Mohamed Salah’s controversial penalty set Liverpool on course for a 2-0 victory at Bournemouth, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points on Saturday.
Arne Slot’s side took the lead in the first half when Salah converted a penalty awarded after Cody Gakpo appeared to trip over his own feet rather than being fouled by Lewis Cook.
Bournemouth were incensed as referee Darren England’s on-field decision was upheld by VAR, much to their frustration.
Salah compounded Bournemouth’s woes with a second goal late in the second half, sealing Liverpool’s comfortable win and further extending their lead over second-placed Arsenal.
The Egypt forward now has 21 goals from 23 league appearances this season, hitting the 20-goal mark for the fifth time in his Premier League career. Salah’s brace also moved him to 178 career Premier League goals, surpassing Frank Lampard to take sixth place on the competition’s all-time scoring chart.
Liverpool remain unbeaten in their last 19 league matches, with 17 wins from their 23 top-flight games since Slot took over from Jurgen Klopp in the off-season.
As they pursue an English record-equalling 20th league title — and their first since 2020 — Liverpool will now watch to see if Manchester City can help their cause when they take on Arsenal on Sunday.
On Thursday, Liverpool will look to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Tottenham in the League Cup semi-final at Anfield, with a quadruple still within reach.
Slot’s only concern from the Bournemouth game was an injury that forced right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold off in the second half.
Bournemouth had earned impressive home wins against Manchester City and Arsenal this season, and last week, third-placed Nottingham Forest were thrashed 5-0 on the south coast. But their 11-match unbeaten league run came to an end against a Liverpool side that continues to look destined for the Premier League title.
Bournemouth almost made the perfect start after just 12 seconds when Alexander-Arnold lost possession to Antoine Semenyo, whose strike was expertly saved by Alisson Becker.
Alexander-Arnold’s defensive frailties were exposed again as his poor clearance allowed Justin Kluivert a chance, but Alisson was quick off his line to save.
Semenyo had another chance, turning away from two Liverpool defenders before rattling the crossbar with a powerful shot.
Despite their early scare, Liverpool sliced through the Bournemouth defence with ease. Kepa Arrizabalaga was forced into a good save to deny Dominik Szoboszlai.
It took until the 30th minute for the opener to come in controversial fashion. Cook, trailing behind Gakpo, appeared to make no contact, but the penalty was awarded. Salah made no mistake from the spot, firing the ball into the corner.
Bournemouth had a goal ruled out almost immediately after when David Brooks’ equalizer was flagged offside by VAR.
Liverpool were at times fortunate, with Alisson making a crucial save at Semenyo’s feet, and VAR passing over an apparent handball by Alexander-Arnold. Alexis Mac Allister also avoided a second yellow card following a foul on Brooks.
Bournemouth’s best chance came when Marcus Tavernier’s long-range shot hit the post. Kluivert looked certain to score from the rebound, but he blazed his effort wide.
Salah made Bournemouth pay for their profligacy in the 75th minute. Curtis Jones threaded a precise pass to the forward, who calmly slotted the ball past Kepa to double Liverpool’s advantage.
With the win, Liverpool’s march toward the title looks unstoppable, while Bournemouth will be left to rue missed opportunities.
AFP
