Liverpool v Bournemouth
A really odd game, littered with errors, which makes it very difficult to judge tactics by either side. So much of the attacking play was a result of silly, usually unforced, mistakes. One of Diaz’s goals resulted from a terrible, unforced error by Bournemouth’s keeper Kepa, though he might very well have scored if Kepa had not rushed out and got himself caught in no man’s land like that. It was just made easier for him. But it does make it so hard to discuss this game. On the face of it, looking at the stats would make you think Bournemouth must have been really good going forward to be able to get so many shots off. However, a large number of them were down to mistakes and a lot of the rest were hitting and hoping from range, rather than really dangerous attacking play. On the overall balance of play, Liverpool were certainly the better side and their attacks were more dangerous. It was not down to luck or mistakes that they won, they were just better all over.
It probably could have been a bigger score, but Liverpool did not really go all in to attack after gaining the lead. It was a much more controlled performance, waiting for Bournemouth to be drawn out of position by moving it around before getting it forward. The counter was a particularly effective tool, the more Bournemouth pushed forward to try and get back into it, the more exposed they were leaving themselves at the back and they paid for it. The trio up top of Nunez, Salah and Diaz were always a threat and even more so when Liverpool were pegged back. And the only time Liverpool were exposed at the back were when players made individual errors, dallying on the ball in dangerous areas mainly.
I have to say I am a little disappointed in Bournemouth this season. Last season they ended so well and it looked like Iraola had the measure of this league, I was expecting the Cherries to push on and really light up the Prem. Instead they have struggled and it was clear to see why watching this game. Their forwards offer pace but very little else. The end product, game intelligence etc is abysmal. Lots of running very fast and just hoping for the best seemed to be the plan for the wingers. It will be interesting to see if Iraola can improve their wide players, as they have lots of pace and workrate but so little quality it is painful to watch. If they gain any kind of end product, they will be a really dangerous team.
Overall Bournemouth play some very pretty football, but they lack a cutting edge at the moment. Evanilson looks a quality forward, with some of the qualities of Diego Costa, but a bit more refined with it and he gave Konate a torrid time early on with his clever movement putting the French defender off balance when Konate tried to smother him. Just a little body roll as Konate got close to him was effective initially but, once it lost its surprise element, it was of less use. He does need to do more though, as he was shut out of the game as Konate grew to understand what he was doing and his attempts to take on van Dijk saw him completely shut down. I can see him growing into a very decent link man up front, but he does not look to have lots of goals to his game. In fact, that is the big problem with this team, there does not seem to be a lot of goals in it at all.
Quick notes on the players:
Kelleher – he will have wanted a busier day, to show watching suitors how good he is, but the Cherries lack of accuracy left him to have a fairly simple day. When called upon, he made a save but it was not a day for him to really impress.
Alexander-Arnold – he was caught dallying on the ball a couple of times, I would put that down to how easy it was for him on the ball most of the time. Bournemouth’s press fell off so badly that it is little surprise Liverpool players got a bit too relaxed, he certainly was not the only one to get himself into trouble for it. His passing was excellent at times and he got himself yet another assist, to equal Robertson as the Premier League’s all-time assist record holder for a defender. Defensively he did well, Kluivert was unable to do much against him and swapping him out for extreme pace also created very little. Alexander-Arnold just positioned himself to block the route to goal, gave himself a bit of space, so that he would not be beaten easily for pace and concentrated on just holding up Ouattara until cover arrived, before forcing him to run into traffic. A really good test for him, which he passed well.
Konate – was caught out a couple of times early on by Evanilson, who surprised him. Soon got the measure of the Brazilian though and grew as the game went on, producing some excellent defensive play to recover from errors made by his teammates. One block in particular showed his desire to put his body on the line for the victory. Also picked up an assist by providing the ball over the top to Diaz that drew Kepa out of goal. I enjoy seeing a player who is given a new challenge and, despite initially being beaten by an opponent, figures out how to deal with it and keeps his head up, rather than losing it after being beaten.
van Dijk – he was Virgil. I think no more needs to be said, as it was prime Virgil out there, dominant in a way very few defenders have managed to be in this modern era.
Robertson – under Slot he is definitely a lot more reserved, but he does still pick his moments to get forward. He is getting better as he grows into his new role and the understanding with the midfield grows, so they know when to provide cover to allow him to get forward.
Gravenberch – I will have to dig out a thesaurus to find new superlatives to use for his performances this season. His problem is going to end up similar to Salah and van Dijk’s if this carries on. The level of expectation will rise so high that he will need to be superhuman to get any credit, or to get near to being in the running for a Ballon d’Or, while others will get nominated after a couple of standout moments in a season. He is quickly making himself undroppable. Another superb, all-round performance. Just, and I do mean just, beats out van Dijk and Diaz for me as man of the match. Diaz would probably have got it if he had played the full 90 though.
Mac Allister – some of his forward passes are exceptional, but I still feel he is being a little held back by this role and would like to see him play where Szoboszlai is, to make the most of his strengths. Overall a very good game though.
Szoboszlai – his pace, power and workrate are providing a great platform for the team to build upon, but he still is not playing at anywhere near his best. His game feels a little stilted, like he is too busy thinking about what to do, rather than just doing it. Hopefully that will change over time as he develops into this system of play.
Diaz – I had thought before the game that it might well be time to give Gakpo a run on the left, but I was completely wrong. Diaz was excellent and scored two goals to cap off his performance. He does mesh much better with Nunez than he does with Jota. They seem to have a much better understanding and can rotate very easily.
Nunez – Liverpool look much more dangerous up front with him there, rather than Jota. It is not just runs in behind, his movement and link up play is better. What a goal as well! Last season, he was hitting the post but they were bouncing out, hopefully a sign of things to come with that one going in off the inside of the post. I do like that he always tries to aim for the corners, even if it did lead to so many bouncing back off the woodwork last season. His workrate and desire are infectious, not just amongst his teammates, but the crowd feed off it too.
Salah – not at his best, but still a decent game, giving Kerkez a really tough day and linking up with Nunez, particularly for Nunez’s goal. Another assist for a player that is so often derided in the media for being selfish as well.
Jones – replaced Szoboszlai after 61 minutes. Where the Hungarian tends to play more to the right, leaving space for Mac Allister to get forward on the left side of midfield, Jones tends to drift over to the left instead. In some respects that worked better, as Jones would drop deep at times to allow Mac Allister freedom to stay forward. It certainly provides an interesting option for Slot, if (and that is a huge IF, though not quite a Reece James size IF) Jones can avoid injury. Jones is comfortable in the deeper role and the more forward position, that could be invaluable later in the season. Again though, you always have to qualify it with Jones with regard to his tendency to be missing through injury.
Chiesa – came on for Nunez in the 72nd minute. A few more minutes for the Italian to impress. Starting off down the centre, he was not particularly effective but, after swapping over with Salah, he looked much better down the right.
Gakpo – replaced Diaz in the 72nd minute. Another good performance from the Dutchman, but it is not enough to get in the team when Diaz is playing so brilliantly.
Written by Tris Burke September 24 2024 05:02:53
