Liverpool wins big in Premier League

Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez both scored twice to help Liverpool beat host Bournemouth 4-0 in round 21, to maintain their top position in the Premier League.

Without Mohamed Salah due to the African Cup, Liverpool's attack still maintained its strength to win the fifth consecutive match in all competitions. Although Luis Diaz played poorly, the other two strikers shined in the second half, scoring four goals. Jota was voted the best player of the match as he contributed to three goals.

Diogo Jota and defender Conor Bradley celebrate Liverpool's goal against Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium, Dorset, round 21 of the Premier League on January 21, 2024. Photo: REX

Nunez also did not just score, he became the first Premier League player this season to score and assist 10 or more goals in all competitions. It was the Uruguayan striker who opened the scoring in the 49th minute, starting from a calm chest-support from Curtis Jones in the middle. The midfielder passed to Jota on the right edge of the penalty area, who passed with a left-footed pass into the penalty area for Nunez to face the goalkeeper. Without much thought, Nunez immediately fired a low shot into the far corner to score.

Nunez was more fortunate than usual, needing just three shots to score his double. Jota did better, scoring with both shots. In the 70th minute, receiving a pass from Cody Gakpo down the right side of the penalty area, Jota fired a one-touch shot into the near corner, hitting the inside of the post and into the net. Nine minutes later, he received the ball in the same spot, with his first shot slipping, but his follow-up shot hit the ground and crossed the corner, leaving goalkeeper Neto unable to save.

Bournemouth were knocked out from behind, but referee Andrew Madley still called for eight minutes of stoppage time. Nunez used the time to seal the win with a close-range tap-in from right-back Joe Gomez's cross. After the ball hit the net, the 25-year-old pointed and ran to hug the passer.

Darwin Nunez's (No. 9) goal sealed the 4-0 victory. Photo: Reuters

Bournemouth have had a run of six wins and one draw in their last seven Premier League games. But in their last two games, they lost 3-1 to Tottenham and 4-0 to Liverpool. Andoni Iraola's team are still not strong enough to compete with the top teams. But despite the heavy defeat, the Vitality Stadium crowd still stayed at the stadium and actively cheered for their team.

Bournemouth also caused Liverpool problems in the first half, when chances were scarce. The most notable incident was Justin Kluivert's tackle in front of Diaz. The Bournemouth striker cleared the ball, but then let his boot hit his opponent's ankle. However, referee Madley did not blow the whistle, and VAR deemed the incident not worthy of a red card.

Kluivert's tackle would have been much more talked about had Liverpool not won. However, Jurgen Klopp's side were much better in the second half, extending their lead over City to five points, despite Pep Guardiola's side having a game in hand.

Xuan Binh

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