Liverpool Soars to 5-Point Lead at Premier League Summit with 4-0 Victory Over Bournemouth

Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez each scored two goals as Liverpool secured a 4-0 win against Bournemouth, allowing them to extend their lead to five points at the top of the Premier League table. The absence of Mo Salah (on international duty) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (due to injury) was felt by the visitors, resulting in a lackluster first half with few scoring opportunities.

However, Liverpool displayed greater urgency in the second half and broke the deadlock in the 49th minute when Nunez converted a precise pass from Jota.

The visiting team maintained their control and increased their lead 20 minutes before the end when Jota skillfully slotted a powerful shot into the net off the post, following a pass from substitute Cody Gakpo. The Portuguese star, showcasing his enjoyment on the field, secured his second goal of the night, marking his 11th of the season, with a low strike in the 79th minute. Nunez then concluded an outstanding second-half performance for the away side, scoring his second goal in deep stoppage time to further compound the home team’s difficulties.

As a result of this victory, Liverpool extended their lead over second-placed Manchester City to five points. However, it’s important to note that Liverpool has played one more game than Pep Guardiola’s champions. Bournemouth remains in 12th place and holds a nine-point cushion above the relegation zone.

Looking ahead, Liverpool’s next match is the second leg of their League Cup semi-final against Fulham on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, Bournemouth is set to compete in the FA Cup fourth round on Thursday evening, hosting Championship side Swansea City.

DISCUSSION POINT – LIVERPOOL STRIKERS SHINE DESPITE MO SALAH’S ABSENCE

Mo Salah’s participation in AFCON is often viewed as a potential challenge for Liverpool’s season. However, it’s crucial to recognize that it also provides an opportunity for other forwards at the club to step into the limelight.

Fortunately, this seems to be the case, with Jota and Nunez having an impressive January. Gakpo and Luis Diaz have also made valuable contributions. Despite Liverpool facing an extensive injury list, they continue to perform well, with the hope that Salah’s hamstring issue won’t be severe, allowing him to lead the charge later in the season.

In the meantime, Liverpool appears to have the attacking prowess to manage without Salah.

MAN OF THE MATCH – DIOGO JOTA (LIVERPOOL)

The Portuguese international has been dynamic since returning from injury, scoring two goals and assisting in one of the four goals. Currently, he seems to be the club’s most lethal finisher.

PLAYER RATINGS

BOURNEMOUTH: Neto 6, Mepham 6, Hill 6, Zabarnyi 6, Aarons 6, Cook 6, Christie 7, Sinisterra 7, Kluivert 6, Tavernier 7, Solanke 6. Subs: Kelly 6, Scott 6, Brooks 6, Moore n/a, Billing n/a.

LIVERPOOL: Alisson 7, Bradley 8, Konate 8, van Dijk 8, Gomez 8, Mac Allister 8, Jones 8, Elliott 6, Jota 9, Nunez 8, Diaz 6. Subs: Gakpo 7, Gravenberch 6, Clark n/a, Gordon n/a, Beck n/a.

Real-time Football scores and highlights.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

• 49’ GOAL! – Bournemouth 0-1 Liverpool: (Nunez). The Uruguayan forward slots a low shot into the bottom corner from Jota’s pass after a skillful play by Jones.
• 70’ GOAL! – Bournemouth 0-2 Liverpool: (Jota). Jota hammers a brilliant low shot off the near post from Gakpo’s exquisite pass.
• 79’ GOAL! – Bournemouth 0-3 Liverpool: (Jota). Jota drills a low shot into the far corner on his second attempt after initially missing the ball following a cut back from Bradley on the right.
• 90+3’ GOAL! – Bournemouth 0-4 Liverpool: (Nunez). Darwin slides in to redirect Gomez’s excellent right-wing free kick and secure his second goal of the game.

Important Statistics