Football News: Liverpool v Bournemouth - What did we learn?

Liverpool Vs Bournemouth (H) 4-2. What did we learn?

First Peacock's TV commentary is a country mile better than Carragher and Neville. Lee Dixon and Graham Le Saux on co-commentary (forgot the main commentator) and none of the hyped up nonsense that Carragher and Neville spout. Neither Dixon nor Le Saux take themselves seriously and the main commentator also rips them apart too. Enjoyable, funny and made me laugh out loud a couple of times.

Players Review:

Alisson - 300th appearance and a little rusty after missing the end of pre-season. Not his best and will feel he should've saved the first.

Frimpong - a battler with electric pace, will take a few months to bed in and may find himself out muscled at times. More to come, at present he'd be behind a fit Bradley or Gomez to start and will frighten teams coming off the bench with that pace.

Kerkez - Semenyo is arguably the toughest start he could've had at LB - he seems to be easing his way into the team and lacking a little confidence, but I expect him to just get better and better the more he plays.

Konate and VVD - Exposed at times, but can and will get better.

Szoboszlai and Mac Allister - Worked their tails off and generally involved in everything.

Wirtz - Steady start, and so much more to come when he gets in rhythm with the others.

Gakpo - Another home game, another goal. Doesn't have the flair or pace you'd expect of a winger, but knows where the back of the net is.

Salah - he did it again, didn't he. Another opening day goal, is that 10 seasons in a row? A rare right footed strike too. Made some great passes and crosses mixed in with poor play. He will have Harry Kane's 213 PL goals as a target for the season (2nd all-time) and needs 26 more to draw level.

Ekitike - MOTM Superb home debut with an assist and a goal. Nice to see a striker look in complete control when one on one with a keeper. Seemed to slow himself down and calmly slotted home. (Alexander who?) Worked hard, quick feet and prepared for a physical battle and kept coming back for more. Knew nothing about him, prior to signing, but I like what I've seen so far.

Subs:

Endo - he's not a Right Back, looked much happier when Gomez arrived to let him move to the 6 position. Got an assist for Salah's goal as well.

Robertson - couldn't cover Semenyo, but few will this season.

Gomez - I thought he was exceptional in his 10-15 minute cameo, instrumental in turning the game back in LFC's direction with clever interceptions and sharp passing - please stay fit Joe #FingersCrossed.

Jones - Added energy to a tiring midfield.

Chiesa - How can you not love this guy. Still has some 'headless chicken syndrome' moments, but the technique for his goal was top class. I hope he stays, not just because he scored, not just because of his song, there's just something about him that makes him a cult hero.

Unused:

Elliott - likely the writing on the wall that he was not brought on. I expect he'll be gone before deadline day.

Ngumoha - had we led 3-0 with 10-15 minutes to go I think he'd have been thrown in for experience. Probably right to leave him on the bench at 2-2. His time will come though.

Summary:

Typically a mad opening day, blood and thunder game - ignore Carragher, Arne. Let's have more of this please.

Written by RedAK August 16 2025 13:57:46