Bournemouth – Liverpool: Salah Sinks Energetic Bournemouth (0-2)

Two goals from Mohamed Salah were the difference between the sides in this game of fine margins. Liverpool made advances against Bournemouth’s aggressive pressing, but the home side were still able to make Liverpool work hard for their victory. Ultimately, Bournemouth were unable to make the necessary breakthrough with their direct wing-play.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Bournemouth welcomed Liverpool to the south coast, looking to extend their unbeaten run of form stretching back to the end of November, including a 3-0 win at Old Trafford, and a five-goal demolition of fellow overachievers Nottingham Forest last time out.

The home side lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Lewis Cook, Illya Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen, and Milos Kerkez in the back four. Ryan Christie and Tyler Adams were in midfield, while a trio of David Brooks, Justin Kluivert, and Antoine Semenyo supported Dango Outtara up front.

Liverpool meanwhile continue to look comfortable at the top of the Premier League table. They were defeated in Europe in midweek against PSV, but still finished top of the League Phase of the Champions League.

Arne Slot’s side also lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation here, with a defensive line of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Andrew Robertson. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister were the double pivot, with Dominik Szoboszlai in . . .