Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app.
Sorry about how late this is, sorry there's no accompanying text. I will do better next time. Maybe.
Showing posts with label Bournemouth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bournemouth. Show all posts
13 February 2019
Visualized: Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth
Previous Match Infographics: West Ham (a), Leicester (h), Crystal Palace (h), Brighton (a), Manchester City (a), Arsenal (h), Newcastle (h), Wolves (a), Manchester Utd (h), Napoli (h), Bournemouth (a), Burnley, Everton (h), Paris St-Germain (a), Watford (a), Fulham (h), Arsenal (a), Cardiff (h), Red Star Belgrade (h), Huddersfield (a), Manchester City (h), Napoli (a), Chelsea (a), Southampton (h), Leicester (a), Brighton (h), Crystal Palace (a), West Ham (h)
Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app.
Sorry about how late this is, sorry there's no accompanying text. I will do better next time. Maybe.
Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app.
Sorry about how late this is, sorry there's no accompanying text. I will do better next time. Maybe.
09 February 2019
Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth
Goals:
Mané 24'
Wijnaldum 34'
Salah 48'
I'm not gonna lie. I got worried when Liverpool opened the scoring. For the third straight match, Liverpool poured forward from the opening whistle. For the third straight match, the opposition were pushed back, but the opposition also dropped back, happy to try to contain and control in their own half from the start. And, for a while it worked, until Sadio Mané opened the scoring. For the third straight match.
Just as against Leicester, just as at West Ham. And, yes, we remember what happened from there.
But this wasn't Groundhog Day again.
The morale of the story may be "well, it's Bournemouth." And, yes, they are a lot more open side than Leicester or West Ham.
Yes, but.
Bournemouth are usually a more attacking team, especially as "rest-of-the-league" sides go. Bournemouth do concede, regularly – only the bottom four sides have allowed more goals this season. Bournemouth had lost seven consecutive away games going into this, letting in two goals in all seven.
But Bournemouth were also trying to do what both Leicester and West Ham did: concede possession, concede territory, clog the middle of the pitch, especially in the defensive third. Bournemouth were much ore a 4-5-1 than their usual 4-4-1-1/4-4-2. Bournemouth made six interceptions in the first 23 minutes, and cleared the ball from inside their own box on nine occasions. The only space Liverpool consistently found was on the flanks, especially though Robertson and Milner. Which, to be fair, has worked in the past, but is not where Liverpool are at their most effective and can also leave Liverpool susceptible to counter-attacks.
Still, that's where Liverpool's opening goal came from, as well as from a set play, even if basically in name only. Bournemouth cleared the first ball in from Milner's corner, but Keïta reclaimed, Milner crossed, and an almost-but-not-quite offside Mané headed past Boruc. Simple as that.
Bournemouth failed to keep Liverpool at further bay, as Leicester did, or try to take the game to Liverpool, as West Ham did. Liverpool kept coming. That Liverpool midfield kept pressing, and in the 34th minute, Keïta's tackle pushed the ball to Mané, then over the backline by Robertson, delightfully controlled and then finished even more sumptuously by Wijnaldum, a jaw-dropping chip over Boruc.
That's what Liverpool had been missing. The comfort of a second goal, especially one scored in the 34th minute. A goal from Liverpool's midfield, a fourth runner into the box so the defense can't focus on that front three. Now we can play Liverpool's game.
Also, good finishing is really, really good. I'm almost not surprised Liverpool needed a goal that special to get a second after the previous two matches.
It's a formality when Liverpool get their third, one of those lighting four-pass moves that breaks opponents backs, one of those lightning moves that Liverpool finds more often when they've already scored one or two. Milner's throw-in, Mané's shift inside, Keïta's remarkable pass in behind to Firmino, and a back heel just as good for Salah to run onto, of course finished into the far corner.
This is the Liverpool we know and love.
But if this was truly Liverpool at its most imperious, we've have gotten more from there. A lot more. Salah's goal was Liverpool's first clear-cut chance. They'd go on to get three more – one headed wide by Mané, the other two shot too close to Boruc on fast breaks in the final five minutes. And Salah slammed a shot off the crossbar. And Keïta ballooned the best chance he's had to score his first Liverpool goal. And. And. And.
Meanwhile, there were few if any "ands" for Bournemouth.
This is the difference that a functioning midfield makes. Wijnaldum, back in the side after missing the last match, and Keïta, increasingly excellent with increasing game time. Fabinho, more and more accustomed to playing as the deepest in a three rather than a two-man partnership, the metronome at the base, the protection against counters through the middle. Keïta had a hand in all three goals: hockey assists on the first and third, pressing to start the move for Liverpool's second. He also led the side in touches, tackles, and ball recoveries. Wijnaldum scored that second and created three chances, one clear-cut.
It was the best that Liverpool had looked in the 4-3-3 in months, and while the midfield was a big part of that, the front three played theirs as well. Goals for both Mané – his fourth in four games – and Salah. Four chances created, one clear-cut and assist, for the terrific Firmino, also denied a deserved goal late on.
But Alisson also made two good, if routine, saves and a couple of necessary punches and clearances. Neither Milner nor Robertson were exposed despite spending the majority of the match in Bournemouth's half. Matip, like Keïta, looks increasingly comfortable, this his fourth consecutive start after not playing for more than a month prior. And van Dijk remains van Dijk; yes, yes, the defending, but I will also forever rue Firmino not passing to him in the 80th minute, the 6'4" center-back charging down the pitch alongside the three-on-two fast break. You always feed the big man when he joins the fast break.
So much for Liverpool's nerves. So much for Liverpool cracking under the pressure. So much for Liverpool's crisis.
Sure, it's only Bournemouth – a side that Liverpool had beaten 4-0, 3-0, and 4-0 in the three previous meetings. But similar could be said about West Ham last Wednesday. Similar can be said about a lot of sides in this division.
Liverpool beat the one in front of them this week, winning a match by multiple goals for the first time in 2019. And they'll need to play similarly against the next one. And the one after that. And the one...
Mané 24'
Wijnaldum 34'
Salah 48'
I'm not gonna lie. I got worried when Liverpool opened the scoring. For the third straight match, Liverpool poured forward from the opening whistle. For the third straight match, the opposition were pushed back, but the opposition also dropped back, happy to try to contain and control in their own half from the start. And, for a while it worked, until Sadio Mané opened the scoring. For the third straight match.
Just as against Leicester, just as at West Ham. And, yes, we remember what happened from there.
But this wasn't Groundhog Day again.
The morale of the story may be "well, it's Bournemouth." And, yes, they are a lot more open side than Leicester or West Ham.
Yes, but.
Bournemouth are usually a more attacking team, especially as "rest-of-the-league" sides go. Bournemouth do concede, regularly – only the bottom four sides have allowed more goals this season. Bournemouth had lost seven consecutive away games going into this, letting in two goals in all seven.
But Bournemouth were also trying to do what both Leicester and West Ham did: concede possession, concede territory, clog the middle of the pitch, especially in the defensive third. Bournemouth were much ore a 4-5-1 than their usual 4-4-1-1/4-4-2. Bournemouth made six interceptions in the first 23 minutes, and cleared the ball from inside their own box on nine occasions. The only space Liverpool consistently found was on the flanks, especially though Robertson and Milner. Which, to be fair, has worked in the past, but is not where Liverpool are at their most effective and can also leave Liverpool susceptible to counter-attacks.
Still, that's where Liverpool's opening goal came from, as well as from a set play, even if basically in name only. Bournemouth cleared the first ball in from Milner's corner, but Keïta reclaimed, Milner crossed, and an almost-but-not-quite offside Mané headed past Boruc. Simple as that.
Bournemouth failed to keep Liverpool at further bay, as Leicester did, or try to take the game to Liverpool, as West Ham did. Liverpool kept coming. That Liverpool midfield kept pressing, and in the 34th minute, Keïta's tackle pushed the ball to Mané, then over the backline by Robertson, delightfully controlled and then finished even more sumptuously by Wijnaldum, a jaw-dropping chip over Boruc.
That's what Liverpool had been missing. The comfort of a second goal, especially one scored in the 34th minute. A goal from Liverpool's midfield, a fourth runner into the box so the defense can't focus on that front three. Now we can play Liverpool's game.
Also, good finishing is really, really good. I'm almost not surprised Liverpool needed a goal that special to get a second after the previous two matches.
It's a formality when Liverpool get their third, one of those lighting four-pass moves that breaks opponents backs, one of those lightning moves that Liverpool finds more often when they've already scored one or two. Milner's throw-in, Mané's shift inside, Keïta's remarkable pass in behind to Firmino, and a back heel just as good for Salah to run onto, of course finished into the far corner.
This is the Liverpool we know and love.
But if this was truly Liverpool at its most imperious, we've have gotten more from there. A lot more. Salah's goal was Liverpool's first clear-cut chance. They'd go on to get three more – one headed wide by Mané, the other two shot too close to Boruc on fast breaks in the final five minutes. And Salah slammed a shot off the crossbar. And Keïta ballooned the best chance he's had to score his first Liverpool goal. And. And. And.
Meanwhile, there were few if any "ands" for Bournemouth.
This is the difference that a functioning midfield makes. Wijnaldum, back in the side after missing the last match, and Keïta, increasingly excellent with increasing game time. Fabinho, more and more accustomed to playing as the deepest in a three rather than a two-man partnership, the metronome at the base, the protection against counters through the middle. Keïta had a hand in all three goals: hockey assists on the first and third, pressing to start the move for Liverpool's second. He also led the side in touches, tackles, and ball recoveries. Wijnaldum scored that second and created three chances, one clear-cut.
It was the best that Liverpool had looked in the 4-3-3 in months, and while the midfield was a big part of that, the front three played theirs as well. Goals for both Mané – his fourth in four games – and Salah. Four chances created, one clear-cut and assist, for the terrific Firmino, also denied a deserved goal late on.
But Alisson also made two good, if routine, saves and a couple of necessary punches and clearances. Neither Milner nor Robertson were exposed despite spending the majority of the match in Bournemouth's half. Matip, like Keïta, looks increasingly comfortable, this his fourth consecutive start after not playing for more than a month prior. And van Dijk remains van Dijk; yes, yes, the defending, but I will also forever rue Firmino not passing to him in the 80th minute, the 6'4" center-back charging down the pitch alongside the three-on-two fast break. You always feed the big man when he joins the fast break.
So much for Liverpool's nerves. So much for Liverpool cracking under the pressure. So much for Liverpool's crisis.
Sure, it's only Bournemouth – a side that Liverpool had beaten 4-0, 3-0, and 4-0 in the three previous meetings. But similar could be said about West Ham last Wednesday. Similar can be said about a lot of sides in this division.
Liverpool beat the one in front of them this week, winning a match by multiple goals for the first time in 2019. And they'll need to play similarly against the next one. And the one after that. And the one...
10 December 2018
Visualized: Liverpool 4-0 Bournemouth
Previous Match Infographics: Burnley, Everton (h), Paris St-Germain (a), Watford (a), Fulham (h), Arsenal (a), Cardiff (h), Red Star Belgrade (h), Huddersfield (a), Manchester City (h), Napoli (a), Chelsea (a), Southampton (h), Leicester (a), Brighton (h), Crystal Palace (a), West Ham (h)
Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app.
There's honestly not a ton to write about this. I love when a plan comes to fruition. And I love when Mohamed Salah just slaps folks who jump up to get beat down.
That was a continuation of the previous four league matches, with Liverpool incrementally better, more cohesive in each, with Liverpool deservedly winning each.
Liverpool scored multiple goals, as they did against Fulham (h), Watford (a), and Burnley (a), with ten of 12 goals in these four matches – as well as the last-second winner against Everton – coming in the second half.
We haven't seen the away struggles that have defined the Champions League campaign so far, with Liverpool's away form almost exactly comparable to that at home, conceding four more on the road but also scoring four more. Liverpool have scored three, three, and four in their last three away games, albeit against Watford, Burnley, and Bournemouth. And Liverpool have played two more away games than home, having already travelled to Tottenham, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
As against Watford, Liverpool did it with a paucity of shots, taking just ten and putting just four on-target, but scoring with three of them. It's a 40% shot accuracy – which is better than usual – and a conversion rate of 42.86%, the highest of the season. Between The Posts (via 11Tegen11) had Liverpool's Expected Goals at 2.09 xG, which gives an xG per shot on 0.209, an egregiously high total.
Liverpool kept yet another clean sheet, the fourth in the last five games and tenth in 16 league games. Bournemouth's xG was 0.5 and xG per shot was 0.0625, which is egregiously low, and put just two shots on-target: Brooks' reasonable effort just before Salah opened the scoring and Stanislas' long-range free kick straight at Alisson after Liverpool were already 3-0 up.
Alisson was once again brilliant in moments, because he's only been needed for moments. The aforementioned save on Brooks' shot. A tremendous clearing header under pressure from Josh King, unable to use his hands on Milner's wild, errant clearance. Just as he was against Burnley, just as he's been since he joined the club.
This was the fourth time this season that Liverpool have scored four goals in a match, but it's the first time away from Anfield. It's the first time Liverpool have scored four or more away from Anfield since the 5-0 win at Porto back in February, and the first time it's happened in the league in a week shy of a year, when Liverpool beat *checks notes* Bournemouth 4-0 on December 17, 2017.
There was one key difference, though. Mohamed Salah was much more influential than he's been in recent matches. Than he's been pretty much all season.
Sure, there were the three goals. One poacher's goal, heavily involved in the buildup and there to finish off Firmino's rebound, then two counter-attack goals – Firmino's press winning possession for the first, then Lallana's long pass and Salah's speed up against Cook for the second. He had space to run and used that space brilliantly. He had chances and finished off those chances.
But just as important was how much more involved Salah was.
My main criticism of the 4-2-3-1 formation used most frequently of late is how Salah just isn't getting the ball. Sure, he's not getting it in his favored positions, on the flank, with room to run, but he's just not getting it enough in general.
That wasn't the case on Saturday. Salah received passes at almost double the rate as in the previous three matches. And every Liverpool starter found Salah with at least one pass.
Only Firmino registered an assist, but Shaqiri's through-ball released Salah for his first shot in the 14th minute, while Lallana's pass set him up to destroy Steve Cook for Liverpool's fourth goal. Robertson and Firmino tied for the most passes to Salah with eight each, but Liverpool's central midfielders – so often struggling to link with the attack – also found Salah with five passes each, while Keïta routinely got the ball to Salah as well.
We've seen that Liverpool can do it without Salah if necessary. Or, maybe more accurately, with 50-75% of Salah. Now they're finding more and better ways to get him involved in this new role.
Liverpool were getting results even before this formation began coalescing. Liverpool were getting results without Salah being this involved in the overall play, let alone scoring multiple goals in the same match while still playing more key passes than any other Liverpool player.
Liverpool were already getting results, keeping pace with a much more impressive City despite wobbles and complaints in almost every match. And now, with the season reaching the frenetic festive flurry, almost to the halfway point, Liverpool are rounding into form, ahead of Manchester City as we enter the fifth month of the campaign.
Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app.
There's honestly not a ton to write about this. I love when a plan comes to fruition. And I love when Mohamed Salah just slaps folks who jump up to get beat down.
That was a continuation of the previous four league matches, with Liverpool incrementally better, more cohesive in each, with Liverpool deservedly winning each.
Liverpool scored multiple goals, as they did against Fulham (h), Watford (a), and Burnley (a), with ten of 12 goals in these four matches – as well as the last-second winner against Everton – coming in the second half.
