Liverpool put in a much better performance against Bournemouth on Saturday to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.
The Reds needed a reaction after losing to Nottingham Forest last time out in the league.
At Anfield once again, Liverpool knew they couldn’t be as bad as against Forest, or would likely be punished for a second week running.
Things didn’t start particularly well for Liverpool. Caoimhin Kelleher was forced into a big save with the scores at 0-0, after Antoine Semenyo had already had a goal disallowed.
Nevertheless, things were inarguably much better, with most of the Liverpool squad upping their game and putting in good displays.
However, there were still a smattering of slightly under-par performers, with Troy Deeney singling one out especially.
Troy Deeney not impressed with Mohamed Salah
There were plenty of really good performers for Liverpool against Bournemouth. Luis Diaz got his double and was lively, while it was great to see Darwin Nunez on the scoresheet, too.
Ryan Gravenberch also continued his excellent recent form with another top showing in the centre of midfield, while Alexis Mac Allister did the same.
Meanwhile, Kelleher showed why he’s probably the best back-up goalkeeper in the league.
Not only did the Irishman make that crucial early save, but he made three or four more in the second-half to keep Liverpool’s lead comfortable.
As well as Kelleher’s heroics, though, Liverpool themselves played their part in keeping the score down. The forwards were wasteful at times, with Deeney not impressed by Mohamed Salah.
“I think Salah has been poor this second half,” the former Watford striker told TalkSPORT (21/09/24 4.31pm). “He has had a couple of opportunities where he could have got his shot off.
“He tried to score the perfect goal, and if I was Diogo Jota on the bench, I would be a little bit frustrated that he hasn’t changed all three here.
“Looks like the manager is trying to get Salah playing well,” added Deeney. “Because in the 65 minutes last week, he was poor and now he is getting these opportunities.”
Mohamed Salah not the only one to blame
While Saturday was a far better result than last week, there were still a number of alarm bells ringing during the game.
Bournemouth were mightily unlucky not to score, with a mixture of Kelleher and some poor finishing costing them.
From Liverpool’s point of view, though, they could easily have scored more as well. The Reds had so many good-looking opportunities, but so often failed to make the correct final ball.
Salah was definitely guilty of that, and was definitely a little bit selfish in front of goal at times. But the same could also be said of Diaz and Nunez.
In the end, Liverpool were good value for the win. With a little more composure, however, it could and perhaps should have been more.
