Explore the impact of Diaz and Nunez as they lead Liverpool to Premier League glory. Get insights on their performances and the team’s journey to the top.
Introduction:
On a sorry return to HQ, Liverpool rebounded with a resounding first-half performance, sending Bournemouth to the cleaners as two goals from Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez saw Arne Slot’s side propel into the top of the Premier League table, after having collectively not wanted to repeat last week’s shock. So, Federico Chiesa makes his first Anfield start when coming off the bench in the second half, making the Reds firm favourites now, as Manchester City prepare for their crunch match with Arsenal.
Early drama, which had the VAR crew scrambling, and Kepa’s heroics
Bournemouth set about it with intent and almost scored in the first minute, when an Antoine Semenyo slid to turn a low ball across the box from Justin Kluivert. However, their joy was short lived, as VAR then ruled the goal out for offside. And this reprieve did wake Liverpool up somewhat as they immediately shifted the play into a higher gear.
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Andy Robertson came close, heading into the side-netting, while Luis Diaz drew Bournemouth’s goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, into action. Kepa was a busy figure, parrying a vicious strike from Diaz before later denying Mohamed Salah, following a brilliant pass from Alexis Mac Allister, which had split Bournemouth’s defense. It was Kepa’s brilliance that kept the scoreline level in the early exchanges.
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Diaz Scores the First Goal
The breakthrough finally came midway through the first half. Ibrahima Konate’s raking pass found Diaz, who showed tremendous composure. His first touch cushioned the ball perfectly away from the advancing Kepa, allowing him to calm and slot home. The Colombian winger was on an unstoppable run of form, and this was his fifth goal in five Premier League appearances this season.
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Diaz’s score not only calmed the nerves of the team but had put Anfield into raptures. And before the applause had died down, the Reds were at it again.
Nunez Strikes Before Half-Time
Trent Alexander-Arnold, bursting out from deep, had taken the chance to shoot but had instead opted to slide a very clever pass to Diaz. The No.7 coolly showed his second, but that was a mere foretaste of what was coming. Liverpool wasn’t done yet.
Eight minutes from half-time, Darwin Nunez marked his occasion. Another long ball from Konate for Salah was expertly flicked out to Nunez on the right flank. He cut inside on his left and curled a stunner in off the far post to score his first goal of the campaign. The forward’s stylish finish put another layer of gloss on the breadth of Liverpool’s assault in the first half.
Second Half: Gravenberch and Chiesa Make Their Mark
Playing with freedom because Liverpool were 3-0 up, the Reds started the second half on a roll. Ryan Gravenberch was finally free and felt like scoring his fourth goal from distance. It was close for Mohamed Salah when a defender cleared the ball off the line after another pass through Bournemouth’s defense had left Mac Allister free to shoot.
Then there was a special moment in the crowd: Federico Chiesa’s introduction. With a first substitution for the first time at Anfield, the Italy forward looked sharp – the first touch, a speculative 25-yard half-volley that was gathered by Kepa.
Liverpool’s Relentlessness for a Clean Sheet
Despite a very comfortable lead, Liverpool were keen to maintain the clean sheet. Bournemouth did threaten, and Luis Sinisterra’s effort was superbly saved by Caoimhin Kelleher. The Irish goalkeeper followed that up with a vital claw to safety when the rebound off the crossbar from a Bournemouth corner bared down on Alexander-Arnold.
The Reds’ defense held out for the rest of the match, as the points came without further incident.
Looking Ahead: Diaz and Nunez duet
Finally, Liverpool won with the hegemonic score of 3-0. Defensive solidity and Arne Slot’s tactical approach made sure Bournemouth never got a chance to reclaim the game but in attacks, the team under Slot remained confident. The Reds look forward to upcoming fixtures, and their atop-table status will position them nicely as they continue their Premier League campaign. All eyes will now focus on Manchester City’s duel against Arsenal as the battle for the title gains momentum.