We haven't seen the away struggles that have defined the Champions League campaign so far, with Liverpool's away form almost exactly comparable to that at home, conceding four more on the road but also scoring four more. Liverpool have scored three, three, and four in their last three away games, albeit against Watford, Burnley, and Bournemouth. And Liverpool have played two more away games than home, having already travelled to Tottenham, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
As against Watford, Liverpool did it with a paucity of shots, taking just ten and putting just four on-target, but scoring with three of them. It's a 40% shot accuracy – which is better than usual – and a conversion rate of 42.86%, the highest of the season. Between The Posts (via 11Tegen11) had Liverpool's Expected Goals at 2.09 xG, which gives an xG per shot on 0.209, an egregiously high total.
Liverpool kept yet another clean sheet, the fourth in the last five games and tenth in 16 league games. Bournemouth's xG was 0.5 and xG per shot was 0.0625, which is egregiously low, and put just two shots on-target: Brooks' reasonable effort just before Salah opened the scoring and Stanislas' long-range free kick straight at Alisson after Liverpool were already 3-0 up.
Alisson was once again brilliant in moments, because he's only been needed for moments. The aforementioned save on Brooks' shot. A tremendous clearing header under pressure from Josh King, unable to use his hands on Milner's wild, errant clearance. Just as he was against Burnley, just as he's been since he joined the club.
This was the fourth time this season that Liverpool have scored four goals in a match, but it's the first time away from Anfield. It's the first time Liverpool have scored four or more away from Anfield since the 5-0 win at Porto back in February, and the first time it's happened in the league in a week shy of a year, when Liverpool beat *checks notes* Bournemouth 4-0 on December 17, 2017.
There was one key difference, though. Mohamed Salah was much more influential than he's been in recent matches. Than he's been pretty much all season.
Sure, there were the three goals. One poacher's goal, heavily involved in the buildup and there to finish off Firmino's rebound, then two counter-attack goals – Firmino's press winning possession for the first, then Lallana's long pass and Salah's speed up against Cook for the second. He had space to run and used that space brilliantly. He had chances and finished off those chances.
But just as important was how much more involved Salah was.
My main criticism of the 4-2-3-1 formation used most frequently of late is how Salah just isn't getting the ball. Sure, he's not getting it in his favored positions, on the flank, with room to run, but he's just not getting it enough in general.
That wasn't the case on Saturday. Salah received passes at almost double the rate as in the previous three matches. And every Liverpool starter found Salah with at least one pass.
Only Firmino registered an assist, but Shaqiri's through-ball released Salah for his first shot in the 14th minute, while Lallana's pass set him up to destroy Steve Cook for Liverpool's fourth goal. Robertson and Firmino tied for the most passes to Salah with eight each, but Liverpool's central midfielders – so often struggling to link with the attack – also found Salah with five passes each, while Keïta routinely got the ball to Salah as well.
We've seen that Liverpool can do it without Salah if necessary. Or, maybe more accurately, with 50-75% of Salah. Now they're finding more and better ways to get him involved in this new role.
Liverpool were getting results even before this formation began coalescing. Liverpool were getting results without Salah being this involved in the overall play, let alone scoring multiple goals in the same match while still playing more key passes than any other Liverpool player.
Liverpool were already getting results, keeping pace with a much more impressive City despite wobbles and complaints in almost every match. And now, with the season reaching the frenetic festive flurry, almost to the halfway point, Liverpool are rounding into form, ahead of Manchester City as we enter the fifth month of the campaign.
08 December 2018
Liverpool 4-0 Bournemouth
Goals:
Salah 25' 48' 77'
Cook OG 68'
That was about a good as it gets.
Sure, we've seen more thorough beat-downs. We've seen more comprehensive performances. But that was comfortable, despite being away from home, in the midst of a run about about a million games a month, and with five changes and a different formation from Wednesday's similarly heartening win at Burnley.
Liverpool monopolize the ball for the opening 25 minutes until scoring, a well-taken but fortunate goal with Salah just offside on the rebound to Firmino's shot from distance. Liverpool then slowly invite Bournemouth forward but remain untested, limiting shots and dealing with multiple Bournemouth corners.
Then Liverpool pull away in the second half. The all-important second comes within three minutes of the restart via Liverpool's press. Firmino robs Lerma and feeds Salah, staying on his feet despite a foul from Cook, bursting past Daniels to score an archetypal Salah goal. The game-killing third comes midway through the half, cross field from Firmino to Salah to Robertson to Fabinho to Robertson, a vicious cross towards Mané pinballed into the net by Cook. The fourth is just rude, with Salah twice dancing around Begovic after receiving Robertson's pass following an interception, waltzing towards goal as three Bournemouth players retreat to the goal line, unable to prevent the tap in.
It's a rolling tide for the first quarter of the game, then an older brother holding the younger at arm's length while intermittently counter-punching to remind each of their station for the other three-quarters. And it's not as if Bournemouth are a bad side, massively improving on last season's performances, in a dead heat with Everton and United as "best of the rest."
Mo Salah scores a hat-trick, now joint-top scorer in the league despite having a "bad" season so far. Keïta and Fabinho start together for the first time – with all four of Liverpool's summer signings in the XI – even if the former played on the left flank. Liverpool demonstrated their depth, with five changes from Wednesday's side which had seven changes from last Sunday's side. Liverpool were versatile, with Keïta on the left flank, Milner at right back, and Firmino and Salah more of a strike partnership in a 4-2-2-2 rather than the 4-2-3-1 we've seen more often. Mané returned from the cut on his foot, Lallana returned from whatever injury kept him out this time.
It was a team-wide performance, with no scapegoats in the slightest and headlined by Salah, who'll take a ton of confidence from this productivity. He's now scored 42 league goals for Liverpool in just 52 appearances, the most of any player under Klopp and faster to the mark than any other Liverpool player in the Premier League era. And at the other end of the pitch, Liverpool kept its tenth clean sheet in 16 Premier League games, conceding just once in the five games since that annoying 1-1 draw at Arsenal. Liverpool continue with its best start to a top-flight campaign in the club's history, now top of the table for at least a couple of hours.
It wasn't great, but that's what makes it good. We've still not hit the dizzying heights of last season, but it's all coming together in these last five matches. Diligent and mostly comfortable in three of the five, a tenacious comeback in the fourth, and that Merseyside Derby. Still unbeaten, still neck and neck with Manchester City.
Right when the season starts to get serious.
Salah 25' 48' 77'
Cook OG 68'
That was about a good as it gets.
Sure, we've seen more thorough beat-downs. We've seen more comprehensive performances. But that was comfortable, despite being away from home, in the midst of a run about about a million games a month, and with five changes and a different formation from Wednesday's similarly heartening win at Burnley.
Liverpool monopolize the ball for the opening 25 minutes until scoring, a well-taken but fortunate goal with Salah just offside on the rebound to Firmino's shot from distance. Liverpool then slowly invite Bournemouth forward but remain untested, limiting shots and dealing with multiple Bournemouth corners.
Then Liverpool pull away in the second half. The all-important second comes within three minutes of the restart via Liverpool's press. Firmino robs Lerma and feeds Salah, staying on his feet despite a foul from Cook, bursting past Daniels to score an archetypal Salah goal. The game-killing third comes midway through the half, cross field from Firmino to Salah to Robertson to Fabinho to Robertson, a vicious cross towards Mané pinballed into the net by Cook. The fourth is just rude, with Salah twice dancing around Begovic after receiving Robertson's pass following an interception, waltzing towards goal as three Bournemouth players retreat to the goal line, unable to prevent the tap in.
It's a rolling tide for the first quarter of the game, then an older brother holding the younger at arm's length while intermittently counter-punching to remind each of their station for the other three-quarters. And it's not as if Bournemouth are a bad side, massively improving on last season's performances, in a dead heat with Everton and United as "best of the rest."
Mo Salah scores a hat-trick, now joint-top scorer in the league despite having a "bad" season so far. Keïta and Fabinho start together for the first time – with all four of Liverpool's summer signings in the XI – even if the former played on the left flank. Liverpool demonstrated their depth, with five changes from Wednesday's side which had seven changes from last Sunday's side. Liverpool were versatile, with Keïta on the left flank, Milner at right back, and Firmino and Salah more of a strike partnership in a 4-2-2-2 rather than the 4-2-3-1 we've seen more often. Mané returned from the cut on his foot, Lallana returned from whatever injury kept him out this time.
It was a team-wide performance, with no scapegoats in the slightest and headlined by Salah, who'll take a ton of confidence from this productivity. He's now scored 42 league goals for Liverpool in just 52 appearances, the most of any player under Klopp and faster to the mark than any other Liverpool player in the Premier League era. And at the other end of the pitch, Liverpool kept its tenth clean sheet in 16 Premier League games, conceding just once in the five games since that annoying 1-1 draw at Arsenal. Liverpool continue with its best start to a top-flight campaign in the club's history, now top of the table for at least a couple of hours.
It wasn't great, but that's what makes it good. We've still not hit the dizzying heights of last season, but it's all coming together in these last five matches. Diligent and mostly comfortable in three of the five, a tenacious comeback in the fourth, and that Merseyside Derby. Still unbeaten, still neck and neck with Manchester City.
Right when the season starts to get serious.
16 April 2018
Visualized: Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth
Previous Match Infographics: Manchester City [CL] (a), Everton (a), Manchester City [CL] (h), Crystal Palace (a), Watford (h), United (a), Porto (h), Newcastle (h), West Ham (h), Porto (a), Southampton (a), Tottenham (h), Huddersfield (a), Swansea (a), Manchester City (h), Everton (h), Burnley (a), Leicester (a), Swansea (h), Arsenal (a), Bournemouth (a), West Brom (h), Everton (h), Spartak Moscow (h), Brighton (a), Stoke (a), Chelsea (h), Sevilla (a), Southampton (h), West Ham (a), Maribor (h), Huddersfield (h), Tottenham (a), Maribor (a), United (h), Newcastle (a), Spartak Moscow (a), Leicester (a), Burnley (h), Sevilla (h), Manchester City (a), Arsenal (h), Hoffenheim (h), Crystal Palace (h), Hoffenheim (a), Watford (a)
Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app.
Unlike last season, I'm starting to enjoy Liverpool's games against Bournemouth.
Whether Bournemouth try to attack Liverpool – as in the game at Bournemouth – or try to sit deep – as on Saturday – Liverpool still absolutely Liverpool them.
Liverpool get chances. 20 Liverpool shots, the first time they've reached that total since the 4-1 win over West Ham back on February 24, ten matches ago. Two clear-cut chances within seven minutes, the first missed but the second scored. Liverpool took 21 shots the last time these sides met, in a much more open match.
Liverpool get goals. An opening goal in the first 15 minutes for the 12th time this season.
Mané, Salah, and Firmino all score in the same match for the seventh time this season. Mo Salah does moreMo Salah things, and "finally" gets to that 40-goal mark. Sadio Mané's now on 17 goals for the season, his highest total since moving to England. Firmino's scored 25, the highest total in his career.
Liverpool can press. Even though Bournemouth played deeper than usual, Bournemouth also still tried to play out from the back. And it went not so well. 12 of Liverpool's 26 successful tackles came in Bournemouth's half. That's the highest amount of tackles in the opposition half in a Liverpool match this season, and not far off the highest proportion of successful tackles. Only Tottenham (h), Hoffenheim (h), Maribor (h), Sevilla (h), and Bournemouth (a) saw a higher percentage of successful tackles in the opposition half. Incidentally, the other match against Bournemouth was the second-highest proportion of the season.
Liverpool's top tacklers on Saturday? Henderson with six, Oxlade-Chamberlain with five, and Firmino and Wijnaldum with four. All of each's attempted tackles were successful. The midfield, breaking up the opposition before the opposition could get going. But also breaking down the opposition. All three starting central midfielders created at least two chances, something that hadn't happened since the 1-1 draw with Burnley back in September. And Wijnaldum led the team with four, which is his high for the season.
And, yes, once again, Liverpool can defend.
That's now nine clean sheets in the last 14 games. There have been only three opposition clear-cut chances scored over that stretch, with Karius saving seven and five put off-target. Liverpool haven't conceded from a corner since Swansea's winner at the end of January – 57 corners ago. Bournemouth had five corners on Saturday. Bournemouth took zero shots between the ninth and 81st minutes, with the game kinda sorta still in the balance. Or, more accurately, Bournemouth were allowed zero shots between the ninth and 81st minutes.
Liverpool did this even with four potential starters missing – Can, Gomez, Matip, and Lallana – and with Lovren picking up a knock in the last 15 minutes. Liverpool did this despite a potential let-down, drained after the mid-week euphoria. Liverpool have not been especially good after European matches this season.
Four wins prior to Saturday's, but two of those early in the season after the qualifiers against Hoffenheim and the other two against West Ham. More importantly, five draws and two losses. Losses at United and Tottenham – annoying but almost understandable – but those draws, 0-0 and 1-1 with both tired and rotated sides. Hangover games. This was not Liverpool at its best, but it was not a hangover game.
This was Liverpool finishing the season as they should. Finishing what they started. This was Liverpool doing Liverpool, despite opportunities to do otherwise.
Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app.
Unlike last season, I'm starting to enjoy Liverpool's games against Bournemouth.
Whether Bournemouth try to attack Liverpool – as in the game at Bournemouth – or try to sit deep – as on Saturday – Liverpool still absolutely Liverpool them.
Liverpool get chances. 20 Liverpool shots, the first time they've reached that total since the 4-1 win over West Ham back on February 24, ten matches ago. Two clear-cut chances within seven minutes, the first missed but the second scored. Liverpool took 21 shots the last time these sides met, in a much more open match.
Liverpool get goals. An opening goal in the first 15 minutes for the 12th time this season.
Mané, Salah, and Firmino all score in the same match for the seventh time this season. Mo Salah does moreMo Salah things, and "finally" gets to that 40-goal mark. Sadio Mané's now on 17 goals for the season, his highest total since moving to England. Firmino's scored 25, the highest total in his career.
Liverpool can press. Even though Bournemouth played deeper than usual, Bournemouth also still tried to play out from the back. And it went not so well. 12 of Liverpool's 26 successful tackles came in Bournemouth's half. That's the highest amount of tackles in the opposition half in a Liverpool match this season, and not far off the highest proportion of successful tackles. Only Tottenham (h), Hoffenheim (h), Maribor (h), Sevilla (h), and Bournemouth (a) saw a higher percentage of successful tackles in the opposition half. Incidentally, the other match against Bournemouth was the second-highest proportion of the season.
Liverpool's top tacklers on Saturday? Henderson with six, Oxlade-Chamberlain with five, and Firmino and Wijnaldum with four. All of each's attempted tackles were successful. The midfield, breaking up the opposition before the opposition could get going. But also breaking down the opposition. All three starting central midfielders created at least two chances, something that hadn't happened since the 1-1 draw with Burnley back in September. And Wijnaldum led the team with four, which is his high for the season.
And, yes, once again, Liverpool can defend.
That's now nine clean sheets in the last 14 games. There have been only three opposition clear-cut chances scored over that stretch, with Karius saving seven and five put off-target. Liverpool haven't conceded from a corner since Swansea's winner at the end of January – 57 corners ago. Bournemouth had five corners on Saturday. Bournemouth took zero shots between the ninth and 81st minutes, with the game kinda sorta still in the balance. Or, more accurately, Bournemouth were allowed zero shots between the ninth and 81st minutes.
Liverpool did this even with four potential starters missing – Can, Gomez, Matip, and Lallana – and with Lovren picking up a knock in the last 15 minutes. Liverpool did this despite a potential let-down, drained after the mid-week euphoria. Liverpool have not been especially good after European matches this season.
Four wins prior to Saturday's, but two of those early in the season after the qualifiers against Hoffenheim and the other two against West Ham. More importantly, five draws and two losses. Losses at United and Tottenham – annoying but almost understandable – but those draws, 0-0 and 1-1 with both tired and rotated sides. Hangover games. This was not Liverpool at its best, but it was not a hangover game.
