On December 8, 2018, Liverpool traveled to the Vitality Stadium to face AFC Bournemouth in a Premier League match. Liverpool dominated the game and secured a comprehensive 4-0 victory, with Mohamed Salah delivering an exceptional performance by scoring a hat-trick.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- AFC Bournemouth: 0
- Liverpool: 4 (Mohamed Salah 25′, 48′, 77′, Steve Cook OG 68′)
- Possession:
- Liverpool controlled the game with 61% possession, while Bournemouth had 39%. Liverpool’s dominance in possession allowed them to dictate the flow of the match and continuously press Bournemouth’s defense.
- Shots:
- Liverpool registered 11 shots, with 8 on target, reflecting their clinical attacking display. Bournemouth managed 8 shots, with 2 on target, but struggled to create significant opportunities against a solid Liverpool defense.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Liverpool had a passing accuracy of 85%, completing 548 passes out of 643 attempts. Bournemouth had a passing accuracy of 79%, completing 342 passes out of 431 attempts. Liverpool’s control in midfield, combined with precise passing, helped them maintain pressure and create chances throughout the match.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Liverpool made 12 tackles compared to Bournemouth’s 18, as the home side tried to regain possession and disrupt Liverpool’s play. Liverpool’s defense, led by Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip, remained firm and kept Bournemouth at bay, securing another clean sheet.
- Set Pieces:
- Liverpool’s goals came predominantly from open play. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 25th minute, finishing from close range after a rebounded shot from Roberto Firmino. Salah added his second just after halftime, in the 48th minute, with a cool finish after breaking through Bournemouth’s defense. Liverpool’s third goal came in the 68th minute when Bournemouth’s Steve Cook accidentally turned the ball into his own net from an attempted clearance. Salah completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute with an exquisite solo effort, rounding goalkeeper Asmir Begović before finishing into an empty net.
- Individual Performances:
- Mohamed Salah was the standout performer, scoring all three of his goals with composure and displaying his ability to exploit defensive gaps. He was involved in every major attack and showcased his pace and finishing ability. Roberto Firmino and Andrew Robertson also played key roles, with Firmino providing the assist for Salah’s first goal. For Bournemouth, goalkeeper Asmir Begović made some important saves, but was ultimately overwhelmed by Liverpool’s relentless attacking pressure.
- Tactical Overview:
- Liverpool, under Jürgen Klopp, deployed their usual 4-3-3 formation, focusing on high pressing and quick transitions. Bournemouth, managed by Eddie Howe, used a 4-4-2 formation but struggled to deal with Liverpool’s intensity and speed on the counter-attack. Salah’s movement across the front line constantly caused problems for Bournemouth’s defense, while Liverpool’s midfield, led by Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum, controlled the game.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, all for Bournemouth (Nathan Aké 22′, Steve Cook 42′, and David Brooks 87′). The fouls were tactical in nature, aimed at breaking up Liverpool’s play and preventing further scoring opportunities.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Liverpool won 5 corners compared to Bournemouth’s 3, reflecting their sustained pressure in the attacking third. Liverpool were caught offside three times, while Bournemouth were caught offside twice, indicating both teams’ attempts to find space behind the opposition’s defense.
Summary
Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Bournemouth was a commanding performance, with Mohamed Salah stealing the spotlight by scoring a hat-trick. From the beginning, Liverpool controlled the match with their possession-based play and quick transitions, forcing Bournemouth onto the back foot. Salah’s clinical finishing, combined with strong performances from Roberto Firmino and Andrew Robertson, ensured that Liverpool were always in control.
Bournemouth struggled to deal with Liverpool’s attacking quality and intensity, managing only a few half-chances throughout the match. Their defensive efforts were undone by Salah’s pace and movement, while Liverpool’s solid defense kept Bournemouth’s attacking threats, including Joshua King and Callum Wilson, relatively quiet.
This victory kept Liverpool unbeaten in the Premier League and temporarily put them at the top of the table. Salah’s hat-trick also reaffirmed his status as one of the league’s top attackers. For Bournemouth, the defeat highlighted the gap in quality between them and the top teams, as they were unable to cope with Liverpool’s dominance.
