Tactical Analysis: How Liverpool Overcame Bournemouth’s Pressing at Vitality Stadium | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Huge Win at Bournemouth Keeps Title Dream Alive

Liverpool’s relentless pursuit of the Premier League title took another significant step forward with a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth. Arne Slot’s Reds, well-rested and ruthlessly efficient, overcame a resilient Bournemouth side that had been in electric form, extending their lead at the top of the table. While Arsenal and Manchester City lurk in the background, Liverpool’s consistency remains their biggest weapon.

Tactical Battle at the Vitality Stadium

There was a sense of trepidation ahead of this fixture. Bournemouth, unbeaten in 11 league matches, had already toppled Manchester City and Arsenal at home. Andoni Iraola has crafted a team that is fast, aggressive, and fearless in possession, with a pressing system designed to disrupt opposition rhythms. As I settled in, fresh off an SAS Rogue Heroes binge, it felt like the kind of mission Paddy Mayne would have relished: all-out attack, controlled chaos, and an opponent refusing to be overawed.

Slot, mindful of Bournemouth’s hybrid pressing and direct attacking approach, fielded his strongest XI. The Cherries frequently sought to exploit the space behind Liverpool’s defence, using long balls aimed at the explosive Antoine Semenyo. Milos Kerkez and Semenyo doubled up on Trent Alexander-Arnold, creating persistent problems down the right flank. Ryan Gravenberch, ever the workhorse, provided much-needed support to nullify the threat. Bournemouth even had the ball in the net early on, though the goal was ruled out for offside.

Liverpool’s Measured Approach

Both teams remained true to their principles: Bournemouth pressed high, Liverpool built patiently. The Reds, however, were markedly superior in the final third, their shot volume outweighing their hosts. That said, Liverpool’s shot quality (7.6% non-penalty shot xG) was lower than Bournemouth’s (9.2%), highlighting the Cherries’ ability to carve out dangerous opportunities.

Bournemouth’s pass map reveals their frequent attempts to launch long balls in behind Liverpool’s backline. Some were effective, but many ended up in throw-ins or turnovers, limiting their overall threat. The hosts exceeded their usual 6.2 final-third recoveries per game, but Liverpool’s structured build-up play ensured there were no costly giveaways in dangerous areas.

Mo Salah’s Pivotal Role

Expected threat (xT) data showcases Mohamed Salah’s influence across all creative metrics. Whether through carries or passes, the Egyptian forward was Liverpool’s primary source of danger. His positional play, drifting into the right half-space, allowed him to be a dual threat—creator and finisher. His goal, predictably, originated from this very zone.

Salah’s ability to both dictate play and deliver the final blow is what sets him apart. He isn’t just Liverpool’s best creator—when needed, he assumes the role of primary goal-scorer as well. In a game where spaces were tight, his movement and decision-making were instrumental.

Gravenberch’s Defensive Contribution

One of the standout performers was Ryan Gravenberch. His heatmap of ground duels demonstrates his vital contribution in covering Alexander-Arnold, engaging in numerous defensive challenges and winning the majority of them. This tactical adjustment helped Liverpool gain control of an area Bournemouth had targeted.

Breaking Down Liverpool’s Attacking Patterns

Liverpool’s xT heatmap illustrates their key attacking zones, with the left half-space proving crucial. However, Salah’s and Dominik Szoboszlai’s impact on the right also played a major role. The balanced threat meant Bournemouth struggled to shut down all avenues at once.

A glance at Liverpool’s shot map reveals that they generated six non-penalty efforts from prime goal-scoring areas. While the average shot quality (7.6%) was below the league average of 10%, their defensive structure prevented Bournemouth from capitalising at the other end.

Bournemouth’s Bright Spark

Milos Kerkez was a key creative outlet for Bournemouth, frequently carrying the ball into dangerous positions. The Cherries often used long balls to Semenyo, whose knockdowns facilitated Kerkez’s forward surges. His performance, along with Iraola’s attacking patterns, showed why Bournemouth have been so difficult to beat this season.

Alisson Back at His Best

Despite Bournemouth’s attacking intent, Alisson Becker was equal to the challenge. His shot-stopping abilities came to the fore, making crucial saves to deny any glimmers of hope for the home side. A dominant defensive display ensured Liverpool kept their clean sheet intact.

Crucial Three Points in the Title Race

Liverpool’s ability to win ugly, grind out results, and adapt tactically under Arne Slot is an ominous sign for their title rivals. As Manchester City and Arsenal prepared to face off, Liverpool had already done their job. Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 thrashing of City ensured the gap between them and Liverpool remained at six points. With the Reds holding a game in hand, set to play Everton before Arsenal’s next fixture, the title race remains finely poised.

As I wrapped up the game, still buzzing from the tactical masterclass and with Paddy Mayne’s heroics fresh in my mind, one thing was clear: this Liverpool side might just have the steel to go all the way.