by Without Salah, without Alexander-Arnold, without Robertson, without Thiago, without Matip, without Endo, without Tsimikas, without Szoboszlai, without Bajcetic… But no one can stop this Liverpool. Jürgen Klopp’s team achieved its fifth consecutive victory at the always difficult Bournemouth stadium. He did it by overcoming losses and a rival who did not make things easy for him at all.
In a full Vitality Stadium, Klopp presented a lineup completely conditioned by the numerous losses accumulated by the current leader of the Premier League. Bradley took Alexander-Arnold’s place at right back, Joe Gomez moved in on the left in a new role supporting the creation of play inside and the youngsters Harvey Elliot and Curtis Jones accompanied Mac Allister in the ‘red’ midfield.
In the attack, limited by Salah’s absence, the German coach placed Luis Díaz and Darwin Nuñez on the wings, while Diego Jota was the tactical key of the match, positioning himself as a false ‘9’ and acting with total freedom. The Portuguese moved throughout the field, helped his teammates and generated the best chances for his team.
cruising speed
Liverpool struggled to create any real danger during the first half, despite their obvious dominance of possession. Klopp’s men crashed again and again in front of the local wallwho threatened to go on the counterattack, taking advantage of the devilish speed of Solanke, Sinisterra, Kluivert or Tavernier.
The 0-0 at half-time seemed like Iraola’s ideal plan, hoping that the Reds’ growing nerves would translate into risks and errors, in order to take advantage of his team’s well-known vertical attacks. But this Liverpool is unflappable. As if it were the sea hitting the rocksKlopp’s men were eroding the Cherries’ resistance until they found their prize.
An award that was born in just five touches: a clearance by Konaté, a control with his chest and an assist by Curtis Jones and a subtle touch by Diogo Jota to assist Darwin Nuñez.. The Uruguayan made no mistake from inside the area to overtake the visitors and pave the way for the display of his Portuguese strike partner.
Jota Exhibition
With the score in their favor, Liverpool’s comfort grew on the pitch, especially for Diogo Jota who, now with space, began to direct the Reds’ dangerous counterattacks. In the 70th minute, after a ball fought by Darwin Nuñez, which sent the defender to the ground with his body, Gakpo passed to the Portuguese attacker who, with a sharp shot at the near post, increased the visitors’ lead and allowed the leader to breathe.
The victory was on track, but Diogo Jota’s icing on the cake was still missing. This would come just a few minutes after his first goal, collecting a rebound from his own failed shot to score again in a very similar position to the first goal, this time with a cross shot. Liverpool continued to attack and even increased their lead on the scoreboard with Darwin Núñez’s second goal. Klopp even took the opportunity to give minutes to two young promises like Clark and Beck.
The solid defense led by Van Dijk kept a clean sheet without excessive difficulty and the three points did not escape a Liverpool team that is the leader of the Premier League, adding 48 points in 21 games. They are five ahead of Manchester City, who have a game less, Arsenal and Aston Villa. Without a doubt, Klopp’s team is more than ready for the title race.
