Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth: Reds get back in the groove and go back to the top

Premier League
Saturday 09 February 2019 - 3:00 pm
Anfield
Liverpool3
0Bournemouth
Show Match Events
⚽️ Mane24'
25' Rico
⚽️ Wijnaldum34'
38' Smith
⚽️ Salah48'
59'↔️ Ibe off, Solanke on
Matip62'
74'↔️ Lerma off, Mousset on
Wijnaldum off, Alexander-Arnold on ↔️77'
80'↔️ Rico off, Mepham on
Robertson86'
Mane off, Origi on ↔️87'
Firmino off, Sturridge on ↔️90'
Possession %
6535
Total Shots
2012
Shots on Target
92
Shots Blocked
55
Offside
12
Hide Match Events

Liverpool utilised their game in hand over Manchester City with a comprehensive win at Anfield to head clear at the top of the Premier League.

The reds looked to be over their mini-blip of the previous two games taking a deserved 2-0 lead into the half time break.  Mo Salah added his 20th goal of the season early in the second half to effectively wrap this game up.

The reds welcomed Gini Wijnaldum back into the team, whilst both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson were named on the reds bench.  Xherdan Shaqiri unavailable due to a minor abdominal injury.

With 11 goals and none conceded in their previous three games against Bournemouth - Liverpool had almost an identical team to the one that beat Bournemouth 4-0 in December.

Like then, James Milner started at right back and the only difference was that Mane was starting instead of Shaqiri.

And it was Mane who finally broke the deadlock.  He scored his 4th goal in four consecutive league games when James Milner whipped in a cross that the forward headed in from the middle of the penalty area.

Shortly after the reds doubled the lead.  This time Andy Robertson floating the ball into the area.  Wijnaldum controlled the ball and then looped it over the head of Artur Boric - a wonderful finish.

The reds had opportunities to add further goals in their half - Mo Salah twice getting in good positions and Firmino unleashed by a brilliant pass by centre-back Joel Matip.

Within minutes of the second half re-start. the reds had scored a third.

As it happened: LFC 3-0 Bournemouth

Keita with a great ball forward that Firmino neatly backheeled and Salah placed into the bottom left hand corner of the Kop goal.  His 20th goal of the season, 17 coming in the Premier League.

Liverpool's chances continued to arrive - Salah hitting the crossbar with a volley, Naby Keita going over the bar from inside the area and even James Milner having a driving shot from midfield.

With 15 minutes left the reds welcomed back Trent Alexander-Arnold when he came on as a substitute to replace the excellent Gini Wijnaldum.

Liverpool now have a ten day rest ahead of the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich which is followed by a trip to Man Utd who have managed to get themselves just inside the top four.

Liverpool are top of the league, but Man City play their 27th game of the campaign tomorrow at home to Chelsea.

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