Liverpool vs Bournemouth Highlights:- Hosts Liverpool came back from behind to secure a 3-1 win over Bournemouth in their first home game. The visitors took an early lead against Liverpool after a goal from Semenyo in the 3rd minute. But the Reds made a comeback with a 28th minute goal from Diaz and Mo Salah’s penalty in 36th minute. In the second half, the hosts took a blow when Mac Allister was sent off for a dangerous foul. But Diago Jota scored in 60th minute to take Liverpool to 3-1.
The visitors’ new coach Andoni Iraola set up his side to swarm Liverpool’s midfielders – a tactic that worked a charm as Jaidon Anthony had a goal disallowed for offside in the first minute.
Two minutes later, the Reds, who drew 1-1 at Chelsea in their opener, were left shocked when Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was playing as a midfielder in possession, lost the ball in a dangerous area before Semenyo fired the south-coast club in front.
Following the dismal start, Liverpool grew into the contest and Diaz got the breakthrough with an acrobatic volley in the 28th minute. Salah then hammered home a follow-up shot after his spot-kick was saved to make it 2-1 in the 36th.
Liverpool kept up the pressure in the second half and scored their third goal through Jota, despite having gone down to 10 men just before the hour mark when Mac Allister was shown a straight red for a high tackle on Rothwell.
Mac Allister’s sending off made little difference to Liverpool’s dominance as they outplayed Bournemouth in the second half.
Goalkeeper Neto did well to keep the deficit in check, saving efforts from Salah and Jota to prevent another thrashing like the 9-0 defeat Bournemouth were handed on their last visit to Anfield.
Liverpool’s new signing Wataru Endo, who came off the bench in the second half, had a strong showing on his debut, asserting himself in midfield as the hosts coasted to victory.
Bournemouth next host Tottenham Hotspur, while Liverpool will travel to face Newcastle United.
*Inputs from Reuters
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