This was Liverpool finishing the season as they should. Finishing what they started. This was Liverpool doing Liverpool, despite opportunities to do otherwise.
14 April 2018
Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth
Goals:
Mané 7'
Salah 69'
Firmino 90'
Yawn.
I mean, not really. This Liverpool side remains insanely fun to watch. They're good at the football. They force a side who likes to play football to constantly sit with 10 players behind the ball because otherwise they know Liverpool will probably run riot over them.
But Liverpool took the lead within seven minutes – Bournemouth can't get out after a Liverpool corner, Henderson cross, Mané saved but Mané unstoppable – and Liverpool never ever ever looked remotely like relinquishing it. It wasn't full throttle – and at this stage of the season, after the week Liverpool have had, you wouldn't expect it to be – but it was absolutely comprehensive.
The only way this could have been more comfortable was if Liverpool could have gotten the game-killing second goal earlier. No matter how good the football has been, there's always a lingering concern at 1-0 that if one crazy or bad thing happens, all the good's thrown away. That concerned voice in the back of your head has been a lot quieter lately, though.
And Liverpool probably should have gotten the second goal sooner. And all I can really blame is Mo Salah trying too hard to get his 40th of the season, his 30th of the Premier League campaign. Pushing a shot wide before Mané's opener, a few tame or wild shots from distance with teammates in better positions, unable to control when open in the box after Mané's lovely scooped pass. It feels like the first time Salah had forced things this season.
But otherwise, the first half was Henderson flying around, Firmino pressing like a madman, Oxlade-Chamberlain trying to break lines, fullbacks bombing forward, Wijnaldum and the central defenders recycling. The ball permanent in Bournemouth's half, the ball permanently with Liverpool. Lather, rinse, repeat, but no more goals.
The tempo unsurprisingly dropped in the second half, with Liverpool still in control but more patient, less potent. A few more shots from distance, a few more direct long balls over the top. But then Mo Salah. The irrepressible. Alexander-Arnold's early cross to the only spot that's leading to a chance, and Mo Salah's acrobatic, back-to-goal header looping over Begovic. It'd be unbelievable if it wasn't Mo Salah, and it's now one of my favorite degree-of-difficulty headers that I can remember, after Suarez from outside the box against West Brom and Luis Garcia doing similar against Anderlecht.
It's Mo Salah. Surprisingly frustrating for 68 minutes, then utterly unconscious in one brilliant moment to remind us that, yes, it's Mo Salah and you should be very afraid. Always.
And we're all but done here.
This is the problem with holding on at 0-1 down, hoping Liverpool are going to make a mistake and you can sneak a draw. "Just keep it close, lads, who knows what can happen." Because it rarely remains one goal with this Liverpool.
Bournemouth took just one shot for the first 81 minutes of the match. Jordon Ibe, right after Mané's opener, from about 30 yards out and about that far from troubling Karius. 74 minutes without, the majority of it when you're only losing by one goal. It's probably not the best way to approach a match with Liverpool. Unfortunately for the opposition, there's seemingly no good way to approach a match with Liverpool these days.
Liverpool scrambled at the end to keep the clean sheet; Lovren picked up a knock, soon to be replaced by Klavan, and Liverpool got too deep, saved by Mousset unable to put a cross on goal then saved by Karius on Gosling's clear-cut chance rebound. But then Firmino gets the third when fed by Oxlade-Chamberlain on the break, and it's 3-0 again. The 23rd time this season that Liverpool have scored three or more goals and the 14th time Liverpool have scored three or more with the opposition scoring none. The seventh time that Mané, Firmino, and Salah have all scored in the same match.
Yawn.
This front three is too good, and when you can combine that with the midfield doing what they did and the defense defending like they did, it's a problem.
Welcome to trying to play against Liverpool, especially at Anfield, for the vast majority of the Premier League. You can play your football at home and get beaten 4-0 or try to shut up shop and congest the final third and get beaten 3-0. Your choice.
Mané 7'
Salah 69'
Firmino 90'
Yawn.
I mean, not really. This Liverpool side remains insanely fun to watch. They're good at the football. They force a side who likes to play football to constantly sit with 10 players behind the ball because otherwise they know Liverpool will probably run riot over them.
But Liverpool took the lead within seven minutes – Bournemouth can't get out after a Liverpool corner, Henderson cross, Mané saved but Mané unstoppable – and Liverpool never ever ever looked remotely like relinquishing it. It wasn't full throttle – and at this stage of the season, after the week Liverpool have had, you wouldn't expect it to be – but it was absolutely comprehensive.
The only way this could have been more comfortable was if Liverpool could have gotten the game-killing second goal earlier. No matter how good the football has been, there's always a lingering concern at 1-0 that if one crazy or bad thing happens, all the good's thrown away. That concerned voice in the back of your head has been a lot quieter lately, though.
And Liverpool probably should have gotten the second goal sooner. And all I can really blame is Mo Salah trying too hard to get his 40th of the season, his 30th of the Premier League campaign. Pushing a shot wide before Mané's opener, a few tame or wild shots from distance with teammates in better positions, unable to control when open in the box after Mané's lovely scooped pass. It feels like the first time Salah had forced things this season.
But otherwise, the first half was Henderson flying around, Firmino pressing like a madman, Oxlade-Chamberlain trying to break lines, fullbacks bombing forward, Wijnaldum and the central defenders recycling. The ball permanent in Bournemouth's half, the ball permanently with Liverpool. Lather, rinse, repeat, but no more goals.
The tempo unsurprisingly dropped in the second half, with Liverpool still in control but more patient, less potent. A few more shots from distance, a few more direct long balls over the top. But then Mo Salah. The irrepressible. Alexander-Arnold's early cross to the only spot that's leading to a chance, and Mo Salah's acrobatic, back-to-goal header looping over Begovic. It'd be unbelievable if it wasn't Mo Salah, and it's now one of my favorite degree-of-difficulty headers that I can remember, after Suarez from outside the box against West Brom and Luis Garcia doing similar against Anderlecht.
It's Mo Salah. Surprisingly frustrating for 68 minutes, then utterly unconscious in one brilliant moment to remind us that, yes, it's Mo Salah and you should be very afraid. Always.
And we're all but done here.
This is the problem with holding on at 0-1 down, hoping Liverpool are going to make a mistake and you can sneak a draw. "Just keep it close, lads, who knows what can happen." Because it rarely remains one goal with this Liverpool.
Bournemouth took just one shot for the first 81 minutes of the match. Jordon Ibe, right after Mané's opener, from about 30 yards out and about that far from troubling Karius. 74 minutes without, the majority of it when you're only losing by one goal. It's probably not the best way to approach a match with Liverpool. Unfortunately for the opposition, there's seemingly no good way to approach a match with Liverpool these days.
Liverpool scrambled at the end to keep the clean sheet; Lovren picked up a knock, soon to be replaced by Klavan, and Liverpool got too deep, saved by Mousset unable to put a cross on goal then saved by Karius on Gosling's clear-cut chance rebound. But then Firmino gets the third when fed by Oxlade-Chamberlain on the break, and it's 3-0 again. The 23rd time this season that Liverpool have scored three or more goals and the 14th time Liverpool have scored three or more with the opposition scoring none. The seventh time that Mané, Firmino, and Salah have all scored in the same match.
Yawn.
This front three is too good, and when you can combine that with the midfield doing what they did and the defense defending like they did, it's a problem.
Welcome to trying to play against Liverpool, especially at Anfield, for the vast majority of the Premier League. You can play your football at home and get beaten 4-0 or try to shut up shop and congest the final third and get beaten 3-0. Your choice.
13 April 2018
Liverpool v Bournemouth 04.14.18
12:30pm ET, live in the US on NBC
Last four head-to-head:
4-0 Liverpool (a) 12.17.17
2-2 (h) 04.05.17
3-4 Bournemouth (a) 12.04.16
2-1 Liverpool (a) 04.17.16
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 2-1 City (a); 0-0 Everton (a); 3-0 City (h)
Bournemouth: 2-2 Palace (h); 2-2 Watford (a); 2-1 West Brom (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Salah 29; Firmino 14; Mané 9; Coutinho 7; Can, Oxlade-Chamberlain 3; Sturridge 2; Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, Klavan, Lovren, Matip, Wijnaldum 1
Bournemouth: Wilson 7; King 6; Stanislas 5; Defoe 4; Ake, S Cook, Gosling, Ibe, Mousset, Surman 2; Arter, Daniels, A Smith 1
Referee: Chris Kavanagh (WhoScored)
This will be the first time that Kavanagh has refereed a Liverpool match.
Guess at a line-up:
Karius
Trent A-A Lovren van Dijk Robertson
Alex O-C Henderson Wijnaldum
Salah Firmino Mané
Normally, I'd start off by asking whether Liverpool would rest players after Tuesday's exertions. That City tie was draining, and the majority involved played three games in six days: two incredibly difficult, one a derby that almost wasn't even a derby. And after this, there's a week before the next match, at bottom-of-the-table manager-less West Brom before we get the Champions League semi-finals.
Ha. As if Liverpool have enough healthy bodies to rest players.
The injury list remains extensive and not really getting better. Can, Lallana, Gomez, and Matip are long-term, although the first three *might* be back before the end of the season. And now both Clyne and Klavan are probably out with minor issues picked up in training.
So, once again, it's a case of who's available and go with that.
Henderson will come back into the side, meaning one from Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Wijnaldum get a match off. Maybe one of the front three is left on the bench for either Solanke or Ings; Salah's the most likely after a groin injury in the first leg against City but he's still Mo Salah and I love him and I want him on the pitch at all times. Maaaaaaaaaybe Moreno comes in for Robertson. But that's it. This is the Liverpool we've got but at least the Liverpool we've got is pretty dang good.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth. Look, I've got a lot of time for Eddie Howe. Sure, Bournemouth have had a very mid-table season. Bad for a while, better since the turn of the new year, concrete near the top of the "everyone else after the top six." 38 points, 11th place, ten points and goal difference outside the relegation zone.
But Bournemouth, unlike your Evertons, want to play football. Bournemouth don't want to box clever, Bournemouth want to box. They've scored more goals than all but nine other teams in the division, but they've conceded more goals than all but four. Bournemouth can be fun, and there isn't enough fun in "everyone else after the top six" part of the league.
Bournemouth have scored in 15 consecutive league games. That's more than Liverpool. And that could well be a problem, despite the defensive improvement we've been lauding lately. But Bournemouth have also kept a clean sheet in just one of those games. And it wasn't the game you'd expect: a 3-0 win at Chelsea at the end of January. It doesn't happen often, but maybe just maybe they both can box and box clever in these types of matches.
And Bournemouth boxing has gone well in previous games against Liverpool. Last season's two meetings were two of the most painful, especially the 4-3 at Bournemouth, coming back from two goals down in the final 30 minutes with an injury time winner, but don't sleep on the 2-2 at Anfield. A late-season Liverpool line-up. Liverpool conceding early from an error. A struggle. Two goals bracketing halftime to take the lead, but then pressure, but then a stomach punch, but then a late equalizer.
But then there was this season's meeting. It's a lot harder to box with this season's Liverpool. Bournemouth tried to go toe-to-toe with Liverpool. High-line defense, play out from the back, attack open spaces. Get at those Liverpool defenders who made so many mistakes when these sides met last season. And it went very, very, very badly for them.
Bournemouth will probably play the same 4-4-1-1 we saw in the last meeting, that we usually see from Bournemouth. My best guess is Begovic; Francis, S Cook, Ake, Daniels; Fraser, L Cook, Gosling, Pugh; King, Wilson. But Defoe could start up front, Mousset on the flanks, Surman in midfield. Stanislas and Adam Smith are out injured, while Ibe's questionable after illness and Mings has just returned to training after missing almost the entire season.
The mantra for tomorrow is simple. Don't be a let-down. Liverpool have two league games before AS Roma and a Champions League semi-final becomes a thing. Liverpool are coming off a huge win at Manchester City, a huge step in the progression of this club in progression to the last four left in Europe.
But there's still the league. There's still a surmountable gap between Liverpool in the CL spots for next season and Liverpool not. There are still five games to play and potentially nine points needed.
These are three of them. And they're on offer at Anfield, where Liverpool have yet to lose this season. And Bournemouth owe us points. So go get them.
Last four head-to-head:
4-0 Liverpool (a) 12.17.17
2-2 (h) 04.05.17
3-4 Bournemouth (a) 12.04.16
2-1 Liverpool (a) 04.17.16
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 2-1 City (a); 0-0 Everton (a); 3-0 City (h)
Bournemouth: 2-2 Palace (h); 2-2 Watford (a); 2-1 West Brom (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Salah 29; Firmino 14; Mané 9; Coutinho 7; Can, Oxlade-Chamberlain 3; Sturridge 2; Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, Klavan, Lovren, Matip, Wijnaldum 1
Bournemouth: Wilson 7; King 6; Stanislas 5; Defoe 4; Ake, S Cook, Gosling, Ibe, Mousset, Surman 2; Arter, Daniels, A Smith 1
Referee: Chris Kavanagh (WhoScored)
This will be the first time that Kavanagh has refereed a Liverpool match.
Guess at a line-up:
Karius
Trent A-A Lovren van Dijk Robertson
Alex O-C Henderson Wijnaldum
Salah Firmino Mané
Normally, I'd start off by asking whether Liverpool would rest players after Tuesday's exertions. That City tie was draining, and the majority involved played three games in six days: two incredibly difficult, one a derby that almost wasn't even a derby. And after this, there's a week before the next match, at bottom-of-the-table manager-less West Brom before we get the Champions League semi-finals.
Ha. As if Liverpool have enough healthy bodies to rest players.
The injury list remains extensive and not really getting better. Can, Lallana, Gomez, and Matip are long-term, although the first three *might* be back before the end of the season. And now both Clyne and Klavan are probably out with minor issues picked up in training.
So, once again, it's a case of who's available and go with that.
Henderson will come back into the side, meaning one from Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Wijnaldum get a match off. Maybe one of the front three is left on the bench for either Solanke or Ings; Salah's the most likely after a groin injury in the first leg against City but he's still Mo Salah and I love him and I want him on the pitch at all times. Maaaaaaaaaybe Moreno comes in for Robertson. But that's it. This is the Liverpool we've got but at least the Liverpool we've got is pretty dang good.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth. Look, I've got a lot of time for Eddie Howe. Sure, Bournemouth have had a very mid-table season. Bad for a while, better since the turn of the new year, concrete near the top of the "everyone else after the top six." 38 points, 11th place, ten points and goal difference outside the relegation zone.
But Bournemouth, unlike your Evertons, want to play football. Bournemouth don't want to box clever, Bournemouth want to box. They've scored more goals than all but nine other teams in the division, but they've conceded more goals than all but four. Bournemouth can be fun, and there isn't enough fun in "everyone else after the top six" part of the league.
Bournemouth have scored in 15 consecutive league games. That's more than Liverpool. And that could well be a problem, despite the defensive improvement we've been lauding lately. But Bournemouth have also kept a clean sheet in just one of those games. And it wasn't the game you'd expect: a 3-0 win at Chelsea at the end of January. It doesn't happen often, but maybe just maybe they both can box and box clever in these types of matches.
And Bournemouth boxing has gone well in previous games against Liverpool. Last season's two meetings were two of the most painful, especially the 4-3 at Bournemouth, coming back from two goals down in the final 30 minutes with an injury time winner, but don't sleep on the 2-2 at Anfield. A late-season Liverpool line-up. Liverpool conceding early from an error. A struggle. Two goals bracketing halftime to take the lead, but then pressure, but then a stomach punch, but then a late equalizer.
