firmino’s cross for an early lead (3rd). The knot was untied for the Reds, who had Fabinho in the starting eleven instead of Milner, unlike in the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on Monday. Firmino’s misplaced ball became a set-piece for youngster Elliott, who scored from the edge of the box (6th minute).
Salah could have added twice for the hosts, who had trailed 1-0 in each of their previous seven Premier League games. But once the Egyptian somehow missed from close range (16th), once goalkeeper Travers saved (19th). So the third strike was reserved for Alexander-Arnold, who shot brilliantly into the corner from a good 20 metres (28.). Firmino, who had assisted the first three goals, had the presence of mind to increase the lead to 4-0 (31st) and van Dijk, in his 200th Premier League game, headed in a corner to make it 5-0 at the break (45th).
Anfield call for 10 in vain – Premier League debut for Bajcetic
And it didn’t get any better for the pitiful promoted side: shortly after the restart, Mepham straddled Alexander-Arnold’s cross into his own goal to make it half a dozen (46th). Liverpool slowed down a bit but continued to add goals: Firmino scored a brace (62) before he was allowed to call it a day after two goals and three assists. The young Spaniard Bajcetic (17) celebrated his Premier League debut for LFC.
A goal from substitute Fabio Carvalho (first goal for Liverpool, 80th) and Luis Diaz’s second header (85th) kept Anfield dreaming of their first double-digit win in Premier League history. Bournemouth had long since ceased any resistance. But the crowd’s “We want ten” demands were not met.
The result was a 9-0 victory for the fourth time since the league was founded 30 years ago. Manchester United (1995 against Ipswich, 2021 against Southampton) and Leicester City (2019 at Southampton) had previously achieved this feat.
Curiously, last year’s top scorer Salah did not record a point in the Reds’ thumping win, which sees them host newly-rich Newcastle United on Wednesday night.