Liverpool go nine points clear with Bournemouth win

Liverpool opened up a commanding nine-point lead in the Premier League title race as Mohamed Salah continued his sensational season with both goals in a 2-0 win at Bournemouth on Saturday. The Egyptian forward, already a talismanic figure for the Reds, delivered yet another decisive performance, ensuring his team took full advantage of their rivals' slip-ups and reinforcing their status as favorites for the league crown.

Arne Slot's side rode their luck at times against a Bournemouth team that had been in superb form, unbeaten in their last 11 league games. The Cherries, managed by Andoni Iraola, had already demonstrated their ability to upset the league’s elite, having taken down the other three members of the current top four in their own backyard this season. With that track record, Bournemouth’s faithful entered the fixture brimming with anticipation, hoping their team could halt Liverpool’s relentless march towards the title. However, despite their energetic display and numerous goal-scoring opportunities, the difference between the two sides came down to one man: Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward, demonstrating his signature ruthlessness, converted a penalty in the 30th minute before sealing the victory with a sublime curling effort in the 75th minute. His brace took his tally to 21 league goals for the season, further underlining his importance to Liverpool's campaign.

"It feels good to be fair, scoring goals, the team winning, it's an incredible feeling," Salah remarked post-match, exuding confidence and determination. "But I said many times before, the main target is winning the Premier League. We are going in the right direction." Those words reflect the singular focus within Liverpool’s squad: reclaiming the domestic crown they last won in 2020. With every passing game, their aspirations edge closer to reality, and with a talisman like Salah leading the charge, their belief grows stronger.

Bournemouth, to their credit, did not go down without a fight and were unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet. The hosts hit the woodwork twice—first through Antoine Semenyo early in the match when the game was still goalless, and later through Marcus Tavernier, who struck the post just moments before Salah put the contest beyond reach. The home side’s attacking efforts caused Liverpool’s defense moments of concern, with Alisson forced into an early save within the opening 15 seconds after Semenyo unleashed a powerful shot. Moments later, Semenyo again came agonizingly close to scoring, smashing an effort against the frame of the goal, leaving Alisson stranded. On another day, those efforts might have produced a different outcome, but luck was not on Bournemouth's side.

Liverpool, who now have 56 points from 23 games, remain firmly in control of the title race. Their closest challengers, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, trail by nine points with 47 each. Arsenal, however, have a crucial game in hand as they prepare to host Manchester City, who sit fourth with 41 points. That high-stakes encounter could determine whether the Gunners remain in contention or if Liverpool's lead at the summit becomes even more insurmountable.

Bournemouth’s tactical discipline and fearless approach have been hallmarks of their resurgence under Iraola. Against Liverpool, they played with intensity and were inches away from another famous result. They believed they had found an equalizer in the 37th minute when Semenyo threaded a perfectly timed pass to the overlapping Milos Kerkez, whose cross was met by David Brooks. The home crowd erupted as Brooks found the back of the net, but their celebrations were short-lived as VAR intervened. Replays confirmed that Kerkez had been marginally offside in the build-up, a decision that left Bournemouth frustrated and denied them a well-earned foothold in the game.

Despite their attacking intent, Bournemouth were always vulnerable while trailing 1-0, and Salah ensured they paid the price. With just 15 minutes remaining, he delivered a moment of individual brilliance that showcased his lethal finishing ability. Receiving the ball on the right side of the penalty area, Salah effortlessly curled a nonchalant left-footed effort past Neto and into the far corner. It was a strike of the highest quality, one that encapsulated his predatory instincts and technical prowess. With that goal, Salah climbed to sixth place on the all-time Premier League scoring list, surpassing Chelsea legend Frank Lampard with his 178th goal in the competition. The Egyptian’s place among the league’s greats is undisputed, and performances like this further cement his legacy.

The second goal proved to be a cruel gut punch for Bournemouth, who had just moments earlier witnessed Marcus Tavernier’s left-footed strike cannon off the post. Justin Kluivert had the chance to capitalize on the rebound, but with the goal at his mercy, he fired wide, much to the despair of the home fans. The fine margins of football were on full display—while Liverpool's star man delivered clinical finishing at the other end, Bournemouth were left ruing their missed chances.

Liverpool’s resilience in defense was epitomized by Virgil van Dijk, whose composure and leadership ensured the Reds maintained control despite Bournemouth’s pressing. The Dutch captain marshaled his backline with authority, and though Liverpool were not always at their fluent best, they displayed the clinical edge that separates champions from contenders. That ability to grind out results, even when not at their dazzling best, has been a hallmark of their campaign under Slot, whose tactical acumen continues to yield impressive results.

"We had to play on top of our abilities and we needed a bit of luck to win this game," Slot admitted after the match, acknowledging Bournemouth’s threat. "They were constantly trying to do things. I didn't think we controlled the game." His assessment was honest—Liverpool were far from dominant—but in the end, it was their individual brilliance, particularly from Salah, that proved decisive. The Reds have now extended their unbeaten streak to 19 league games, an extraordinary run that has seen them emerge as the team to beat this season.

For Bournemouth, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, but their performance provided plenty of encouragement. Sitting seventh in the table, they remain firmly in contention for European qualification, an achievement that would mark a remarkable turnaround under Iraola. Their ability to compete with the league’s top sides is a testament to their progress, and despite the defeat, they will take heart from their display against the league leaders.

As the season progresses, Liverpool's focus will remain on maintaining their momentum and navigating the challenges ahead. With 15 games left to play, the Premier League title is within their grasp, but they cannot afford any complacency. Their nearest challengers, Arsenal and Manchester City, will be eager to pounce on any slip-ups, and the battle for supremacy is far from over. However, with Mohamed Salah in imperious form and a squad brimming with confidence, Liverpool look every bit the champions in waiting. If they continue in this vein, it will take something truly extraordinary to deny them their second Premier League crown in five years.