But then there was this season's meeting. It's a lot harder to box with this season's Liverpool. Bournemouth tried to go toe-to-toe with Liverpool. High-line defense, play out from the back, attack open spaces. Get at those Liverpool defenders who made so many mistakes when these sides met last season. And it went very, very, very badly for them.
Bournemouth will probably play the same 4-4-1-1 we saw in the last meeting, that we usually see from Bournemouth. My best guess is Begovic; Francis, S Cook, Ake, Daniels; Fraser, L Cook, Gosling, Pugh; King, Wilson. But Defoe could start up front, Mousset on the flanks, Surman in midfield. Stanislas and Adam Smith are out injured, while Ibe's questionable after illness and Mings has just returned to training after missing almost the entire season.
The mantra for tomorrow is simple. Don't be a let-down. Liverpool have two league games before AS Roma and a Champions League semi-final becomes a thing. Liverpool are coming off a huge win at Manchester City, a huge step in the progression of this club in progression to the last four left in Europe.
But there's still the league. There's still a surmountable gap between Liverpool in the CL spots for next season and Liverpool not. There are still five games to play and potentially nine points needed.
These are three of them. And they're on offer at Anfield, where Liverpool have yet to lose this season. And Bournemouth owe us points. So go get them.
18 December 2017
Visualized: Liverpool 4-0 Bournemouth
Previous Match Infographics: West Brom (h), Everton (h), Spartak Moscow (h), Brighton (a), Stoke (a), Chelsea (h), Sevilla (a), Southampton (h), West Ham (a), Maribor (h), Huddersfield (h), Tottenham (a), Maribor (a), United (h), Newcastle (a), Spartak Moscow (a), Leicester (a), Burnley (h), Sevilla (h), Manchester City (a), Arsenal (h), Hoffenheim (h), Crystal Palace (h), Hoffenheim (a), Watford (a)
Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app.
Space: The Favored Frontier
Want to know what Liverpool can do when they've got possession in situations like this? With all that space in behind?
Liverpool will often score. Coutinho will dribble at retreating defenders and Salah will run behind and beyond them, and they'll put the ball past the opposition goalkeeper at a fairly high rate. Because Coutinho and Salah are exemplary footballers, and Firmino, Mané, Oxlade-Chamberlain, etc. ain't bad either.
It's not as if these were the only moments where Liverpool took advantage of Bournemouth's set-up. Liverpool's first real chance – Coutinho's free kick – came from a similar moment. Bournemouth, with the back four pushing forward, trying to play out from the back, pressed into a giveaway, then Coutinho's chip over the top for Firmino to run onto, fouled by Ake. There's also neither King nor Surman tracking Henderson's run for the one-two for Firmino's chance which led to Liverpool's corner for the second goal. Pressing led to the counter-attack insane interplay chance that Salah had saved just before his goal. Pressing led to Oxlade-Chamberlain's single-handed chance off the post, winning the ball in the final third and running at retreating defenders.
A combination of an often-higher-than-Liverpool-usually-see back line coupled with a desire to play out from the back is exactly what Liverpool like to see. Players to press and room to run. It's not often you see a side that won 4-0 and had 56% of the possession out-tackle and out-intercept their opponents, especially considering Liverpool's usually-low interception rate. There's a reason why the total passes from Everton and West Brom's back four combined were vastly lower than Bournemouth's yesterday. Playing Liverpool? Stay deep and get rid, dummies. So, hey, thanks Bournemouth.
To be fair, Liverpool can be opened up in similar ways. And Liverpool had a similar problem on Defoe's clear-cut chance. But Bournemouth couldn't convert it. And it's the only time Liverpool were opened up as they opened up Bournemouth early and often. Unlike when these sides met in a similarly open match last season, where Liverpool took an early lead and scored multiple goals but Bournemouth scored even more.
The short version. Don't give Liverpool space. Don't give Liverpool opportunities to press. Don't try to play Liverpool's game against Liverpool. It's almost certainly not going to go well, and it's gonna go even worse for you than it did last season.
Liverpool, despite scoring four, weren't anywhere near as potent as they could have been either. This wasn't scoring four goals from 12 shots or three goals from 14 shots, as at Brighton and Stoke. Liverpool put seven of 21 shots on-target – exactly one-third – which certainly isn't bad, but Liverpool have bettered that multiple times this season. Coutinho put just one of seven shots on-target. Salah missed two efforts similar to his goal before finally hammering one in.
Liverpool only converted two of four clear-cut chances, which is vastly better than against Everton or West Brom, but certainly not the ruthlessness we saw against Spartak, among others.
Liverpool's shot quality (xG per shot) was good – 0.148 – but it was almost exactly the same as that against West Brom, where they failed to score.
Liverpool's attack was very good, but Liverpool could have been even better.
Set play goals have been a big part of Liverpool's recent successes. Lovren's was Liverpool's seventh corner goal of the season – all since Huddersfield. Liverpool only had 10 through all last season. And, with few exceptions, they've been early goals in matches where Liverpool scored multiple times. 2-0 Huddersfield, 3-0 Maribor, 2-0 West Ham, 1-0 and 2-0 Sevilla, 1-0 Brighton, and 2-0 Bournemouth. Sevilla was the only match Liverpool failed to win, for other obvious reasons. Two for Firmino, one each for Sturridge, Matip, Mané, Can, and Lovren.
And early goals have been a big part of it. Liverpool have drawn just two matches where they've scored in the first quarter of the match, before the 23rd minute. Both were against Sevilla. Otherwise, 4-2 Hoffenheim, 4-0 Arsenal, 3-2 Leicester, 7-0 Maribor, 4-1 West Ham, 3-0 Stoke, 7-0 Spartak, and 4-0 Bournemouth.
But these, like a lot of things we saw yesterday, aren't new to us. Liverpool are good when the attack is good. Liverpool are good when the attack has space to operate and opponents to press. If Liverpool score early, Liverpool often score more. If Liverpool score early and often, the opposition has a hard time scoring any of their own. This has happened more away from home than at Anfield of late.
All features and facets we've seen before. Successes in the type of matches we've seen successes in before. That's not to downplay yesterday, by any stretch, either certain exceptional individuals or as a collective. No Liverpool player was below a "seven" if we're doing individual ratings, with many higher. Including whomever your favorite scapegoat has been lately. No side has beaten Bournemouth so thoroughly in a long time; Liverpool are the first to score four against Bournemouth since February.
This was very good, from front to back, from start to finish. Not only from attack, but also from midfield and defense. And that's no small matter.
But this isn't where Liverpool have run into roadblocks lately, either.
Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app.
Space: The Favored Frontier
Want to know what Liverpool can do when they've got possession in situations like this? With all that space in behind?
Liverpool will often score. Coutinho will dribble at retreating defenders and Salah will run behind and beyond them, and they'll put the ball past the opposition goalkeeper at a fairly high rate. Because Coutinho and Salah are exemplary footballers, and Firmino, Mané, Oxlade-Chamberlain, etc. ain't bad either.
It's not as if these were the only moments where Liverpool took advantage of Bournemouth's set-up. Liverpool's first real chance – Coutinho's free kick – came from a similar moment. Bournemouth, with the back four pushing forward, trying to play out from the back, pressed into a giveaway, then Coutinho's chip over the top for Firmino to run onto, fouled by Ake. There's also neither King nor Surman tracking Henderson's run for the one-two for Firmino's chance which led to Liverpool's corner for the second goal. Pressing led to the counter-attack insane interplay chance that Salah had saved just before his goal. Pressing led to Oxlade-Chamberlain's single-handed chance off the post, winning the ball in the final third and running at retreating defenders.
A combination of an often-higher-than-Liverpool-usually-see back line coupled with a desire to play out from the back is exactly what Liverpool like to see. Players to press and room to run. It's not often you see a side that won 4-0 and had 56% of the possession out-tackle and out-intercept their opponents, especially considering Liverpool's usually-low interception rate. There's a reason why the total passes from Everton and West Brom's back four combined were vastly lower than Bournemouth's yesterday. Playing Liverpool? Stay deep and get rid, dummies. So, hey, thanks Bournemouth.
To be fair, Liverpool can be opened up in similar ways. And Liverpool had a similar problem on Defoe's clear-cut chance. But Bournemouth couldn't convert it. And it's the only time Liverpool were opened up as they opened up Bournemouth early and often. Unlike when these sides met in a similarly open match last season, where Liverpool took an early lead and scored multiple goals but Bournemouth scored even more.
The short version. Don't give Liverpool space. Don't give Liverpool opportunities to press. Don't try to play Liverpool's game against Liverpool. It's almost certainly not going to go well, and it's gonna go even worse for you than it did last season.
Liverpool, despite scoring four, weren't anywhere near as potent as they could have been either. This wasn't scoring four goals from 12 shots or three goals from 14 shots, as at Brighton and Stoke. Liverpool put seven of 21 shots on-target – exactly one-third – which certainly isn't bad, but Liverpool have bettered that multiple times this season. Coutinho put just one of seven shots on-target. Salah missed two efforts similar to his goal before finally hammering one in.
Liverpool only converted two of four clear-cut chances, which is vastly better than against Everton or West Brom, but certainly not the ruthlessness we saw against Spartak, among others.
Liverpool's shot quality (xG per shot) was good – 0.148 – but it was almost exactly the same as that against West Brom, where they failed to score.
Liverpool's attack was very good, but Liverpool could have been even better.
Set play goals have been a big part of Liverpool's recent successes. Lovren's was Liverpool's seventh corner goal of the season – all since Huddersfield. Liverpool only had 10 through all last season. And, with few exceptions, they've been early goals in matches where Liverpool scored multiple times. 2-0 Huddersfield, 3-0 Maribor, 2-0 West Ham, 1-0 and 2-0 Sevilla, 1-0 Brighton, and 2-0 Bournemouth. Sevilla was the only match Liverpool failed to win, for other obvious reasons. Two for Firmino, one each for Sturridge, Matip, Mané, Can, and Lovren.
And early goals have been a big part of it. Liverpool have drawn just two matches where they've scored in the first quarter of the match, before the 23rd minute. Both were against Sevilla. Otherwise, 4-2 Hoffenheim, 4-0 Arsenal, 3-2 Leicester, 7-0 Maribor, 4-1 West Ham, 3-0 Stoke, 7-0 Spartak, and 4-0 Bournemouth.
But these, like a lot of things we saw yesterday, aren't new to us. Liverpool are good when the attack is good. Liverpool are good when the attack has space to operate and opponents to press. If Liverpool score early, Liverpool often score more. If Liverpool score early and often, the opposition has a hard time scoring any of their own. This has happened more away from home than at Anfield of late.
All features and facets we've seen before. Successes in the type of matches we've seen successes in before. That's not to downplay yesterday, by any stretch, either certain exceptional individuals or as a collective. No Liverpool player was below a "seven" if we're doing individual ratings, with many higher. Including whomever your favorite scapegoat has been lately. No side has beaten Bournemouth so thoroughly in a long time; Liverpool are the first to score four against Bournemouth since February.
This was very good, from front to back, from start to finish. Not only from attack, but also from midfield and defense. And that's no small matter.
But this isn't where Liverpool have run into roadblocks lately, either.
17 December 2017
Liverpool 4-0 Bournemouth
Goals:
Coutinho 20'
Lovren 26'
Salah 44'
Firmino 66'
Revenge for last season? Sure, why not. It's a start, at least.
This was West Ham, Stoke, and Brighton again. This was Liverpool nearing, if not at the apex, of its attacking best, after the disappointments in the last two matches. This was Liverpool scoring early, then Liverpool scoring often. This was another away game shellacking of a side that had given Liverpool problems in past seasons, as we all very much remember.
Bournemouth did what Bournemouth said they were going to do. Bournemouth didn't drop 10 behind the ball and hope to stop Liverpool. Bournemouth wanted to play an open game.
Bournemouth paid for it.
Liverpool went at Bournemouth from the opening whistle, but Liverpool also had space to go at Bournemouth. This wasn't "let's run at a deep brick wall and hope for the best." There were gaps between central midfield and defense. There were wingers who didn't do enough to support under-fire fullbacks.
There were Liverpool chances, almost right away. There was the woodwork saving Bournemouth from an 11th minute concession, denying Coutinho a third free kick goal this season. There was Salah, torturing Charlie Daniels from the opening whistle, setting a marker when missing a I'm-gonna-cut-in-and-shoot-you-can't-stop me Arjen Robben attempt.
And in the 20th minute, there was Coutinho with the ball at his feet on the halfway line. Lay-off to Robertson, with a quickly released pass back getting Coutinho beyond defenders. There he goes. There's Francis retreating with no idea where to go, especially when Robertson also steams into the picture. There's a drop of the shoulder to both remove and embarrass Lewis Cook. There's the ball in the net. The clichéd "mazy run" doesn't even come close to covering it. It was art.
When Liverpool score a first in the first half-hour, they usually get a second.
The second came six minutes after the first. Corner, Wijnaldum flick, Firmino somehow keeps it in, a chip over his shoulder, Lovren first to react with a torpedo diving header. Another set play goal, as against Brighton, Sevilla, West Ham, Maribor, and Huddersfield during this run. You know, a lot of those matches where Liverpool scored multiple goals.
When Liverpool score two in the first half-hour, they usually get more.
But first, one of those sliding-doors moments which happen almost every match.
Liverpool lose possession in midfield – something which didn't often happen today. Cook to Stanislas, through ball to Defoe in space behind Lovren, holding his line with Gomez still retreating. Defoe, with one of his trademark chances: on the counter, in behind, one-on-one with the keeper.
He hits the post.
The woodwork giveth, the woodwork taketh away.
Is it a different game if Defoe finishes his clear-cut chance in the 39th minute, with Liverpool *only* up 2-0? Of course it is. Even if the result stays the same, we get to see if Liverpool tilt, we get acid flashbacks of last season at Bournemouth. We get to see Liverpool tested.
But, of course, it's a different game against Everton if Liverpool convert one of three missed clear-cut chances or the referee doesn't give a nonsense penalty. It's a different game against West Brom if Liverpool convert one of three missed clear-cut chances or the referee doesn't rule out Solanke's goal for an accidental close-range handball.
The finishing pixie is a cruel mistress. And football is a cruel game. We knew that. We've learned that before.
And other than that Defoe miss, Liverpool weren't really tested.
Salah added the game-killing third just before halftime, mere seconds after Begovic saved his clear-cut chance from just outrageous Liverpool passing, this time absolutely destroying both Daniels and Ake before finally Robbening one in.
Second half, cruise control. Bournemouth rarely threatened after Defoe's miss: a couple of swiftly blocked shots, Fraser's no-angle effort into the side-netting, and Mignolet's nice save on Defoe's effort on the hour mark. Not that it mattered by that point, but Bournemouth didn't have a single shot in the last 30 minutes.
We got a fourth from Firmino in the 66th, a goal his performance merited: probably offside, but a second diving header, this one converting Coutinho's cross.
We got all-English subs, with Lallana, Solanke, and Ings replacing Salah, Firmino, and Coutinho, with both Ings and Solanke unlucky not to get Liverpool's fifth.
We got another comprehensive away win, which doesn't quite make up for the pain this opponent caused last season, but it's a start. We got a comprehensive away win after the two draws earlier this week.
So, what did we learn? Actually, not a lot.
When Liverpool are good, Liverpool are really good. When Liverpool score early and often, Liverpool are really good.
We knew that.
Coutinho and Salah are wonderful footballers, each with an indescribably good solo goal. Firmino's work rate fuels the front three, his flick to keep the ball in for Lovren's goal, his headed goal, his constant running and pressing and leading the line.
We knew that.
Liverpool often thrive against open opposition, even more this season than last. We knew that. So, thanks to Bournemouth for not only playing open, but playing passively, and playing with a two-man midfield that both wasn't deep enough and didn't challenge Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Wijnaldum, with the first two actually excellent today. Oxlade-Chamberlain's getting better each match, and Jordan Henderson thrives in games like these, when he's not challenged in midfield, when he's got space to look up for forward passes, when he has a chance to press opponents.
