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Troy Deeney believes Liverpool forward Diogo Jota would've been left frustrated after Arne Slot opted not to bring him on for Mohamed Salah in their 3-0 win against Bournemouth. Salah wasn't at his clinical best, despite playing the entire 90 minutes in the Reds' Premier League win at Anfield on Saturday, September 21.
The Merseysiders secured all three points against Bournemouth due to their exceptional first-half performance. Luis Diaz's brace (26', 28') and Darwin Nunez's stunner in the 37th minute sealed a good win for the home side.
Arne Slot opted to start Diaz, Nunez, and Salah as his attacking trio, with Jota, Cody Gakpo, and Federico Chiesa being named on the bench. While Gakpo and Chiesa were subbed on in the second half for the former two, Jota was left as an unused substitute - despite Salah's struggles.
The 32-year-old provided the assist for Nunez's goal and had an excellent all-around game by creating six chances and landing all four of his shots on target. However, Salah arguably should have scored at least once - something Jota could have provided.
During the game, former Watford striker Troy Deeney said (via Rousing the Kop):
“I think Salah has been poor this second half. He has had a couple of opportunities where he could have got his shot off.
"He tried to score the perfect goal, and if I was Diogo Jota on the bench, I would be a little bit frustrated that he hasn’t changed all three here. Looks like the manager is trying to get Salah playing well. Because in the 65 minutes last week, he was poor and now he is getting these opportunities.”
Salah has still had a very good start to the season for Liverpool, netting three goals and providing four assists in six appearances across all competitions.
"It was tougher than the result might look like" - Arne Slot provides his verdict on Liverpool's win against Bournemouth
Liverpool manager Arne Slot gave his verdict on his side's win against Bournemouth after he recorded his fourth win across competitions on Saturday. He credited the Cherries for putting up a commendable fight, despite being 3-0 down in the second half, admitting the scoreline didn't tell the whole story.
Slot said (via Liverpool's official website):
"There were 12 minutes where we scored three goals but I think during the whole first half we saw many of those moments. Unfortunately for us, the first, second and third didn't go in. The good thing for us was their first chance didn't go in as well."
He added:
"Then there were these 12 minutes of one attack after another that led to three goals, which was really pleasing to see at that moment – and which we also needed because we played against a tough opponent. An opponent which showed today that even when they were 3-0 down they just kept on going, kept on going and kept on going. It was tougher than the result might look like."
The Reds had numerous chances to score more goals, landing 19 shots in total with 13 being on target. Bournemouth also looked threatening in some parts of the game, mustering 19 shots as well with six being on target.
Liverpool will hope to keep the momentum going in their next fixture against West Ham United in the third round of the EFL Cup (September 25).
