Player Ratings: Darwin and Díaz Dazzle as Liverpool Sweep Bournemouth | OneFootball

Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth – Premier League Player Ratings

The Premier League action returned once more to a packed Anfield stadium, as the mighty reds looked to get back to winning ways, domestically anyway. There was a quiet confidence from the manager in the pre game press conference, pointing to lessons that had been learned from last weekends defeat. A strong performance and place at the top of the table was exactly what was deserved in a controlled manner and performance.

The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 8.0

The Irish deputy stopper is perhaps the best back up keeper in the Premier League, which made his inclusion for the injured Alisson Becker a non issue. Apart from the opening goal which was ruled offside, the first half duties were largely that of a recycler as his outfield players dominated the match. In the second half the 25-year-old was far busier and dealt with everything that came his way. Should keep his place for the EFL cup in midweek.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 8.0

The England superstar was very good in the first half, with a maturity and assurance to his defensive work that allowed him to then march forward and assist Lucho for the second goal. After the restart, the homegrown hero was steady and resilient to any pressure as the game state altered to seeing out the match.

Andy Robertson – 7.0

The Scotland international captain was steady and alert to all wide dangers, as he looked to dominate the left hand side of the pitch through a strong first half. In the second period of play, the former Hull man was again in charge of his duties and is looking more dependable in transition.

Ibrahima Konaté – 9.0

The France international defender was towering and dominating in his defensive output, whilst launching a superb upfield assist for Lucho to open the scoring. Being determined defensively and concentrated throughout were the key outtakes from the opening 45-minutes, as his home side ran through the visitors. The second half was about getting that clean sheet and once again he excelled to show his world class ability.

Virgil van Dijk – 8.0

The captain and leader of this team was calm and composed through that brilliant first half, as he watched his team cut through a side that were simply unprepared for what came. After the restart, the former Southampton man was vocal and confident in maintaining yet another clean sheet.

Ryan Gravenberch – 8.0

The Dutch midfielder was low-key brilliant in the first half, as he continued to thrive in that midfield double pivot. The control and possession stakes all went through the former Ajax man as he swept his opponents away with skill and precision.

Alexis Mac Allister – 9.0

The Argentina World Cup winner has formed perhaps the best midfield partnership in the Premier League, with a lovely blend of power and control to his elite level game. The first half was all about domination and facilitating the attacking components of the team, which was achieved with aplomb. As the game restarted, the former Brighton man was again superb and measured in everything he did.

Photo: IMAGO

Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.0

The Hungarian captain was energised and powerful in the opening exchanges, as space to travel was created with quick decisions and play. After half time the former RB Leipzig man was a little less aggressive and control was evident in his game.

Luis Díaz – 9.0

The Columbian flyer was electric in the first half and took two superb goal inside two minutes of each other. The first was both brave and opportunistic, as he foiled a stream of Bournemouth players to open the scoring, whereas the second goal was a clinical strike that showed just how vital the winger has become to Arne Slot. In the second half the former Porto wide-man was dangerously simmering before departing the field.

Man of the Match

Darwin Núñez – 8.0

The Uruguayan Raging Bull was powerful and uncontrollable in the opening half of play; as he and his attacking teammates ate up the ground and the Bournemouth players alongside it. His goal was perfection in execution, as he travelled at speed before composing himself to launch a curling left footed effort into the far corner. He seemed to get it today and with this type of showing at centre forward, the strikers bar just got raised.

Mohamed Salah – 7.0

The Egyptian King was perhaps the least brilliant of the three attackers in the opening half, as he knitted things together and aided Darwin for his brilliant goal. The second half showed more of the former Roma man as he looked to be both outlet and leader of the offensive line.

Substitutions;

Curtis Jones – 6.0 (on 67)

Came on to add more control and efficiency.

Federico Chiesa – 6.0 (on 72)

Came on to add power and pace.

Cody Gakpo –  6.0 (on 72)

Came on to add more variety in attack.

The Manager;

Arne Slot – 9.0

The Dutch manager was clearly looking to expose certain areas of the Bournemouth rearguard, as his surprise decision to start Darwin paid off.

The tempo and control of his men was precise in the first half, whereas game management and consolidation was clear in the second.

Another great management performance.

Pre-match Prediction;

Liverpool 2 – 0 Bournemouth