And, to be fair, Bournemouth's task was made even harder today with two players taken off through injury by the 56th minute: Josh King in the first half, Charlie Daniels early in the second. King especially could have made a difference, the pace and hold-up play on the counter that neither Defoe nor Stanislas have. I'm struggling to feel bad for them, though.
I'm just gonna leave these here.
Liverpool are now unbeaten in their last 12 matches, even if we're still mad about the two which came before this. Liverpool have scored three or more in nine of those 12 matches. Liverpool kept a clean sheet in seven of those 12 matches.
Liverpool are a good side, especially in these conditions, and really especially when Liverpool's key players play this well. When those key players take the chances they're presented with.
But, again, this isn't last season's Liverpool. These aren't the matches we've had to worry about lately. But we'll worry about those later.
Coutinho 20'
Lovren 26'
Salah 44'
Firmino 66'
Revenge for last season? Sure, why not. It's a start, at least.
This was West Ham, Stoke, and Brighton again. This was Liverpool nearing, if not at the apex, of its attacking best, after the disappointments in the last two matches. This was Liverpool scoring early, then Liverpool scoring often. This was another away game shellacking of a side that had given Liverpool problems in past seasons, as we all very much remember.
Bournemouth did what Bournemouth said they were going to do. Bournemouth didn't drop 10 behind the ball and hope to stop Liverpool. Bournemouth wanted to play an open game.
Bournemouth paid for it.
Liverpool went at Bournemouth from the opening whistle, but Liverpool also had space to go at Bournemouth. This wasn't "let's run at a deep brick wall and hope for the best." There were gaps between central midfield and defense. There were wingers who didn't do enough to support under-fire fullbacks.
There were Liverpool chances, almost right away. There was the woodwork saving Bournemouth from an 11th minute concession, denying Coutinho a third free kick goal this season. There was Salah, torturing Charlie Daniels from the opening whistle, setting a marker when missing a I'm-gonna-cut-in-and-shoot-you-can't-stop me Arjen Robben attempt.
And in the 20th minute, there was Coutinho with the ball at his feet on the halfway line. Lay-off to Robertson, with a quickly released pass back getting Coutinho beyond defenders. There he goes. There's Francis retreating with no idea where to go, especially when Robertson also steams into the picture. There's a drop of the shoulder to both remove and embarrass Lewis Cook. There's the ball in the net. The clichéd "mazy run" doesn't even come close to covering it. It was art.
When Liverpool score a first in the first half-hour, they usually get a second.
The second came six minutes after the first. Corner, Wijnaldum flick, Firmino somehow keeps it in, a chip over his shoulder, Lovren first to react with a torpedo diving header. Another set play goal, as against Brighton, Sevilla, West Ham, Maribor, and Huddersfield during this run. You know, a lot of those matches where Liverpool scored multiple goals.
When Liverpool score two in the first half-hour, they usually get more.
But first, one of those sliding-doors moments which happen almost every match.
Liverpool lose possession in midfield – something which didn't often happen today. Cook to Stanislas, through ball to Defoe in space behind Lovren, holding his line with Gomez still retreating. Defoe, with one of his trademark chances: on the counter, in behind, one-on-one with the keeper.
He hits the post.
The woodwork giveth, the woodwork taketh away.
Is it a different game if Defoe finishes his clear-cut chance in the 39th minute, with Liverpool *only* up 2-0? Of course it is. Even if the result stays the same, we get to see if Liverpool tilt, we get acid flashbacks of last season at Bournemouth. We get to see Liverpool tested.
But, of course, it's a different game against Everton if Liverpool convert one of three missed clear-cut chances or the referee doesn't give a nonsense penalty. It's a different game against West Brom if Liverpool convert one of three missed clear-cut chances or the referee doesn't rule out Solanke's goal for an accidental close-range handball.
The finishing pixie is a cruel mistress. And football is a cruel game. We knew that. We've learned that before.
And other than that Defoe miss, Liverpool weren't really tested.
Salah added the game-killing third just before halftime, mere seconds after Begovic saved his clear-cut chance from just outrageous Liverpool passing, this time absolutely destroying both Daniels and Ake before finally Robbening one in.
Second half, cruise control. Bournemouth rarely threatened after Defoe's miss: a couple of swiftly blocked shots, Fraser's no-angle effort into the side-netting, and Mignolet's nice save on Defoe's effort on the hour mark. Not that it mattered by that point, but Bournemouth didn't have a single shot in the last 30 minutes.
We got a fourth from Firmino in the 66th, a goal his performance merited: probably offside, but a second diving header, this one converting Coutinho's cross.
We got all-English subs, with Lallana, Solanke, and Ings replacing Salah, Firmino, and Coutinho, with both Ings and Solanke unlucky not to get Liverpool's fifth.
We got another comprehensive away win, which doesn't quite make up for the pain this opponent caused last season, but it's a start. We got a comprehensive away win after the two draws earlier this week.
So, what did we learn? Actually, not a lot.
When Liverpool are good, Liverpool are really good. When Liverpool score early and often, Liverpool are really good.
We knew that.
Coutinho and Salah are wonderful footballers, each with an indescribably good solo goal. Firmino's work rate fuels the front three, his flick to keep the ball in for Lovren's goal, his headed goal, his constant running and pressing and leading the line.
We knew that.
Liverpool often thrive against open opposition, even more this season than last. We knew that. So, thanks to Bournemouth for not only playing open, but playing passively, and playing with a two-man midfield that both wasn't deep enough and didn't challenge Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Wijnaldum, with the first two actually excellent today. Oxlade-Chamberlain's getting better each match, and Jordan Henderson thrives in games like these, when he's not challenged in midfield, when he's got space to look up for forward passes, when he has a chance to press opponents.
And, to be fair, Bournemouth's task was made even harder today with two players taken off through injury by the 56th minute: Josh King in the first half, Charlie Daniels early in the second. King especially could have made a difference, the pace and hold-up play on the counter that neither Defoe nor Stanislas have. I'm struggling to feel bad for them, though.
I'm just gonna leave these here.
@LFC have scored 3 or more in a 5th successive away game for the first time since January 1982.
— Ged Rea (@ged0407) December 17, 2017
4 - @LFC are the first team in top-flight history to have won four consecutive away games by a margin of at least three goals. Record. pic.twitter.com/Kjowqc6676
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 17, 2017
Liverpool are now unbeaten in their last 12 matches, even if we're still mad about the two which came before this. Liverpool have scored three or more in nine of those 12 matches. Liverpool kept a clean sheet in seven of those 12 matches.
Liverpool are a good side, especially in these conditions, and really especially when Liverpool's key players play this well. When those key players take the chances they're presented with.
But, again, this isn't last season's Liverpool. These aren't the matches we've had to worry about lately. But we'll worry about those later.
16 December 2017
Liverpool at Bournemouth 12.17.17
11:30am ET, live in the US on NBC Sports
Last four head-to-head:
2-2 (h) 04.05.17
3-4 Bournemouth (a) 12.04.16
2-1 Liverpool (a) 04.17.16
1-0 Liverpool (h; League Cup) 10.28.15
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 0-0 West Brom (h); 1-1 Everton (h); 7-0 Spartak (h)
Bournemouth: 0-1 United (a); 2-2 Palace (a); 1-1 Southampton (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Salah 13; Firmino 5; Coutinho, Mané 4; Sturridge 2; Alex O-C, Can, Henderson, Matip, Wijnaldum 1
Bournemouth: Defoe, Wilson 3; King, Surman 2; Arter, S Cook, Daniels, Fraser, Stanislas 1
Referee: Andre Marriner (LFC History) (WhoScored)
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Gomez Lovren Klavan Milner
Wijnaldum Henderson Can
Mané Firmino Coutinho
We're having a minor crisis of confidence here.
Two stuttering, slightly unlucky draws to slow down Liverpool's run. Stifled attacking play, dismal finishing, and some unhelpful referee decisions. It's not been the most enjoyable week, especially considering the six weeks which came before.
So, sure, it's a great time to play a side that twice drove Liverpool insane last season, twice coming back to take points off of Liverpool despite a Liverpool lead, drawing 2-2 at Anfield despite a 2-1 lead in the 86th minute and losing 3-4 at Bournemouth despite a 3-1 lead in the 75th minute. It took a few more matches to truly set in, but defeat at Bournemouth last December marked the beginning of Liverpool's winter of discontent a year ago. Liverpool topped the table going into that round of fixtures. They'd never see first again after that loss.
At least Bournemouth won't play like Everton or West Brom. Eddie Howe doesn't know how. Their last game at United seems illustrative. Bournemouth attacked United. Bournemouth out-shot United. Bournemouth looked to both build play and counter quickly. And Bournemouth only lost because of one well-taken Lukaku header and an inability to get past De Gea at the other end.
Which makes it even harder to guess Liverpool's XI, not that it's been anywhere near easy lately. There will undoubtedly be a surprise or two left out. But Liverpool seem more likely to play 4-3-3, because Liverpool won't have to draw out a reluctant home side as they did at West Ham, Stoke, and Brighton, because Bournemouth are coming at them anyway.
Mignolet will come back in at keeper. Gomez will return at full-back. Lovren and Klavan have to remain center-backs. Robertson probably gets a breather given he's had two consecutive starts after not playing for a few months. As usual, the front six is harder to guess. Let's start with the one I'm guessing absent. Liverpool's player of the season so far: Mohamed Salah. He's started every match since Stoke, four already in December, when every other attacker's had at least one match on the bench.
Salah's absence should mean either Coutinho or Oxlade-Chamberlain in the front three. The former would lead to Henderson, Can, and Wijnaldum in midfield, the latter seeing one of them left out as Coutinho plays deeper. Lallana's probably only fit enough for the bench, having made just one short substitute appearance a few weeks back. Sturridge is, again, struggling with some sort of minor injury.
But, of course, I could be completely wrong and it's 4-4-2 with Salah and Firmino and Oxlade-Chamberlain and Coutinho and Henderson and Wijnaldum and who knows anymore it's almost been refreshing to not be able to guess the side. Well, as long as Liverpool win.
Not that it's especially mattered against Liverpool lately, but Bournemouth are winless in their last five, with draws against Swansea, Southampton, and Palace, and losses against Burnley and United. They also have a mammoth week ahead. Not that sides don't or won't get up for games against Liverpool – especially after last season's fixtures – but they've a League Cup quarterfinal at Chelsea on Wednesday followed by a trip to runaway leaders Manchester City next Saturday.
So we'll see some rotation from Bournemouth. An XI something like Begovic; Smith, S Cook, Ake, Daniels; Stanislas, L Cook, Surman, Fraser; King, Defoe. But Eddie Howe's necessarily rotated his side over the last few weeks anyway, which makes guessing the XI slightly a fool's game here as well. Gosling and Arter are other options in midfield; Pugh and Ibe could play on the flanks. But that back line has usually been the back line, and King and Defoe are usually preferred up front – although Callum Wilson could definitely pose a few threats on the counter. Federici, Mings, and ex-Liverpool player Brad Smith are out injured.
This will be Liverpool's ninth match in the last month. They'll have another five after this before finally getting a week between fixtures. It's gotten gritty. It's gone off the boil. There have been disappointments.
Liverpool are still unbeaten during this stretch. Liverpool are still playing better, with a deeper squad, than they were at this time last season, even during the last two draws.
So rather than tiresome and unwelcomed, this is another opportunity. Not only an opportunity to reverse the recent minor rot, but also to avenge last season's failures in this fixture.
Last four head-to-head:
2-2 (h) 04.05.17
3-4 Bournemouth (a) 12.04.16
2-1 Liverpool (a) 04.17.16
1-0 Liverpool (h; League Cup) 10.28.15
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 0-0 West Brom (h); 1-1 Everton (h); 7-0 Spartak (h)
Bournemouth: 0-1 United (a); 2-2 Palace (a); 1-1 Southampton (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Salah 13; Firmino 5; Coutinho, Mané 4; Sturridge 2; Alex O-C, Can, Henderson, Matip, Wijnaldum 1
Bournemouth: Defoe, Wilson 3; King, Surman 2; Arter, S Cook, Daniels, Fraser, Stanislas 1
Referee: Andre Marriner (LFC History) (WhoScored)
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Gomez Lovren Klavan Milner
Wijnaldum Henderson Can
Mané Firmino Coutinho
We're having a minor crisis of confidence here.
Two stuttering, slightly unlucky draws to slow down Liverpool's run. Stifled attacking play, dismal finishing, and some unhelpful referee decisions. It's not been the most enjoyable week, especially considering the six weeks which came before.
So, sure, it's a great time to play a side that twice drove Liverpool insane last season, twice coming back to take points off of Liverpool despite a Liverpool lead, drawing 2-2 at Anfield despite a 2-1 lead in the 86th minute and losing 3-4 at Bournemouth despite a 3-1 lead in the 75th minute. It took a few more matches to truly set in, but defeat at Bournemouth last December marked the beginning of Liverpool's winter of discontent a year ago. Liverpool topped the table going into that round of fixtures. They'd never see first again after that loss.
At least Bournemouth won't play like Everton or West Brom. Eddie Howe doesn't know how. Their last game at United seems illustrative. Bournemouth attacked United. Bournemouth out-shot United. Bournemouth looked to both build play and counter quickly. And Bournemouth only lost because of one well-taken Lukaku header and an inability to get past De Gea at the other end.
Which makes it even harder to guess Liverpool's XI, not that it's been anywhere near easy lately. There will undoubtedly be a surprise or two left out. But Liverpool seem more likely to play 4-3-3, because Liverpool won't have to draw out a reluctant home side as they did at West Ham, Stoke, and Brighton, because Bournemouth are coming at them anyway.
Mignolet will come back in at keeper. Gomez will return at full-back. Lovren and Klavan have to remain center-backs. Robertson probably gets a breather given he's had two consecutive starts after not playing for a few months. As usual, the front six is harder to guess. Let's start with the one I'm guessing absent. Liverpool's player of the season so far: Mohamed Salah. He's started every match since Stoke, four already in December, when every other attacker's had at least one match on the bench.
Salah's absence should mean either Coutinho or Oxlade-Chamberlain in the front three. The former would lead to Henderson, Can, and Wijnaldum in midfield, the latter seeing one of them left out as Coutinho plays deeper. Lallana's probably only fit enough for the bench, having made just one short substitute appearance a few weeks back. Sturridge is, again, struggling with some sort of minor injury.
But, of course, I could be completely wrong and it's 4-4-2 with Salah and Firmino and Oxlade-Chamberlain and Coutinho and Henderson and Wijnaldum and who knows anymore it's almost been refreshing to not be able to guess the side. Well, as long as Liverpool win.
Not that it's especially mattered against Liverpool lately, but Bournemouth are winless in their last five, with draws against Swansea, Southampton, and Palace, and losses against Burnley and United. They also have a mammoth week ahead. Not that sides don't or won't get up for games against Liverpool – especially after last season's fixtures – but they've a League Cup quarterfinal at Chelsea on Wednesday followed by a trip to runaway leaders Manchester City next Saturday.
So we'll see some rotation from Bournemouth. An XI something like Begovic; Smith, S Cook, Ake, Daniels; Stanislas, L Cook, Surman, Fraser; King, Defoe. But Eddie Howe's necessarily rotated his side over the last few weeks anyway, which makes guessing the XI slightly a fool's game here as well. Gosling and Arter are other options in midfield; Pugh and Ibe could play on the flanks. But that back line has usually been the back line, and King and Defoe are usually preferred up front – although Callum Wilson could definitely pose a few threats on the counter. Federici, Mings, and ex-Liverpool player Brad Smith are out injured.
