The Reds' top scorer netted a penalty and bent home a wonderful second as Arne Slot's side moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League
Catch them if you can! Liverpool continued their march towards the Premier League title as they beat Bournemouth 2-0 courtesy of two goals from main man Mohamed Salah.
The hosts had the better of a tightly-contested first half, with Antoine Semenyo forcing Alisson into a big save before hammering a rocket of a shot against the post, but it was Liverpool who took the lead on the half-hour mark, and in controversial circumstances.
Racing onto Andrew Robertson's searching long ball, the lively Cody Gakpo fell to the ground as he advanced into the box, with VAR ultimately deciding not to intervene after referee Darren England ruled the Dutchman had been clipped by Lewis Cook. Salah did the rest, confidently stepping up and giving Kepa Arrizabalaga no chance as he found the corner.
Despite taking the lead, Liverpool were up against it and Alisson had to pick the ball out of the net soon after the goal as he saw David Brooks' sweet strike fly past him. VAR did get involved this time, however, correctly ruling out the strike as Milos Kerkez had stepped into an offside position.
The Premier League leaders' Brazilian goalkeeper was at his best shortly after half-time as he kept out Semenyo from point-blank range before Bournemouth then wasted their biggest chance of the afternoon – in-form Justin Kluivert uncharacteristically prodding wide after Marcus Tavernier had fizzed a shot against the post.
Bournemouth would pay for the missed chances, with Alisson denying Semenyo yet again before full-time, as that man Salah wrapped up the points after 75 minutes, cutting inside onto his lethal left foot and dispatching a bending effort into the far corner. It was vintage Salah and with the Egyptian looking like a man on a mission, the Reds are going to take some stopping from here.
GOAL rates Liverpool's players from the Vitality Stadium…
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Alisson (9/10):
Unbeatable today. Made a number of big saves over the course of the 90 minutes to preserve his clean sheet. Might've been a different result had he not been playing.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (5/10):
Had a really tough time up against the dangerous Semenyo and then appeared to suffer a muscle injury that did for his afternoon.
Ibrahima Konate (7/10):
Another solid showing alongside Van Dijk. Made one crucial block to stop Justin Kluivert's volley from testing Alisson in the second half.
Virgil van Dijk (7/10):
His usual commanding self as he never panicked or looked unsettled, despite the hosts carrying a significant threat whenever they got forward.
Andrew Robertson (7/10):
Looked more like the old Andy Robertson as his raking long pass released Gakpo for the penalty incident. Had a trickier second half up against Tavernier but will be pleased with the win and clean sheet.
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Ryan Gravenberch (7/10):
A calming presence in midfield. Reminiscent of prime Zinedine Zidane with one outrageous pirouette.
Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):
Drove forward and supported attacks but lacked end product when in front of goal, wasting a couple of big opportunities. Tracked back and did his job defensively, though, to help Liverpool get over the line.
Alexis Mac Allister (5/10):
Could've easily been sent off for a second yellow card as he flattened Brooks in the action of attempting a volley. Hooked a few minutes later as Slot sensed the danger.
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Mohamed Salah (9/10):
Confidently swept home the penalty for his 20th Premier League goal of the season. Was having a quiet second half before he received the ball in the box and expertly bent into the far corner for 2-0. Unstoppable.
Luis Diaz (7/10):
Starting centrally, the Colombian often dropped deep to get Liverpool moving forwards and worked hard to win back possession for his side.
Cody Gakpo (7/10):
Looked the most likely to make things happen in the first half and earned the contentious penalty for the opener. Faded in the second 45 and was subbed with 20 minutes to go.
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Curtis Jones (7/10):
Replaced Mac Allister on the hour mark and claimed an assist for Salah's wonderful second goal.
Conor Bradley (6/10):
Came on for the injured Alexander-Arnold with 20 minutes left and largely dealt well with Semenyo.
Darwin Nunez (6/10):
On for Gakpo in the 70th minute but didn't have much influence on the game.
Wataru Endo (N/A):
Came on for the final few minutes to help see the game out.
Arne Slot (8/10):
A huge result. Was able to bring the big guns back in after many of them were rested against PSV, which paid off big time as Salah proved the difference against a Bournemouth side who were in peak form coming into the game.
