Liverpool ratings: Diaz, Gravenberch pull the strings in victory over Bournemouth
Liverpool emphatically responded to questions asked following their defeat against Nottingham Forest, following up their Champions League victory over AC Milan with a 3-0 win against AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The Reds were saved by the offside flag early after Antoine Semenyo touched the ball into the net in the fourth minute, but they were 2-0 up before the half-hour mark thanks to two goals in three minutes from Luis Díaz.
Darwin Núñez then added another to the tally with a wonderful strike in the 37th minute, setting Liverpool on the way to their fourth win in five league matches under Arne Slot.
Positives
Once Liverpool took control, they didn’t allow Bournemouth to get back into the game — which was especially notable in midfield at times. There were plenty of reasons for excitement in attacking areas and also a good sign of the side’s mentality, with three first-half goals coming in such a short period. The clean sheet will also add to their satisfaction.
Negatives
The Reds got off to a slow start, with Bournemouth taking the game to them and getting the ball in the back of the net before the goal was ruled out. There was some poor passing at the back from Liverpool during that period and they didn’t start the second half particularly well either. There were times that Liverpool were a bit sloppy in defence and guilty of overplaying around Bournemouth’s box — although being 3-0 up will likely have played a part in that.
Manager rating (1-10)
Arne Slot, 8 — Slot’s big decision was bringing in Nunez, and that was vindicated with a brilliant performance from the Uruguay international capped off by a wonderful strike. The signs are there that things are coming along nicely for the Dutchman and there seems to be a deep understanding of what he expects from his players.
Player ratings (1-10; 10: best. Players introduced after 70 minutes receive no rating)
GK Caoimhín Kelleher, 8 — Coming in for Alisson Becker, he had an attempted clearance blocked but recovered well by stopping Semenyo. The goalkeeper dealt with balls into the box or across goal well and came out bravely to deny Luis Sinisterra. He also reacted brilliantly to prevent a late goal after the ball came off Trent Alexander-Arnold.
DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 8 – He matched Marcus Tavernier‘s early run to set the tone for a strong defensive display in the first half. He was also impressive going forward, notably making a great run and picking the perfect time to play the pass to tee up Diaz’s second. Alexander-Arnold played another great ball to force Dean Huijsen’s yellow card, but he had a couple of sloppy moments in the second period.
DF Ibrahima Konaté, 7 – The defender played a poor pass to Kelleher to concede a corner, but also sent the ball forward for Luiz’s opening goal and put in a generally strong performance. He was booked for stopping Dango Ouattara‘s run.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 8 – He just about stayed high enough to keep Semenyo offside for the early goal and was dominant in the air whenever required. He also dealt with Dominik Szoboszlai’s pass well in a potentially precarious situation.
DF Andrew Robertson, 6 — He hit the side netting early on and had some intriguing battles with Ronald Araújo, but faced some awkward moments coming up against Semenyo.
MF Ryan Gravenberch, 8 — He couldn’t find the pass to punish Kepa Arrizabalaga’s poor ball but had some brilliant moments after that and carried the ball well. One ambitious strike was saved but he is growing into this role.
MF Alexis Mac Allister, 8 – The Argentina international played two stunning passes to create opportunities for Mohamed Salah and put in some brilliant tackles, both in defensive areas and further up the pitch. He also saw a late header saved.
MF Dominik Szoboszlai, 6 – He hit a shot high and wide under pressure from Ryan Christie, but showed his technical quality with a lovely flick and carries to start breaks forward. He also chipped in with some good defensive work at times.
FW Mohamed Salah, 7 – Salah provided some lovely play at times, including a brilliant pass to Nunez, and eventually got an assist for the Uruguayan. But he wasn’t as clinical as many have come to expect him to be in front of goal, seeing a shot dealt with on the line by Milos Kerkez.
FW Darwin Nunez, 8 – He took his chance to start with superb hold-up play during the first half and an ever better strike for his goal. While he wasn’t quite as effective in the second half, he always worked hard to help out the team.
FW Luis Diaz, 9 – Diaz had already shown plenty of intent with some eye-catching bursts forward and a venomous strike before clinically taking his two goals. He always looking a threat and is really proving himself to be a handful this season.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)
Curtis Jones, 6 — Replaced Szoboszlai in the 61st minute and linked up with his teammates wonderfully at times, in addition to looking composed on the ball in tight situations. He didn’t get his goal due to a good block.
Federico Chiesa, N/R — Replaced Nunez in the 72nd minute for his Premier League debut and immediately showed intent with an ambitious strike from range that was saved.
Cody Gakpo, N/R — Replaced Diaz in the 72nd minute and linked up well, laying the ball off nicely for Jones’ chance before seeing his own shot blocked.