This will be Liverpool's ninth match in the last month. They'll have another five after this before finally getting a week between fixtures. It's gotten gritty. It's gone off the boil. There have been disappointments.
Liverpool are still unbeaten during this stretch. Liverpool are still playing better, with a deeper squad, than they were at this time last season, even during the last two draws.
So rather than tiresome and unwelcomed, this is another opportunity. Not only an opportunity to reverse the recent minor rot, but also to avenge last season's failures in this fixture.
06 April 2017
Visualized: Liverpool 2-2 Bournemouth
Previous Match Infographics: Everton (h), Manchester City (h), Burnley (a), Arsenal (h), Leicester (a), Tottenham (h), Hull (a), Chelsea (h), Swansea (h), Manchester United (a), Sunderland (a), Manchester City (a), Stoke (h), Everton (a), Middlesbrough (a), West Ham (h), Bournemouth (a), Sunderland (h), Southampton (a), Watford (h), Crystal Palace (a), West Brom (h), United (h), Swansea (a), Hull (h), Chelsea (a), Leicester (h), Tottenham (a), Burnley (a), Arsenal (a)
All match data from Stats Zone and Who Scored.
(Nota Bene: Here's the formation diagram usually included in match reviews.)
Another Liverpool match against a Bottom 10 side, another regrettable performance. Another early goal conceded. Another goal conceded from a defensive error, then another conceded from an uncleared set-play. Another lead lost.
It must be a day which ends in "Y."
Nine defensive errors leading to goals, through 31 games. Which – surprise, surprise – is exactly the same total as at this time last season. But aside from Lucas against Leicester and Lovren at Crystal Palace, those are some very, very costly goals. And it gets worse when you include unnecessary penalties given away and subsequently scored: 2-1 at Bournemouth, 1-1 and 2-2 at Sunderland.
Liverpool at least responded, something we failed to see in 0-2 Burnley, 0-2 Hull, and 1-3 Leicester, but kind of saw in 2-3 Swansea and definitely saw in 2-1 Burnley. As against Burnley three weeks ago, Liverpool got the needed equalizer just before halftime and the lead on the hour mark, well-worked and well-taken goals starring Firmino and Coutinho, then Wijnaldum and Origi.
And this really almost ended just as 2-1 Burnley ended. Despite the absences of Mané, Lallana, and Henderson. With Sturridge and Matip only fit enough for the bench. With Coutinho needing to go off just after the hour due to illness. Woodburn replaced Coutinho against Burnley in the 61st minute, but Liverpool still pretty much all but shut up shop.
This time, Matip replaced Coutinho, a switch to a three-at-the-back system. Which did seem a bit odd with so much time left. But Sturridge wasn't fit enough for half an hour, neither was Grujic, and for whatever reason, Klopp didn't want to go Woodburn or Trent Alexander-Arnold again. Congesting the middle and defensive thirds was prioritized over any additional impetus on the counter-attack.
And it nearly worked. Despite increased opposition possession, Liverpool held Bournemouth without a shot from Matip's entrance until that 87th minute scramble. Of course, Liverpool didn't take any either.
But then, that 87th minute scramble. Long throw not fully cleared, blocked shot not fully cleared, blocked shot falling to Josh King, Ragnar Klavan twisted inside-out, goal. As we've painfully learned, it only takes one moment against Liverpool.
Ten "late" goals in total, of the 39 conceded through 31 matches. Three opposition consolations where Liverpool still won, Hull rubbing additional salt into the wound, three against Bournemouth in that horrific fixture, and three one-goal leads lost. It's not that bad of a record, but there are some very bad goals in there.
And it leads directly into...
15 points, although it's not entirely fair to expect Liverpool to hold onto the lead in every one of those matches. Still, most remain regrettable. And all except the West Ham game saw Liverpool's opponent score their equalizer on or after the 69th minute – which is when Agüero scored City's last month. No, not nice, stop that.
And 15 points gained from losing situations. It's the circle of life. Truly good teams should have more of the latter than the former.
So now it's yet another underwhelming performance against a side "that Liverpool should beat," although it's getting harder to write "that Liverpool should beat" in the face of overwhelming evidence otherwise.
Once again, two clear-cut Bournemouth chances, two shots on-target, two goals.
Teams who've scored two or more clear-cut chances against Liverpool: Bournemouth (a), Sunderland (a), Swansea (h), Hull (a), Leicester (a), Bournemouth (h).
Games where Liverpool's keeper has had a 0% save percentage: Burnley (a), Hull (h), WBA (h), Swansea (h), Burnley (h), Bournemouth (h).
I do not understand how Liverpool continue to be so much worse against the worst teams. Almost without fail.
And so now it's another regrettable, avoidable result. It was a chance to put more distance between the chasing pack that has games in hand, especially since City – two points back with a game in hand – and United – six points back with two games in hand – both drew as well. While Tottenham and Arsenal both won.
It's another vintage Liverpool performance, and not the good kind of vintage. And if Liverpool fail to make the Top 4 at the end of the season, it'll be these games and these results which cost them.
All match data from Stats Zone and Who Scored.
(Nota Bene: Here's the formation diagram usually included in match reviews.)
Another Liverpool match against a Bottom 10 side, another regrettable performance. Another early goal conceded. Another goal conceded from a defensive error, then another conceded from an uncleared set-play. Another lead lost.
It must be a day which ends in "Y."
Nine defensive errors leading to goals, through 31 games. Which – surprise, surprise – is exactly the same total as at this time last season. But aside from Lucas against Leicester and Lovren at Crystal Palace, those are some very, very costly goals. And it gets worse when you include unnecessary penalties given away and subsequently scored: 2-1 at Bournemouth, 1-1 and 2-2 at Sunderland.
Liverpool at least responded, something we failed to see in 0-2 Burnley, 0-2 Hull, and 1-3 Leicester, but kind of saw in 2-3 Swansea and definitely saw in 2-1 Burnley. As against Burnley three weeks ago, Liverpool got the needed equalizer just before halftime and the lead on the hour mark, well-worked and well-taken goals starring Firmino and Coutinho, then Wijnaldum and Origi.
And this really almost ended just as 2-1 Burnley ended. Despite the absences of Mané, Lallana, and Henderson. With Sturridge and Matip only fit enough for the bench. With Coutinho needing to go off just after the hour due to illness. Woodburn replaced Coutinho against Burnley in the 61st minute, but Liverpool still pretty much all but shut up shop.
This time, Matip replaced Coutinho, a switch to a three-at-the-back system. Which did seem a bit odd with so much time left. But Sturridge wasn't fit enough for half an hour, neither was Grujic, and for whatever reason, Klopp didn't want to go Woodburn or Trent Alexander-Arnold again. Congesting the middle and defensive thirds was prioritized over any additional impetus on the counter-attack.
And it nearly worked. Despite increased opposition possession, Liverpool held Bournemouth without a shot from Matip's entrance until that 87th minute scramble. Of course, Liverpool didn't take any either.
But then, that 87th minute scramble. Long throw not fully cleared, blocked shot not fully cleared, blocked shot falling to Josh King, Ragnar Klavan twisted inside-out, goal. As we've painfully learned, it only takes one moment against Liverpool.
Ten "late" goals in total, of the 39 conceded through 31 matches. Three opposition consolations where Liverpool still won, Hull rubbing additional salt into the wound, three against Bournemouth in that horrific fixture, and three one-goal leads lost. It's not that bad of a record, but there are some very bad goals in there.
And it leads directly into...
15 points, although it's not entirely fair to expect Liverpool to hold onto the lead in every one of those matches. Still, most remain regrettable. And all except the West Ham game saw Liverpool's opponent score their equalizer on or after the 69th minute – which is when Agüero scored City's last month. No, not nice, stop that.
And 15 points gained from losing situations. It's the circle of life. Truly good teams should have more of the latter than the former.
So now it's yet another underwhelming performance against a side "that Liverpool should beat," although it's getting harder to write "that Liverpool should beat" in the face of overwhelming evidence otherwise.
Once again, two clear-cut Bournemouth chances, two shots on-target, two goals.
Teams who've scored two or more clear-cut chances against Liverpool: Bournemouth (a), Sunderland (a), Swansea (h), Hull (a), Leicester (a), Bournemouth (h).
Games where Liverpool's keeper has had a 0% save percentage: Burnley (a), Hull (h), WBA (h), Swansea (h), Burnley (h), Bournemouth (h).
I do not understand how Liverpool continue to be so much worse against the worst teams. Almost without fail.
And so now it's another regrettable, avoidable result. It was a chance to put more distance between the chasing pack that has games in hand, especially since City – two points back with a game in hand – and United – six points back with two games in hand – both drew as well. While Tottenham and Arsenal both won.
It's another vintage Liverpool performance, and not the good kind of vintage. And if Liverpool fail to make the Top 4 at the end of the season, it'll be these games and these results which cost them.
04 April 2017
Liverpool v Bournemouth 04.05.17
3pm ET, live in the US on NBC Sports Live Extra
Last four head-to-head:
3-4 Bournemouth (a) 12.04.16
2-1 Liverpool (a) 04.17.16
1-0 Liverpool (h; League Cup) 10.28.15
1-0 Liverpool (h) 08.17.15
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 3-1 Everton (h); 1-1 City (a); 2-1 Burnley (a)
Bournemouth: 0-0 Southampton (a); 2-0 Swansea (h); 3-2 West Ham (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Mané 13; Firmino 9; Coutinho, Lallana, Milner 7; Origi, Wijnaldum 5; Can 4; Lovren, Sturridge 2; Henderson, Matip 1
Bournemouth: King 11; Wilson 6; Afobe, Stanislas 4; Ake, Daniels, Fraser 3; S Cook, Gosling 2; Arter, Pugh, A Smith 1
Referee: Lee Mason
Lee Mason's two Liverpool games this season: 0-2 Burnley, 0-2 Hull. Joy.
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Clyne Matip Lovren Milner
Wijnaldum Can Coutinho
Trent A-A Firmino Origi
It's not getting any easier. It rarely does.
Add Sadio Mané to the casualty list still containing Henderson, Lallana, and Sturridge – although the latter's at least back in team training. And I suspect you're aware that Liverpool's record without Sadio Mané is not good. You may still be surprised that it's 1W-2D-5L not good.
It is April 2017 and Liverpool are in a fevered fight for Top 4 and I'm writing "the line-up's a lot easier to predict if Lucas is available to start in midfield." Which is both unexpected and confusing on so many levels. But my concerns about Lucas are two-fold. First, his ability to play two matches in four days, three in eight if he's needed on the weekend as well, and West Brom seems more necessary considering the aerial bombardment than Bournemouth. Second, how important he'd actually be, in defense but more when transitioning forward, given that Liverpool will need to be more creative through the middle in Mané's absence.
Chances are, it'll be a front six of Lucas, Wijnaldum, Can; Coutinho, Firmino, Origi, future consequences be damned, but, screw it, let's go wild. Drop Coutinho into midfield, shift Can back to the holding position, and bring in Trent Alexander-Arnold, Woodburn, or Wilson in attack. Saturday's Merseyside Derby seemed evidence that Alexander-Arnold's equipped to play further forward, even if the game was incredibly stretched at that point, and is more capable of playing on the right than Woodburn and more experienced, if only marginally so, than Wilson.
But it's probably gonna be Lucas as the holder and Coutinho in attack and Firmino and Origi switching from inside to out and back and Liverpool will have to try to conjure some decent attacks without a player who's utterly crucial to said attacks.
Meanwhile, hey, it's Bournemouth. You remember Bournemouth.
That's still probably the most traumatizing match this season, although we're somewhat spoilt for choices. From 2-0 and 3-1 to 3-4 in less than a half. There were still a couple of matches to go before the rot truly set in, but that early December fixture presaged Liverpool's 2017 downturn.
Bournemouth currently sit 11th, smack in the middle of a pack from 9th to 14th separated by just three points. And Bournemouth, like Liverpool, are unbeaten in their last four matches with draws against United and and Southampton and wins over Swansea and West Ham.
Surman, Wilson, and Federici are out injured, while Mings is still suspended. Which makes tomorrow's XI likely to be the XI they've usually deployed lately. Boruc; A Smith, Cook, Francis, Daniels; Pugh, Gosling, Arter, Fraser; Afobe, King. Maybe Wilshere returns to the XI, maybe Bournemouth play a more compact 4-2-3-1 rather than the usual 4-4-2. Maybe there are even more changes after a difficult South Coast derby on Saturday and then with Chelsea coming next Saturday. I am also under the impression that both Jordon Ibe and Brad Smith still play for Bournemouth, but recent line-ups haven't borne that out.
Regardless, Liverpool are more than aware what Bournemouth are capable of. There's something to be said about direct, fast attacking and a never-give-up attitude.
There are eight matches left in the season, and this begins the run of "winnable" games that seem less winnable when you remember what Liverpool have done in similar. First, Bournemouth. Then a trip to Stoke, never an easy place to play. Then West Brom and Tony Pulis. Then a revitalized Crystal Palace. Etc, etc, etc.
But first Bournemouth. And revenge.
Last four head-to-head:
3-4 Bournemouth (a) 12.04.16
2-1 Liverpool (a) 04.17.16
1-0 Liverpool (h; League Cup) 10.28.15
1-0 Liverpool (h) 08.17.15
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 3-1 Everton (h); 1-1 City (a); 2-1 Burnley (a)
Bournemouth: 0-0 Southampton (a); 2-0 Swansea (h); 3-2 West Ham (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Mané 13; Firmino 9; Coutinho, Lallana, Milner 7; Origi, Wijnaldum 5; Can 4; Lovren, Sturridge 2; Henderson, Matip 1
Bournemouth: King 11; Wilson 6; Afobe, Stanislas 4; Ake, Daniels, Fraser 3; S Cook, Gosling 2; Arter, Pugh, A Smith 1
Referee: Lee Mason
Lee Mason's two Liverpool games this season: 0-2 Burnley, 0-2 Hull. Joy.
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Clyne Matip Lovren Milner
Wijnaldum Can Coutinho
Trent A-A Firmino Origi
It's not getting any easier. It rarely does.
Add Sadio Mané to the casualty list still containing Henderson, Lallana, and Sturridge – although the latter's at least back in team training. And I suspect you're aware that Liverpool's record without Sadio Mané is not good. You may still be surprised that it's 1W-2D-5L not good.
It is April 2017 and Liverpool are in a fevered fight for Top 4 and I'm writing "the line-up's a lot easier to predict if Lucas is available to start in midfield." Which is both unexpected and confusing on so many levels. But my concerns about Lucas are two-fold. First, his ability to play two matches in four days, three in eight if he's needed on the weekend as well, and West Brom seems more necessary considering the aerial bombardment than Bournemouth. Second, how important he'd actually be, in defense but more when transitioning forward, given that Liverpool will need to be more creative through the middle in Mané's absence.
Chances are, it'll be a front six of Lucas, Wijnaldum, Can; Coutinho, Firmino, Origi, future consequences be damned, but, screw it, let's go wild. Drop Coutinho into midfield, shift Can back to the holding position, and bring in Trent Alexander-Arnold, Woodburn, or Wilson in attack. Saturday's Merseyside Derby seemed evidence that Alexander-Arnold's equipped to play further forward, even if the game was incredibly stretched at that point, and is more capable of playing on the right than Woodburn and more experienced, if only marginally so, than Wilson.
But it's probably gonna be Lucas as the holder and Coutinho in attack and Firmino and Origi switching from inside to out and back and Liverpool will have to try to conjure some decent attacks without a player who's utterly crucial to said attacks.
Meanwhile, hey, it's Bournemouth. You remember Bournemouth.
