Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth: Reds Player Ratings as they cruise to comfortable win | Premier League 2024-25

A strong first-half display ensured that Liverpool took all three points against Bournemouth with a 3-0 win on Saturday, September 21, in the Premier League. Coming into the game, Slot was forced into a change with Alisson unfit to feature. Caoimhin Kelleher started between the sticks while Darwin Nunez started up front ahead of Diogo Jota.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, made three changes following their 1-0 loss to Chelsea. Kepa Arrizabalaga returned in goal, while Dean Huijsen and Julian Araujo replaced Marcos Senesi and Adam Smith.

The visitors seemed to have taken the lead in the eighth minute through Antoine Semenyo who bundled home from close range. However, the winger was adjudged to be offside, ruling the effort out.

From then on, Liverpool seized control of the affair. Kepa misjudged a seeking long ball from Ibrahima Konate and was beaten to the ball by Luis Diaz. The Colombian composed himself before putting the ball into the empty net to make it 1-0 in the 26th minute.

Bournemouth had barely composed themselves following the restart until Diaz bagged another just two minutes after his first. Trent Alexander-Arnold found the winger unmarked and he dispatched an effort with precision to find the back of the net.

Liverpool soon made it three in the 37th minute. Nunez exchanged passes with Mohamed Salah before scoring with an accurate shot as the hosts displayed great finishing ability.

The Reds were able to control the remainder of the affair as the visitors were unable to get a look past a resolute defense. With the result, Slot's side moved to the top of the table temporarily ahead of Manchester City's clash against Arsenal on Sunday. Here are the player ratings:

Liverpool Player Ratings

Caoimhin Kelleher - 7/10

A solid game from the Irishman, proving himself to be deserving of a starting job someplace. He looked mostly comfortable in possession and while he did pull off seven saves, most efforts were not of the troubling kind.

Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7/10

A solid display from the England international who bagged an assist for Liverpool's second goal. Looked a little uncomfortable off the ball at times in the second half.

Ibrahima Konate - 7.5/10

Konate was solid at the back as Liverpool relied on him to begin their attacks. He led the team in touches (124) and also earned an assist with his long ball to Diaz.

Virgil van Dijk - 7/10

The Dutchman continues to be a reassuring presence at the back. He hardly put a foot wrong throughout the game.

Andrew Robertson - 6.5/10

The left-back had a decent game overall, defending well while also providing a threat going forward. He finished with two chances created, six passes into the final third, and three duels won.

Ryan Gravenberch - 7/10

Yet another solid performance in the deeper midfield role from the Dutchman. He contributed well going forward and did well off the ball as well. He finished with seven duels won, one chance created, and 11 passes into the final third.

Alexis Mac Allister - 7/10

The Argentine midfielder was at his creative best for Liverpool, combining well with Gravenberch in the middle of the park.

Dominik Szoboszlai - 6/10

He wasn't really involved in much of the game, finding some pockets of space before being taken off at the hour mark.

Mohamed Salah - 7/10

The Egyptian continues to impress and prove himself as one of the marquee-attacking talents of the league. He got an assist and should have gotten on the scoresheet himself if not for a good save from Kepa.

Darwin Nunez - 7.5/10

Earning a rare start after Slot preferred Jota over him early on in the campaign, the Uruguayan showed flashes of brilliance. His performance was highlighted by a splendid effort for the goal.

Luis Diaz - 8.5/10

Diaz continued his rich vein of form to begin the year. He bagged a brace, proving to be a constant threat for the Cherries, and is now up to five goals in the league this season.

Substitutes

Curtis Jones - 6.5/10

He came on for Szoboszlai in midfield and looked solid.

Federico Chiesa - 6/10

He found his footing for the last 20 minutes but could not really influence the game.

Cody Gakpo - 6.5/10

Had a more lively cameo than Chiesa, creating three chances in his spell.