"We not only tried to play our best but also needed luck. Bournemouth played very aggressively, running and attacking constantly to create many scoring opportunities.
The difference between the two teams was partly down to the performance of Salah in attack and Alisson Becker in goal," Liverpool coach Arne Slot said after the 2-0 win over Bournemouth in round 24 of the 2024-2025 Premier League.
Liverpool's away trip to Vitality Stadium is expected to be difficult as their opponent is Bournemouth, a team with an 11-game unbeaten streak and has scored 9 goals in defeating 2 strong teams Newcastle (4-1) and Nottingham Forest (5-0) in the last 2 rounds.
Despite having to play in the Champions League in the middle of the week, Liverpool still entered the match determined and focused. In the first minutes, coach Arne Slot's players encountered many difficulties against the strong pressing style of the home team.
Defender Alexander-Arnold showed signs of overload as he continuously let the opposing striker pass him, creating dangerous situations, even causing Liverpool's goal to shake from a shot that hit the post in the 20th minute.
In a situation of being pressed, Liverpool suddenly benefited in the 27th minute. Lewis Cook let Cody Gakpo loose and was forced to foul the Dutch striker to prevent the opponent from making the final shot. After consulting VAR, the referee determined that there was a penalty for Liverpool. On the penalty spot, Salah made no mistake to score the opening goal for the away team.
In the 75th minute, Salah was the one who sealed the 2-0 victory for Liverpool. He launched a left-footed curling shot that sent the ball into the top corner of the goal, leaving goalkeeper Kepa standing still as he watched his own net shake for the second time.
This is Salah's 21st goal in the Premier League this season, helping him continue to lead the race for the top scorer.
For Liverpool, this victory helps "The Kop" firmly consolidate the top position with a temporary gap of 9 points more than Arsenal and wait for the opponent to enter the big battle with Man City in round 24.