That's still probably the most traumatizing match this season, although we're somewhat spoilt for choices. From 2-0 and 3-1 to 3-4 in less than a half. There were still a couple of matches to go before the rot truly set in, but that early December fixture presaged Liverpool's 2017 downturn.
Bournemouth currently sit 11th, smack in the middle of a pack from 9th to 14th separated by just three points. And Bournemouth, like Liverpool, are unbeaten in their last four matches with draws against United and and Southampton and wins over Swansea and West Ham.
Surman, Wilson, and Federici are out injured, while Mings is still suspended. Which makes tomorrow's XI likely to be the XI they've usually deployed lately. Boruc; A Smith, Cook, Francis, Daniels; Pugh, Gosling, Arter, Fraser; Afobe, King. Maybe Wilshere returns to the XI, maybe Bournemouth play a more compact 4-2-3-1 rather than the usual 4-4-2. Maybe there are even more changes after a difficult South Coast derby on Saturday and then with Chelsea coming next Saturday. I am also under the impression that both Jordon Ibe and Brad Smith still play for Bournemouth, but recent line-ups haven't borne that out.
Regardless, Liverpool are more than aware what Bournemouth are capable of. There's something to be said about direct, fast attacking and a never-give-up attitude.
There are eight matches left in the season, and this begins the run of "winnable" games that seem less winnable when you remember what Liverpool have done in similar. First, Bournemouth. Then a trip to Stoke, never an easy place to play. Then West Brom and Tony Pulis. Then a revitalized Crystal Palace. Etc, etc, etc.
But first Bournemouth. And revenge.
05 December 2016
Visualized: Liverpool 3-4 Bournemouth
Previous Match Infographics: Sunderland (h), Southampton (a), Watford (h), Crystal Palace (a), West Brom (h), United (h), Swansea (a), Hull (h), Chelsea (a), Leicester (h), Tottenham (a), Burnley (a), Arsenal (a)
All match data from Stats Zone and Who Scored.
Here's a list of all the matches where Liverpool have drawn or lost from a 2-0 lead since 2004-05.
Klopp
• 3-4 Bournemouth (a) 2016-17
• 2-2 Newcastle (h) 2015-16
• 2-3 Southampton (a) 2015-16
• 2-2 Sunderland (h) 2015-16
Rodgers
• 2-2 Leicester (h) 2014-15
• 3-3 Palace (a) 2013-14
• 2-2 Arsenal (a) 2012-13
• 2-2 Everton (a) 2012-13
Dalglish
• 2-3 QPR (a) 2011-12
Benitez
• 4-4 Chelsea CL (a) 2008-09
Sure, it's the first time it's happened this season – and we've seen much, much more good than bad this season – but that's four times in the last 28 league matches. Four times in the last 12 league matches that Liverpool have failed to win. That's seven more points that Liverpool should have had last season – and seven more points would've seen Liverpool finish fourth – to go along with three that would've seen Liverpool keep pace with Chelsea this season.
Liverpool giving away a 2-0 lead happened four times in Rodgers' three-and-a-little-more seasons, with Liverpool at least drawing all four, once in Dalglish's season-and-a-half, and once in Benitez's six seasons, in the Champions League with Liverpool chasing an away goal deficit.
Liverpool's football has been a lot more fun this season than in any other but two of those other 12 seasons, but this is not a good trend.
There's probably some recency bias involved, but this seemed the first of the four matches where Liverpool truly deserved to drop points. Sunderland and Newcastle were both flukes (as much as you can call something that's happened multiple times "flukes"). Southampton and Liverpool were more evenly matched, but Liverpool's "good" first half was far better than yesterday's, Liverpool probably should have been further ahead than 2-0, and Liverpool's defense collapsed even more at St Mary's after Lovren went off at halftime and all but helped hand Southampton the win (hi Skrtel, how's Turkey?).
Yesterday, Liverpool weren't especially impressive even in the first half. Sure, they pressed exceedingly well, completely pinning Bournemouth back, but their possession didn't lead to many chances, taking just five shots. Both of Liverpool's goals came from long passes and pace rather than well-worked moves and were absolutely helped by Boruc's goal-keeping. Shot accuracy wasn't great – just three on-target, all three goals – Firmino did little out wide, etc, etc.
And the second half was a completely different story. Again, scads of Liverpool possession, but still too few shots, coupled with a lot more chances for Bournemouth, mainly through counter-attacks and set plays and especially in the final 30 minutes. Ten of Bournemouth's 12 shots came after Can gave Liverpool a 3-1 lead. Seven of those ten shots were on-target.
This was the first time that Liverpool were out-shot in a match this season.
But, despite Bournemouth being honestly good, especially in the second half but even in the first, there's still more than a bit of Liverpool shooting itself in the foot.
I still can't get over Bournemouth's second goal. You're two goals up with 15 minutes to play. You've seen off one Bournemouth attempt at getting back in the game, responding to Wilson's penalty with a Can's excellent strike, and seen the last ten minutes pass with just one frightening incident, Fraser's effort saved by Karius after a left-wing cross.
Then, this happens.
Eight Liverpool players – everyone bar the center-backs and Karius – in Bournemouth's half (Henderson's just behind Can, barely out of the picture, and pushes both further forward and to the right after this), with six in the final third. Both full-backs are incredibly far forward (Clyne's basically in the penalty box). Again, you're two goals up with just 15 minutes to play. Why.
So when Origi cheaply loses possession, basically passing straight to Wilshere, we've got a problem. Everyone's on the back foot.
Hey, Dejan. Maybe watch Callum Wilson. Also, why is Milner running in-field?
And Liverpool still *nearly* dealt with it. Lucas is on the ground because he's slipped after missing an interception by inches. Similar goes for Henderson, directly in front of Fraser. If Wilson's pass is any closer to either of those players, Liverpool almost certainly deals with the situation, and there's a good chance (at least a far better chance) that Liverpool holds onto the victory.
From there, the still all-too-familiar collapse, nerves and tilt and failure, while Bournemouth recovered belief. Failing to deal with the second phase after a half-cleared set play for the third, similar after a long throw coupled with Karius' error for the fourth – both boned-headed concessions we've seen before, in this season and last.
Liverpool have gotten to where they are this season with full-throttle go-for-the-throat football, but there's a time and place for everything. In retrospect, the time before Bournemouth's second was a time for safety. They don't do it often, but Klopp's Liverpool can do safety.
Also, this is important.
Every single one of Bournemouth's big chances came from something Liverpool did or didn't do. Wilson's penalty. Afobe out-muscling Lovren in an aerial duel from a bouncing ball hoofed out by Boruc, then dancing around Lucas before being denied by Karius from point-blank range. Ake's first rebound when Karius' spilled Cook's shot followed by the winning goal.
That's why Bournemouth took 12 shots despite just five key passes while Liverpool had 10 shots from nine key passes. The opposition doesn't need your help, Liverpool.
So, yeah, all the "THE SKY IS FALLING" is understandable. The hand-wringing over Liverpool's defense without Matip and Liverpool's attack without Coutinho is understandable. The fears about Karius' goal-keeping are understandable (I'll make excuses here: he made two good saves, was probably unsighted for Bournemouth's second, and Cook's blast which led to Ake's rebound was both hard-hit and moving).
But even after all the complaining above, I'll still plead for a bit of calm. Even if they've happened too often under Klopp, games like this do happen. Bournemouth does deserve more than a bit of credit. If Milner's corner goes two centimeters further in the 73rd minute, it's 4-1, game over. Origi was a foot away from scoring a Liverpool winner just before Ake scored Bournemouth's. It's the first time this season Liverpool took fewer points from the same fixture than they did last season. It's Liverpool's second loss of the season after a 15-match unbeaten streak. Liverpool still have more points from 14 games than they did in 2013-14.
I didn't enjoy the comparison, but it was pointed out to me last night that this looked an awful lot like what Liverpool did to Borussia Dortmund at Anfield last season. Dortmund turned out okay.
Sure, there are more than a few signs that should cause worry. But, so far this season, Liverpool have exceeded expectations. And so far this season, Liverpool have learned from every set back.
All match data from Stats Zone and Who Scored.
Here's a list of all the matches where Liverpool have drawn or lost from a 2-0 lead since 2004-05.
Klopp
• 3-4 Bournemouth (a) 2016-17
• 2-2 Newcastle (h) 2015-16
• 2-3 Southampton (a) 2015-16
• 2-2 Sunderland (h) 2015-16
Rodgers
• 2-2 Leicester (h) 2014-15
• 3-3 Palace (a) 2013-14
• 2-2 Arsenal (a) 2012-13
• 2-2 Everton (a) 2012-13
Dalglish
• 2-3 QPR (a) 2011-12
Benitez
• 4-4 Chelsea CL (a) 2008-09
Sure, it's the first time it's happened this season – and we've seen much, much more good than bad this season – but that's four times in the last 28 league matches. Four times in the last 12 league matches that Liverpool have failed to win. That's seven more points that Liverpool should have had last season – and seven more points would've seen Liverpool finish fourth – to go along with three that would've seen Liverpool keep pace with Chelsea this season.
Liverpool giving away a 2-0 lead happened four times in Rodgers' three-and-a-little-more seasons, with Liverpool at least drawing all four, once in Dalglish's season-and-a-half, and once in Benitez's six seasons, in the Champions League with Liverpool chasing an away goal deficit.
Liverpool's football has been a lot more fun this season than in any other but two of those other 12 seasons, but this is not a good trend.
There's probably some recency bias involved, but this seemed the first of the four matches where Liverpool truly deserved to drop points. Sunderland and Newcastle were both flukes (as much as you can call something that's happened multiple times "flukes"). Southampton and Liverpool were more evenly matched, but Liverpool's "good" first half was far better than yesterday's, Liverpool probably should have been further ahead than 2-0, and Liverpool's defense collapsed even more at St Mary's after Lovren went off at halftime and all but helped hand Southampton the win (hi Skrtel, how's Turkey?).
Yesterday, Liverpool weren't especially impressive even in the first half. Sure, they pressed exceedingly well, completely pinning Bournemouth back, but their possession didn't lead to many chances, taking just five shots. Both of Liverpool's goals came from long passes and pace rather than well-worked moves and were absolutely helped by Boruc's goal-keeping. Shot accuracy wasn't great – just three on-target, all three goals – Firmino did little out wide, etc, etc.
And the second half was a completely different story. Again, scads of Liverpool possession, but still too few shots, coupled with a lot more chances for Bournemouth, mainly through counter-attacks and set plays and especially in the final 30 minutes. Ten of Bournemouth's 12 shots came after Can gave Liverpool a 3-1 lead. Seven of those ten shots were on-target.
This was the first time that Liverpool were out-shot in a match this season.
But, despite Bournemouth being honestly good, especially in the second half but even in the first, there's still more than a bit of Liverpool shooting itself in the foot.
I still can't get over Bournemouth's second goal. You're two goals up with 15 minutes to play. You've seen off one Bournemouth attempt at getting back in the game, responding to Wilson's penalty with a Can's excellent strike, and seen the last ten minutes pass with just one frightening incident, Fraser's effort saved by Karius after a left-wing cross.
Then, this happens.
Eight Liverpool players – everyone bar the center-backs and Karius – in Bournemouth's half (Henderson's just behind Can, barely out of the picture, and pushes both further forward and to the right after this), with six in the final third. Both full-backs are incredibly far forward (Clyne's basically in the penalty box). Again, you're two goals up with just 15 minutes to play. Why.
So when Origi cheaply loses possession, basically passing straight to Wilshere, we've got a problem. Everyone's on the back foot.
Hey, Dejan. Maybe watch Callum Wilson. Also, why is Milner running in-field?
And Liverpool still *nearly* dealt with it. Lucas is on the ground because he's slipped after missing an interception by inches. Similar goes for Henderson, directly in front of Fraser. If Wilson's pass is any closer to either of those players, Liverpool almost certainly deals with the situation, and there's a good chance (at least a far better chance) that Liverpool holds onto the victory.
From there, the still all-too-familiar collapse, nerves and tilt and failure, while Bournemouth recovered belief. Failing to deal with the second phase after a half-cleared set play for the third, similar after a long throw coupled with Karius' error for the fourth – both boned-headed concessions we've seen before, in this season and last.
Liverpool have gotten to where they are this season with full-throttle go-for-the-throat football, but there's a time and place for everything. In retrospect, the time before Bournemouth's second was a time for safety. They don't do it often, but Klopp's Liverpool can do safety.
Also, this is important.
Bournemouth had 4 "big chances"— StatsAndSwearwords (@StatsSwearwords) December 4, 2016
Bournemouth created 0 "big chances"
Every single one of Bournemouth's big chances came from something Liverpool did or didn't do. Wilson's penalty. Afobe out-muscling Lovren in an aerial duel from a bouncing ball hoofed out by Boruc, then dancing around Lucas before being denied by Karius from point-blank range. Ake's first rebound when Karius' spilled Cook's shot followed by the winning goal.
That's why Bournemouth took 12 shots despite just five key passes while Liverpool had 10 shots from nine key passes. The opposition doesn't need your help, Liverpool.
So, yeah, all the "THE SKY IS FALLING" is understandable. The hand-wringing over Liverpool's defense without Matip and Liverpool's attack without Coutinho is understandable. The fears about Karius' goal-keeping are understandable (I'll make excuses here: he made two good saves, was probably unsighted for Bournemouth's second, and Cook's blast which led to Ake's rebound was both hard-hit and moving).
But even after all the complaining above, I'll still plead for a bit of calm. Even if they've happened too often under Klopp, games like this do happen. Bournemouth does deserve more than a bit of credit. If Milner's corner goes two centimeters further in the 73rd minute, it's 4-1, game over. Origi was a foot away from scoring a Liverpool winner just before Ake scored Bournemouth's. It's the first time this season Liverpool took fewer points from the same fixture than they did last season. It's Liverpool's second loss of the season after a 15-match unbeaten streak. Liverpool still have more points from 14 games than they did in 2013-14.
I didn't enjoy the comparison, but it was pointed out to me last night that this looked an awful lot like what Liverpool did to Borussia Dortmund at Anfield last season. Dortmund turned out okay.
Sure, there are more than a few signs that should cause worry. But, so far this season, Liverpool have exceeded expectations. And so far this season, Liverpool have learned from every set back.
04 December 2016
Liverpool 3-4 Bournemouth
Goals:
Mané 20'
Origi 22'
Wilson 56' [pen]
Can 64'
Fraser 76'
Cook 79'
Ake 90+3'
Beyond embarrassing.
The easy way out – and I'm incredibly tempted to take it – is blame everything on Matip's absence. Two consecutive clean sheets in the league, just nine goals conceded in his 11 starts, 10W-3D in his 13 starts in all competitions, and then this happens. Liverpool have now conceded nine goals in the three league games where he hasn't played.
But that's still no excuse. Not with 2-0 and 3-1 leads. Not even with Coutinho and Sturridge also missing and Mané forced off through injury in the 69th minute and Lallana only fit enough to come off the bench and any other excuse you can possibly come up with.
That was an utter, complete, full team collapse in the second half.
Matip's absence didn't lead to a complete lack of control in the second half or Liverpool's inability to create chances or take shots, whether playing for possession or the counter-attack. Matip's absence didn't lead to Lovren's weak clearing header and Milner's foul for a penalty. It didn't lead to Origi's giveaway or Bournemouth's impressive counter for the second, Fraser's cross and Cook's control and finish for the third, or Karius spilling for Ake's fourth. Liverpool's defense is without a doubt worse without him, especially when defending set plays – hello second and third goals conceded – but Liverpool should still be able to protect a two-goal lead.
And, unlike in almost every other game this season but all too much like too many games last season, Liverpool couldn't and Liverpool didn't.
