Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino all got into the act as Liverpool beat Bournemouth 3-0 at home.
Liverpool cruised home to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Eddie Howe’s AFC Bournemouth at the Anfield on Saturday.
Sadio Mane put the Merseyside outfit ahead as early as the sixth minute, slotting home a rebound after his initial header was saved by Cherries’ goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. The Reds continued to knock on the Cherries’ door without much success, until star man Mohamed Salah made it 2-0 in the 70th minute, with a lovely cushioned header, after being found in space by Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Roberto Firmino then added the icing on the cake for Liverpool, with a lovely finish in injury time, heaping more misery on the Cherries.
The win meant that the Merseysiders are just a point adrift of second-placed Manchester United in the league table having played two games more, however.
Here’s how we rated the performances of the Liverpool players on the day;
Mane, Firmino and Salah = 82 goals this season. ??? pic.twitter.com/ukqERxliRG
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 14, 2018
Loris Karius: 6.5/10
The German shot-stopper had very little to do throughout the game but showed great alertness each time he was called into action. Pulled off a fine save to deny Dan Gosling late in the game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 8/10
The academy graduate continues to impress with another brilliant showing on Saturday. Tested Begovic with a well hit free-kick in the first period. Always on the prowl to get forward and sent in some teasing crosses. Stunning long ball to find Salah for the second goal. Solid defensively as well.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s game by numbers vs. Bournemouth:
103 touches
100% take-ons completed
69 passes
10 crosses
7 long balls
4 interceptions
4 chances created
3 tackles won
1 assistPhenomenal display (again). ? pic.twitter.com/ATCp44qTmi
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 14, 2018
Dejan Lovren: 7/10
The Croatian international made a few key interceptions and blocks when the Cherries threatened on some occasions. Was extremely solid in the heart of the defence and as a result, his limping off towards the end of the game will be a cause of concern for manager Jurgen Klopp.
Virgil van Dijk: 7/10
The club record signing wasn’t forced into doing a lot by a relatively toothless Bournemouth attack. Was up to the task when called upon and dealt fairly easily with the threat of Jermain Defoe. Fancied a shot from distance in the second period, which didn’t miss by much.
Andrew Robertson: 7/10
The summer signing continued to enhance his reputation with another solid and steady display at left-back. Kept Ryan Fraser under wraps for most parts of the game and was always eager to get forward and join up with the attack. Great consistency. Turning out to be a great bargain at £10 million.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 8/10
Had a shot deflected wide in the first period. Booked for a dangerous looking challenge on Jordon Ibe in the early parts of the second half. Brought energy and drive to the Reds’ midfield. Ran hard, tackled strongly, drove his team forward in an all-action performance. Got the assist for Firmino’s late strike. Has now assisted a goal in four of his last six Premier League outings.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has provided an assist in four of his last six @premierleague games at home. ?? pic.twitter.com/axb0W3Q3vK
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 14, 2018
Jordan Henderson: 8/10
Returning to the starting lineup after missing out of the midweek game, the captain stamped his authority very early in the game, playing a lovely aerial ball to set Mane up. Continued to dictate play using his excellent range of distribution, while at the same time doing his due diligence in the defensive side of the things.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 7.5/10
The Netherlands international had one of his better outings in recent times for the Merseysiders. Protected the ball well in the middle, picked his passes accurately allowing his team to stay on the front foot. Put in a shift defensively as well. Will want to build on that display.
Mohamed Salah: 8.5/10
The Egyptian forward missed a great chance to score very early in the game, sending his effort wide from point-blank range. Touch let him down after being played through on goal by Mane. Brilliant header to score his 30th Premier League goal of the season, becoming the first African footballer to achieve the feat.
May have missed a few chances, but was a menace to the Bournemouth defence all game long.
Mohamed Salah:
—30 Premier League goals in 2017/18
—40 in all competitions this season
—Scored in 22 different league games this season
—Scored in every home game since Boxing Day pic.twitter.com/Z85X7wx9fW— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 14, 2018
Roberto Firmino: 8/10
The Brazilian had a goal-bound effort cleared off the line by Nathan Ake in the second half. Made up for it with a neat finish for the Reds’ third goal of the game late on. As always worked tirelessly of the ball, harrying his opponents, pressurizing them into mistakes.
Sadio Mane: 8/10
The former Southampton man was a lively presence in the attacking third for the Reds. Saw his headed effort saved but was quick to pounce on the rebound to give his team the lead. Played Salah through on goal with a peach of a ball but the Egyptian spurned the chance. Caused all sorts of problems with his pace and movement. Faded a bit after the break though.
Substitutes
James Milner: 6/10
Replaced Mane in the 77th minute. Got stuck in and put in a few strong tackles as Bournemouth looked to attack late on.
Ragnar Klavan: N/A
On for Lovren for the last five minutes. Held fort well in the final moments.
Dominic Solanke: N/A
Injury time substitute for Firmino.
