Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth — Player Ratings

Liverpool secured their first three points of the season with a thoroughly entertaining 3-1 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday.

A very poor start from the Reds saw Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo open the scoring for the Cherries in the third minute, after Trent Alexander-Arnold had his pocket picked outside of the area.

Minutes later, captain Virgil van Dijk struck the crossbar with a thumping header, before Luis Diaz scored his second of the season with a beautiful scissor kick after a Diogo Jota cut-back.

Summer signing Dominik Szoboszlai won a penalty for Liverpool in the 35^th minute after he was caught by Joe Rothwell before Mohamed Salah tapped home his rebound after seeing his spot kick saved by Neto.

Liverpool were in full control at the start of the second half before Alexis Mac Allister, on his Anfield debut, was shown red for what appeared to be a very soft challenge on Ryan Christie in the 58^th minute.

The Argentine was late with his tackle, catching the Scotsman on his foot and VAR saw no reason to overturn referee Thomas Bramall’s decision, leaving the Liverpool players perplexed.

Jurgen Klopp’s men didn’t let that sway them however, as minutes later Jota grabbed his first goal of the season after a Szoboszlai shot was spilled by Neto for an easy tap-in.

New signing Wataru Endo made his Liverpool debut soon after, just 24 hours after his announcement and put it a calm, assured display to please the Anfield crowd.

Alisson pulled off a couple brilliant saves in stoppage time, including a lovely low stop from Hamed Traore who ran across the Liverpool box before firing a shot towards the corner of the Brazilian's net.

Szoboszlai put it a man of the match performance, showing just why Klopp chose to spend £60m on the Bulgarian who carried the ball with pure power, as well providing beautiful link up play from defence to attack.

Alexander-Arnold and Diaz picked up slights knocks towards the end of the game, however both walked off freely, substituted as a precaution.

Liverpool now have a week to prepare before they face a tough trip to Newcastle next week Sunday.

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Liverpool player ratings

GK: Alisson (8), RB: Alexander-Arnold (6), CB: Konate (7), CB: Van Dijk (7), LB: Robertson (6), CM: Mac Allister (7), CM: Szoboslai (9), CM: Gakpo (6) RW: Salah (7), ST: Jota (7) LW: Diaz (8).

Subs: Endo (7), Gomez (6), Elliot (6), Nunez (6), Tsimikas (6)

Man of the match: Szoboszlai