The first half was good enough. Liverpool pressed well, Liverpool played out from the back well, Liverpool kept possession well. Liverpool didn't create as much as we're used to, but Liverpool still created two big chances and took two chances when they presented themselves, through the pace of Mané and Origi and with a bit of help from Boruc, stuck in no man's land when Can's ball over the top found Mané for the first, beaten by Origi when he came storming out for the second.
That should have been enough. Liverpool should have continued to control proceedings, preventing counters. If not, at least keep it tight and soak up pressure and potentially extend the lead on counter-attacks.
To be fair, Bournemouth had other ideas.
We were warned. Bournemouth is a well-managed, talented side which – most importantly – will never give up. They will attack, they will have spells of dominance. They had those against Arsenal last week as well, but couldn't take their chances. That certainly wasn't an issue today, with eight shots on-target from 12 in total leading to four goals.
Bournemouth deserve praise as much as Liverpool deserve blame. Bournemouth didn't give up at any point. To resort to banal cliché, Bournemouth simply wanted it more. Bournemouth's expected goal difference was the best any opponent's had against Liverpool this season. They did well to limit Liverpool in the first half despite the scoreline, their subs made a massive difference – especially compared to Liverpool's inability to change things thanks to an under-strength bench – and switching the back four at 1-3 (Ake moving to left-back, Smith to right-back) made a massive difference. I was especially impressed with Ryan Fraser, only coming on due to injury to Junior Stanislaus, who won the first penalty, scored Bournemouth's second, and played the assist for the third.
But I can't help but focus on blaming Liverpool. Liverpool made a 22-year-old substitute winger look like the second coming of Lionel Messi. Liverpool responded to the stuttering second half start and conceding a penalty with a lovely goal from Emre Can after good work from Mané and then Liverpool proceeded to throw it all away again rather than shutting up shop.
Maybe Liverpool simply can't shut up shop. That's why Liverpool attack attack attack, determined to simply score more than their opponents. But I still don't think that's entirely the case. We've seen clean sheets without Matip before, if not in the league this season. We've seen Klopp's Liverpool throttle the life out of a team trying to respond – see Dortmund and more than a few others last season. We've seen Liverpool do this, but we've seen Liverpool not do this more often.
Today, nerves and errors multiplied exponentially. Today, the set play demons came back, the goalkeeper howlers came back, the clear "holy hell we're boned get me out of here" came back and permeated throughout the side. Today, all the evil returned with a vengeance. It's not the first time that's happened and while we can always hope, it probably won't be the last.
Every single one of us would've bit your hand off for third place and 30 points from 14 games at the start of the season. Liverpool have issues at the moment: in defense, in confidence, with injuries, but Liverpool are still better than this and games like this happen far less often than they did last season.
It's next to impossible to do after a performance like that, but – just like after Burnley – Liverpool have to pick themselves up, learn from today's multiple failures, and move forward. Injuries be damned, increasingly busy festive season be damned. There's no other option.
Mané 20'
Origi 22'
Wilson 56' [pen]
Can 64'
Fraser 76'
Cook 79'
Ake 90+3'
Beyond embarrassing.
The easy way out – and I'm incredibly tempted to take it – is blame everything on Matip's absence. Two consecutive clean sheets in the league, just nine goals conceded in his 11 starts, 10W-3D in his 13 starts in all competitions, and then this happens. Liverpool have now conceded nine goals in the three league games where he hasn't played.
But that's still no excuse. Not with 2-0 and 3-1 leads. Not even with Coutinho and Sturridge also missing and Mané forced off through injury in the 69th minute and Lallana only fit enough to come off the bench and any other excuse you can possibly come up with.
That was an utter, complete, full team collapse in the second half.
Matip's absence didn't lead to a complete lack of control in the second half or Liverpool's inability to create chances or take shots, whether playing for possession or the counter-attack. Matip's absence didn't lead to Lovren's weak clearing header and Milner's foul for a penalty. It didn't lead to Origi's giveaway or Bournemouth's impressive counter for the second, Fraser's cross and Cook's control and finish for the third, or Karius spilling for Ake's fourth. Liverpool's defense is without a doubt worse without him, especially when defending set plays – hello second and third goals conceded – but Liverpool should still be able to protect a two-goal lead.
And, unlike in almost every other game this season but all too much like too many games last season, Liverpool couldn't and Liverpool didn't.
The first half was good enough. Liverpool pressed well, Liverpool played out from the back well, Liverpool kept possession well. Liverpool didn't create as much as we're used to, but Liverpool still created two big chances and took two chances when they presented themselves, through the pace of Mané and Origi and with a bit of help from Boruc, stuck in no man's land when Can's ball over the top found Mané for the first, beaten by Origi when he came storming out for the second.
That should have been enough. Liverpool should have continued to control proceedings, preventing counters. If not, at least keep it tight and soak up pressure and potentially extend the lead on counter-attacks.
To be fair, Bournemouth had other ideas.
We were warned. Bournemouth is a well-managed, talented side which – most importantly – will never give up. They will attack, they will have spells of dominance. They had those against Arsenal last week as well, but couldn't take their chances. That certainly wasn't an issue today, with eight shots on-target from 12 in total leading to four goals.
Bournemouth deserve praise as much as Liverpool deserve blame. Bournemouth didn't give up at any point. To resort to banal cliché, Bournemouth simply wanted it more. Bournemouth's expected goal difference was the best any opponent's had against Liverpool this season. They did well to limit Liverpool in the first half despite the scoreline, their subs made a massive difference – especially compared to Liverpool's inability to change things thanks to an under-strength bench – and switching the back four at 1-3 (Ake moving to left-back, Smith to right-back) made a massive difference. I was especially impressed with Ryan Fraser, only coming on due to injury to Junior Stanislaus, who won the first penalty, scored Bournemouth's second, and played the assist for the third.
But I can't help but focus on blaming Liverpool. Liverpool made a 22-year-old substitute winger look like the second coming of Lionel Messi. Liverpool responded to the stuttering second half start and conceding a penalty with a lovely goal from Emre Can after good work from Mané and then Liverpool proceeded to throw it all away again rather than shutting up shop.
Maybe Liverpool simply can't shut up shop. That's why Liverpool attack attack attack, determined to simply score more than their opponents. But I still don't think that's entirely the case. We've seen clean sheets without Matip before, if not in the league this season. We've seen Klopp's Liverpool throttle the life out of a team trying to respond – see Dortmund and more than a few others last season. We've seen Liverpool do this, but we've seen Liverpool not do this more often.
Today, nerves and errors multiplied exponentially. Today, the set play demons came back, the goalkeeper howlers came back, the clear "holy hell we're boned get me out of here" came back and permeated throughout the side. Today, all the evil returned with a vengeance. It's not the first time that's happened and while we can always hope, it probably won't be the last.
Every single one of us would've bit your hand off for third place and 30 points from 14 games at the start of the season. Liverpool have issues at the moment: in defense, in confidence, with injuries, but Liverpool are still better than this and games like this happen far less often than they did last season.
It's next to impossible to do after a performance like that, but – just like after Burnley – Liverpool have to pick themselves up, learn from today's multiple failures, and move forward. Injuries be damned, increasingly busy festive season be damned. There's no other option.
03 December 2016
Liverpool at Bournemouth 12.04.16
8:30am ET, live in the US on NBC Sports
Last four head-to-head:
2-1 Liverpool (a) 04.17.16
1-0 Liverpool (h; League Cup) 10.28.15
1-0 Liverpool (h) 08.17.15
3-1 Liverpool (a; League Cup) 12.17.14
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 2-0 Leeds (h); 2-0 Sunderland (h); 0-0 Southampton (a)
Bournemouth: 1-3 Arsenal (a); 1-0 Stoke (a); 1-2 Sunderland (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Mané 6; Coutinho, Firmino, Milner 5; Lallana 3; Can, Lovren 2; Henderson, Matip, Origi, WIjnaldum 1
Bournemouth: Wilson 4; Stanislas 3; Gosling, King 2; Ake, S Cook, Daniels, A Smith 1
Referee: Bobby Madley
Guess at a line-up:
Karius
Clyne Matip Lovren Milner
Wijnaldum Henderson Can
Mané Origi Firmino
Do Liverpool risk either or both of the two crucial players who've been injured but returned to training this week?
Whether Firmino or Lallana make the XI is even more important given Coutinho's lengthy absence. But I'm not sure if that makes Liverpool more or less likely to play it safe, as they've become that much more crucial over the next couple of months, not just for tomorrow's match.
So, the line-up guess is completely predicated on their inclusion. Maybe both play and either Firmino starts on the left with Origi central or Origi drops to the bench with Wijnaldum wide left, as he was against Leeds. We're definitely going to see Wijnaldum in Coutinho's position at times over the next six weeks. If neither play, it's a bit trickier: maybe Milner shifts into midfield with Moreno at left-back, maybe Ejaria or Woodburn or even Moreno is used in attack, maybe Stewart comes into midfield. The cupboard's beginning to look a bit threadbare, as Daniel Sturridge remains absent with a lingering calf problem.
My best guess is Firmino, who missed less time with a less serious injury, plays but Lallana's protected. But, as usual, it's no more than a guess, and both starting is probably just as likely.
Regardless of who plays, Bournemouth presents a more than viable threat, even if they sit 12th with half as many points as Liverpool, even if they've won just once in their last five matches.
Bournemouth have been a bit of everything so far this season. They've lost three of their last four, the lone win a narrow 1-0 over Stoke. They're one of just two sides to score six in a Premier League match this season, along with Liverpool. They conceded three against United and Arsenal and four against Manchester City but also held both Everton and Tottenham scoreless. The last loss, at Arsenal, was a lot closer than the scoreline suggests, Bournemouth missing multiple chances at both 1-1 and 2-1 before Alexis secured the victory in injury time.
Most dangerous is Bournemouth's ability on counter-attack. They've multiple attackers who can cause Liverpool problems, from top scorer Callum Wilson to Stanislas, King, Afobe, Gradel, and some dude named Jordon Ibe on the flanks to even Jack Wilshere, who's increasingly not too far off from actually looking like Jack Wilshere.
For better or for worse, Bournemouth probably won't play like Southampton or Sunderland. Bournemouth's games, even the low-scoring ones, have been much more open. They'll challenge Liverpool. Liverpool will probably have a bit more defending to do than in other recent games, and I'm curious (read: nervous, terrified, not excited) to see how they cope. And that challenge might but won't necessarily make it easier for Liverpool to find space to play in attack.
Surman and Lewis Cook are the only Bournemouth players assuredly out, but Stanislas, Daniels, and Boruc are all slight doubts. My best guess at an XI is Federici; Francis, Cook, Ake, B Smith; Gosling, Arter; King, Wilshere, Stanislas; Wilson. Brad Smith, despite his Liverpool past, is most likely to drop out if Charlie Francis is anywhere near fit, his start against Arsenal his only appearance so far this season. Afobe, Ibe, Gradel, and Adam Smith – usually a right-back but started as a right-winger against Arsenal – are other options in attack.
Each of Liverpool's matches against Bournemouth last season were tight games. Tight games which Liverpool held on to win, but tight games none the less: 1-0 at home under Rodgers, 1-0 in the league cup in one of Klopp's early matches, and 2-1 at Bournemouth with the much-changed Liverpool side we saw with the focus on the Europa League.
And that could and probably should be the story of tomorrow's match. Bournemouth will make Liverpool work for it. Eddie Howe's an excellent manager and they've got some talented players. But if Liverpool do what Liverpool should – as they've usually done this season, no matter the strength of the XI – Liverpool's class should win out.
Last four head-to-head:
2-1 Liverpool (a) 04.17.16
1-0 Liverpool (h; League Cup) 10.28.15
1-0 Liverpool (h) 08.17.15
3-1 Liverpool (a; League Cup) 12.17.14
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 2-0 Leeds (h); 2-0 Sunderland (h); 0-0 Southampton (a)
Bournemouth: 1-3 Arsenal (a); 1-0 Stoke (a); 1-2 Sunderland (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Mané 6; Coutinho, Firmino, Milner 5; Lallana 3; Can, Lovren 2; Henderson, Matip, Origi, WIjnaldum 1
Bournemouth: Wilson 4; Stanislas 3; Gosling, King 2; Ake, S Cook, Daniels, A Smith 1
Referee: Bobby Madley
Guess at a line-up:
Karius
Clyne Matip Lovren Milner
Wijnaldum Henderson Can
Mané Origi Firmino
Do Liverpool risk either or both of the two crucial players who've been injured but returned to training this week?
Whether Firmino or Lallana make the XI is even more important given Coutinho's lengthy absence. But I'm not sure if that makes Liverpool more or less likely to play it safe, as they've become that much more crucial over the next couple of months, not just for tomorrow's match.
So, the line-up guess is completely predicated on their inclusion. Maybe both play and either Firmino starts on the left with Origi central or Origi drops to the bench with Wijnaldum wide left, as he was against Leeds. We're definitely going to see Wijnaldum in Coutinho's position at times over the next six weeks. If neither play, it's a bit trickier: maybe Milner shifts into midfield with Moreno at left-back, maybe Ejaria or Woodburn or even Moreno is used in attack, maybe Stewart comes into midfield. The cupboard's beginning to look a bit threadbare, as Daniel Sturridge remains absent with a lingering calf problem.
My best guess is Firmino, who missed less time with a less serious injury, plays but Lallana's protected. But, as usual, it's no more than a guess, and both starting is probably just as likely.
Regardless of who plays, Bournemouth presents a more than viable threat, even if they sit 12th with half as many points as Liverpool, even if they've won just once in their last five matches.
Bournemouth have been a bit of everything so far this season. They've lost three of their last four, the lone win a narrow 1-0 over Stoke. They're one of just two sides to score six in a Premier League match this season, along with Liverpool. They conceded three against United and Arsenal and four against Manchester City but also held both Everton and Tottenham scoreless. The last loss, at Arsenal, was a lot closer than the scoreline suggests, Bournemouth missing multiple chances at both 1-1 and 2-1 before Alexis secured the victory in injury time.
Most dangerous is Bournemouth's ability on counter-attack. They've multiple attackers who can cause Liverpool problems, from top scorer Callum Wilson to Stanislas, King, Afobe, Gradel, and some dude named Jordon Ibe on the flanks to even Jack Wilshere, who's increasingly not too far off from actually looking like Jack Wilshere.
For better or for worse, Bournemouth probably won't play like Southampton or Sunderland. Bournemouth's games, even the low-scoring ones, have been much more open. They'll challenge Liverpool. Liverpool will probably have a bit more defending to do than in other recent games, and I'm curious (read: nervous, terrified, not excited) to see how they cope. And that challenge might but won't necessarily make it easier for Liverpool to find space to play in attack.
Surman and Lewis Cook are the only Bournemouth players assuredly out, but Stanislas, Daniels, and Boruc are all slight doubts. My best guess at an XI is Federici; Francis, Cook, Ake, B Smith; Gosling, Arter; King, Wilshere, Stanislas; Wilson. Brad Smith, despite his Liverpool past, is most likely to drop out if Charlie Francis is anywhere near fit, his start against Arsenal his only appearance so far this season. Afobe, Ibe, Gradel, and Adam Smith – usually a right-back but started as a right-winger against Arsenal – are other options in attack.
Each of Liverpool's matches against Bournemouth last season were tight games. Tight games which Liverpool held on to win, but tight games none the less: 1-0 at home under Rodgers, 1-0 in the league cup in one of Klopp's early matches, and 2-1 at Bournemouth with the much-changed Liverpool side we saw with the focus on the Europa League.
And that could and probably should be the story of tomorrow's match. Bournemouth will make Liverpool work for it. Eddie Howe's an excellent manager and they've got some talented players. But if Liverpool do what Liverpool should – as they've usually done this season, no matter the strength of the XI – Liverpool's class should win out.
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