For Andoni Iraola, it was also a successful return to his former club. Liverpool were far from dominant over the full 90 minutes, though. Bournemouth caused the Reds several problems before the break, but once ahead the visitors defended their advantage with considerable discipline.
Iraola makes three changes to his starting XI
Compared with the 0-0 draw against Fulham, Iraola made three changes. Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister and Milos Kerkez came in for Víctor Muñoz, Ryan Gravenberch and Kostas Tsimikas.
Liverpool again lined up in a 4-2-3-1, with Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in central midfield, Florian Wirtz as the No. 10 and Gakpo and Bradley Barcola operating either side of Isak.
Bournemouth coach Marco Rose selected Evanilson up front, while Alex Scott and Tyler Adams were tasked with providing intensity and competing for second balls in midfield. The hosts also looked to attack quickly down the flanks whenever Liverpool’s full-backs pushed forward.
That approach worked reasonably well early on. Bournemouth did not press high at all times, but stepped up aggressively at the right moments and repeatedly forced Liverpool into early passes towards the touchline or longer balls.
Bournemouth create the more dangerous moments before half-time
Liverpool had more possession but initially struggled to turn it into clear openings. Gakpo and Barcola rarely received the ball with enough space to attack one-on-one, Wirtz found little room between the lines and Isak was isolated for long periods.
Bournemouth looked more direct in transition. Their best chance of the first half fell to Evanilson, who redirected a cross at the near post. Alisson reacted sharply and kept the effort out with his right hand.
Liverpool still had occasional moments of danger. Szoboszlai sent a threatening free-kick narrowly wide, while Petrovic later denied a deflected Barcola effort with his legs.
The game remained scrappy overall. Liverpool enjoyed longer spells on the ball, but Bournemouth repeatedly closed the spaces around Wirtz and forced the visitors towards the flanks. The Reds particularly lacked precision in the final third before the break.
Gakpo creates, Isak scores again
Liverpool became more purposeful after half-time. The distances between midfield and attack were reduced, while Gakpo drifted away from his starting position more often and looked to attack the penalty area directly.
That led to the decisive goal in the 57th minute. Gakpo beat two opponents on the right and sent a low ball into the box. James Hill tried to intercept in front of Wirtz at the near post but could only divert the cross towards the centre. Isak was waiting and calmly guided his finish into the far corner.
It was already the Swede’s fourth league goal of the season. His connection with Gakpo has been particularly striking: the Dutchman has provided the assist for all four of Isak’s Premier League goals so far.
Isak did not need many touches or chances to decide the game. His only earlier effort had flown well over the bar, but when the clear opportunity came, he was clinical.
Bournemouth push forward, Liverpool stay compact
Bournemouth were forced to take more risks after falling behind. The hosts pushed their full-backs higher and delivered more balls into Liverpool’s penalty area. That created sustained pressure, but not many clear-cut chances.
Jérémy Jacquet was one of Liverpool’s most important players during this phase. The young centre-back dealt with several crosses intelligently and repeatedly prevented Bournemouth’s low deliveries from finding a target. Alongside him, Virgil van Dijk remained dominant in the air and brought calm to the defensive line.
Alisson was also reliable when Bournemouth did manage to break through. After Mac Allister lost possession, Evanilson got a shot away inside the box, but the Liverpool goalkeeper saved comfortably.
The hosts increasingly relied on crosses in the closing stages. Bournemouth managed to work the ball into promising areas, but Liverpool won most of the decisive aerial duels. Their territorial pressure therefore rarely translated into real danger.
Gakpo and Mac Allister give Liverpool control
The match data reflects that pattern. Liverpool finished on 1.57 xG compared with Bournemouth’s 0.76, suggesting the visitors created the better chances overall without ever taking complete control of the contest.
Gakpo was Liverpool’s most influential attacking player. In addition to the decisive assist, his movement after the break helped pull Bournemouth’s defensive shape apart and opened spaces for team-mates.
Mac Allister, meanwhile, provided stability in midfield. His passing helped Liverpool slow the game down when required, while several well-timed recoveries prevented Bournemouth from building momentum in transition.
James Hill also produced a notable performance for the hosts. Although he could not fully clear the decisive cross before Isak’s goal, his blocks and defensive interventions kept Bournemouth in the game until the final stages.
Liverpool remain unbeaten ahead of Manchester City test
For Liverpool, this was less a statement performance than an important away win. After three draws in their opening four league matches and the goalless draw with Fulham, Iraola’s side returned to winning ways and remain unbeaten in the Premier League with nine points from five games.
There is still room for improvement. Liverpool possess enormous individual quality in attack, but against compact opponents the combinations and spacing are not yet consistently convincing. Defensively, however, there are increasingly positive signs: the Reds have now kept three consecutive Premier League clean sheets.
After the international break, a major test awaits immediately. Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield on October 11, before travelling to face LASK in the Champions League three days later.
