Liverpool Player Ratings as Isak Decides Scrappy Bournemouth Win
Liverpool were not at their fluent best on the south coast, but three points are three points, and few will care how they were earned when the season is assessed.
Alexander Isak supplied the decisive moment in a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, while Liverpool’s defensive resilience carried them through some uncomfortable periods at the Vitality Stadium.
It was also a significant afternoon for Andoni Iraola. The Liverpool manager was back at Bournemouth for the first time since leaving the Cherries to take charge at Anfield, and his return ended with three points and a clean sheet.
Liverpool player ratings
Alisson Becker, 8/10
Assured with almost everything played into his area and produced a smart low save when Liverpool needed him. The Brazilian made a succession of good decisions after the break and helped protect a narrow advantage.
Ronald Araujo, 8/10
Needed a little time to settle into the contest but grew increasingly influential. Araujo won important headers, defended his area aggressively and offered genuine protection during Bournemouth’s attempts to find an equaliser.
Jeremy Jacquet, 8/10
Another impressive performance from the young defender. Jacquet read danger early, cleared his lines with authority and looked particularly sharp after the interval. His composure was a major feature of Liverpool’s clean sheet.
Virgil van Dijk, 7/10
Vocal, organised and dependable alongside Jacquet. Van Dijk continues to knit together Liverpool’s reshaped defence and was particularly effective as Bournemouth increased the pressure late on.
Milos Kerkez, 6/10
An erratic opening half against his former club, with Liverpool’s left back occasionally lacking composure. Improved after the interval and provided greater control when moving forward.
Alexis Mac Allister, 7/10
Liverpool’s most reliable midfield presence. Mac Allister was regularly responsible for providing control in possession and offered the progressive passing Liverpool badly needed during a disjointed team performance.
Dominik Szoboszlai, 6/10
A frustrating afternoon. Szoboszlai was restricted largely to ambitious efforts from distance and his positioning in central midfield did not always look natural. Withdrawn after 80 minutes.
Florian Wirtz, 5/10
Another difficult Premier League outing for the German. Wirtz was crowded out and struggled to impose himself for long periods, although his clever flick played a part in the move that produced Liverpool’s winner. Replaced after 71 minutes.
Alexander Isak, 7/10
Liverpool needed somebody to make the difference and Isak delivered. His composed finish settled the contest, while only a strong last ditch challenge prevented him from adding another. On an afternoon short of attacking quality, Liverpool’s striker produced the moment that mattered.
Bradley Barcola, 6/10
Provided some threat from wide areas and forced a save during Liverpool’s better attacking spells. His influence diminished after the interval as Bournemouth adjusted.
Cody Gakpo, 6/10
Operating from an unfamiliar position on the right, Gakpo struggled to become consistently involved. He still made an important contribution, supplying the cross during the move that eventually produced Isak’s goal.
Liverpool substitutes
Trey Nyoni, 7/10
Introduced after 71 minutes and immediately brought greater composure to Liverpool’s midfield. Another encouraging contribution from the youngster.
Victor Muñoz, 6/10
Added energy after coming on and helped Liverpool negotiate the closing stages.
Ryan Gravenberch, 6/10
Introduced after 80 minutes and provided fresh legs as Liverpool attempted to see out the victory.
Lewis Koumas, 6/10
Showed plenty of willingness during his late cameo and worked hard without having much time to influence proceedings.
Andoni Iraola, 7/10
A winning return to familiar surroundings for the Liverpool manager.
Iraola’s first trip back to the Vitality Stadium since leaving Bournemouth was never likely to be straightforward, and his Liverpool side were forced to grind their way through it.
There were questions over the midfield balance and Liverpool never really established the attacking control Iraola would have wanted. His side did, however, remain organised defensively and found a way to protect their advantage once Isak had put them ahead.
It was hardly a vintage Liverpool performance, but returning to his former club with a 1-0 victory represents a satisfying afternoon for Iraola.
Our verdict
Strip away the individual marks and Liverpool’s defensive performance stands out.
Jacquet, Araujo and Van Dijk gave Bournemouth very little encouragement, while Alisson provided his usual security behind them. Further forward, there remains considerable work to do in finding the right balance between Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Wirtz.
Isak ultimately separated the teams.
Liverpool will play considerably better than this and there will be afternoons when Iraola demands far more from his attacking players. Winning difficult away matches when the football does not quite flow, however, remains an important quality for any side with ambitions near the top of the Premier League.
Three points, a clean sheet and a winning return to Bournemouth for Iraola. Liverpool will take all three.