By: Dan Clubbe
Bournemouth 1-0 Liverpool – Crashing Back Down To Earth
After the ecstasy of a week celebrating a historic 7-0 victory over Manchester United, it was back to the agony that has been Liveprool’s away form throughout the 2022/23 campaign.
Despite an apparent recent upturn in fortunes in the Premier League that had seen Jurgen Klopp’s side battle their way to possible favouritism in the top-four race, the Reds returned to their usual meek selves on the road and put in a limp, sluggish and ultimately lacking display on the south coast as relegation-threatened Bournemouth showed the visiting fans the way to go home…
Klopp’s men were outfought, outwitted and in many departments outplayed in another miserable away trip to add to the efforts at Molineux, the City Ground and the AMEX. Having conceded in the first half – following numerous warnings – the Reds were unable to create anything clear-cut from open play and a Mohamed Salah penalty that missed the target pretty much-summed things up.
Just when it looked as though Liverpool might be getting back to doing Liverpool things from recent seasons, this was Liverpool doing Liverpool things from this term…
Here’s how I rated those involved:
Alisson Becker 6 – Kept it goalless early on when forcing Ouattara out wide 1v1 but had no chance with the only goal of the game. Cut a frustrated figure from then on and tried his best to kickstart the Reds with his quick distribution.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 5 – Numerous impressive interventions on a busy afternoon defensively for the creative force. Struggled to keep Jaidon Anthony under wraps whilst also attempting to be the man to get Liverpool back into the game. Replaced by James Milner whilst chasing the game.
Ibrahima Konate 6 – Another who had a busier afternoon than he might’ve hoped. Prevented a number of dangerous situations from materialising with his pace and power but all too often his actions were in recovery mode.
Andy Robertson 7 – Plenty of effort and endeavour down the left as he drove forwards in an attempt to make something happen with either Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo or Diogo Jota. Almost the architect of a comeback on a number of occasions but the final ball just wasn’t there.
Virgil van Dijk 4 – From the sublime to the ridiculous. This was a standoffish display from the Dutchman that epitomised everything that was wrong with Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium.
See how Ste rated the Reds during The LFC Fan Interactive Show
Harvey Elliott 4 – A day to forget for the youngster as he proved no match for Philip Billing in the middle of the park physically. Liverpool needed to get control of proceedings in order for the talented teenager to shine, instead, Elliott was battling hard but ultimately coming out second best all too often.
Fabinho 6 – Overran in the first half time and time again. Helped the Reds dominate possession in a midfield two in the second half but was unable to offer enough going forwards in a creative sense.
Stefan Bajcetic 6 – More experience for a youngster Klopp clearly has an abundance of faith in – albeit a chastening one on this occasion.
Cody Gakpo 7 (MOTM) – One of the few positives to come from the clash as he continued to show why Liverpool bought him. A powerful runner who isn’t afraid of getting involved in deeper areas. Played from the left, centrally and in the number 10 to showcase his impressive versatility.
Darwin Nunez 4 – Hardly involved and replaced late on much to his disappointment.
Mohamed Salah 4 – After a display that many hailed as his best since joining the club last week, this was a contender for the worst. A missed penalty put the mouldy cherry on top of the mouldy cake.
Subs:
Diogo Jota 6 – Not without endeavour but much like Liverpool as a collective he’s struggling to make anything click as it used to.
Roberto Firmino 6 – Not a leg of the farewell tour that will make the editors cut.
James Milner 6 – Tried in vain to make something happen in an attacking sense from the right-back role, however, too many of his crosses were food and drink for a Bournemouth defence willing to do everything it took to earn three points.
Jordan Henderson 5 – All the drive from midfield as a leader but without the incisive quality that was required to unpick a stout defence.
Fabio Carvalho NA – A rare sighting of the Liverpool youngster.
Conclusion:
Uch. Far from the result required and in many senses expected following the highs of last weekend.
Whatever is broken with the Liverpool away form is just another problem to add to the plethora of issues that need fixing over the summer!
