BOURNEMOUTH 0-4 LIVERPOOL – PLAYER RATINGS

A dominant display against the Cherries allow Liverpool to take another 3 points on the road with Mohamed Salah scoring a hat-trick and Steve Cook scoring an own goal. Liverpool are top of the premier league, for a few hours at least.

ALISSON (7) – Without having much to do, Alisson showed once more why Liverpool splashed out the cash on a new goalkeeper. With the score poised at 0-0, Alisson denied the tricky David Brooks from giving Bournemouth the lead. Along with this, Alisson saved well after he was tested from a Junior Stanislas free kick that was accurately placed at goal.

ANDY ROBERTSON (7.5) – Robbo has consistently looked like a serious threat down the left hand side and today was no different. The energetic Scotsman linked up perfectly with Salah, in particular, as he drove down the left hand side. Some beautifully crafted crosses made Liverpool a constant worry, with Steve Cook specifically unable to find his feet, as the ball hit of him for an own goal. Andy struggled slightly with David Brook’s pace and trickery but that really is the only negative.

JOEL MATIP (8) – Joel Matip is easy to criticise. At times he really does look play like a donkey on ice skates but today he was solid. Dealing nicely with most of the attacks that Bournemouth created, Matip looked comfortable next to Virgil Van Dijk. He even dribbled out from the back on numerous occasions before releasing the ball to other players and starting many an attack.

VIRGIL VAN DIJK (8) – He’s just such a delightful footballer to watch isn’t he. He passes the ball like prime Iniesta whilst also being an absolute colossus at the back. Without any notable highlights from VVD today, he simply collected the ball and released it, with some lovely long ranged passes proving his worth.

JAMES MILNER (7) – Can this man play anywhere on the pitch? At right back today, James Milner looked in control at all times whilst also adding remaining a threat to many a Liverpool attack. At times he could be seen to put Alisson under minor pressure but nothing to worry about. Another top performance by the veteran on his 500^th premier league game, a serious achievement.

GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM (7) – A good game from Gini sees him awarded a 7 rating. Looking rather quiet in the first half, he does add something to the team that every club needs, a player that does the nitty gritty work, winning the ball back and playing simple balls, which is pretty much what he contributed today. Whilst remaining a force to get past, he was also very helpful for the defence when under slight pressure.

FABINHO (7.5) – Fabinho put in a real shift today, winning many an aerial duel and constantly stopping any potential Bournemouth counter attacks. The feisty Brazilian looked like he always wanted to keep the Liverpool attacks flowing whilst also joining in with some impressive Liverpool interplay throughout. A yellow card the only real negative.

NABY KEITA (7) – Early on, Naby looked to be on flames as he nut-megged two Bournemouth players, skipping past them with ease but as the game went on; his flame began to flicker with less of an impact seen. However, his creativeness and ability to hold onto the ball allowed him to remain a threat to Bournemouth, as he most certainly was to Burnley midweek.

XHERDAN SHAQIRI (7) – Xherdan Shaqiri and his skilful feet allowed him to have much of the ball in the first half, creating many a problem for the Bournemouth’s backline. His terrific range of passing was made crystal clear when playing a few inch perfect over the top passes to the ever present on the left wing, Andy Robertson. Another game that proves how valuable a steal Shaq is turning out to be.

ROBERTO FIRMINO (8) – Roberto Firmino is a player that every club would want. Today he showed his wonderful ability to hold up the ball and play a pass to a teammate or turn and drive at the opposition defence. Along with his assist for Mo Salah’s second goal, he also hit the volley that led to the Cherries goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic, spilling and gifting Mo Salah a free shot on goal.

MOHAMED SALAH (10-MOTM) – A trio of goals for Mo Salah meant that his goal tally is now on a solid 10. Arguably, the pick of the bunch was where he rounded Begovic with ease, then cut back inside before poking past Nathan Ake on the goal-line. Not only did he grab a hat-trick, he was also fantastic when receiving the ball, as he was involved in just about everything that Liverpool did today.

SUBSTITUTES:

SADIO MANE (7) – Sadio wasn’t on for long but allowed Liverpool to attack with purpose, as he skipped past many a Bournemouth player, and made himself a nuisance in the short space of time he was allotted.

ADAM LALLANA (7) – Alongside picking up a nasty head injury, Adam Lallana noticed the run of Mo Salah, and played a precise lobbed ball, claiming an assist.

JORDAN HENDERSON (7) – Given even little time that the other two substitutes, Hendo passed the ball nicely and saw off any late Bournemouth attacks. A lovely outside of the ball pass was Jordan’s standout highlight.

Written by CAMERON WILSON, Twitter – (@cam1wilson)