In the absence of Mohamed Salah, Liverpool showcased their dominance with a commanding 4-0 victory against Bournemouth on Sunday, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points. Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez stepped up in Salah’s absence, securing a crucial win against a Bournemouth side that had lost only once in their previous nine games.
Facing a resilient Bournemouth in the first half, Liverpool kept the hosts at bay before turning on the style after halftime. Jurgen Klopp acknowledged the need for a change, and the team responded brilliantly in the second half, putting pressure on Bournemouth and scoring some remarkable goals.
The breakthrough came in the 49th minute when Jota’s precise pass set up Nunez, who exhibited composure to slot the ball into the far corner. Substitutes played a significant role, with Cody Gakpo assisting Jota for the second goal, effectively sealing the match 20 minutes from time.
Jota secured his brace with a bit of luck, capitalizing on a rebound from his initial effort to drive the ball low and hard across the goal. Nunez, who had struggled to find the net recently, gained confidence from his earlier goal and sealed the victory by expertly meeting Joe Gomez’s cross in stoppage time.
Reflecting on the win, Jota emphasized Liverpool’s depth, stating, “We have world-class players, and when we have them, it’s easier. But we are Liverpool, so when we don’t have them, we still have a good team.”
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola acknowledged Liverpool’s intensity, noting that not matching it makes the task difficult. The defeat leaves Bournemouth contemplating the adjustments needed in their approach.
Despite Manchester City having a game in hand, Liverpool’s resurgence this season positions them as a formidable threat to City’s title defense. After a challenging season that saw Liverpool slip to fifth place the previous year, there’s a renewed sense that Klopp’s side is once again a major contender for the Premier League crown.
