KINGS ON THE ROAD
Coutinho 20, Lovren 26, Salah 44, Firmino 66 HAMSTRUNG at home, Liverpool continued to run riot on the road as Philippe Coutinho inspired a devastating display of counter-attacking football.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have been held to frustrating draws in their last two matches at Anfield. But with Bournemouth forced to try and play football on their own patch, the brilliant Brazilian and his team-mates were simply unplayable as they ran and pressed their way back into the top four.
Liverpool will be hoping Barcelona weren’t watching.
Since the Tottenham debacle on October 22, Liverpool have netted 19 goals in five away games, including nine in their last two visits to the South Coast. The last time Liverpool scored three goals or more in five consecutive away games was in 1982.
And that is now 12 unbeaten since Wembley. But the stats do not tell the whole story of a free-flowing performance – admittedly against a free-falling Bournemouth side.
There was no Fab Four with Sadio Mane rested. Instead there was a Fearsome Five of attacking talent, including Alex Oxlade-chamberlain, who was outstanding in a central role. Even Dejan Lovren, who scored a spectacular diving header, looked like a world-beater.
But Coutinho was the Special One with the stunning opening goal, two assists, and a free-kick against the post.
Barcelona failed with three bids for his services over the summer and his brief postmatch interview with Sky suggested he won’t be here forever.
Reds fans really should enjoy him while they still can.
Eddie
Howe’s side were served notice that
Coutinho (right) was in the mood when his 11th-minute free-kick thudded against the post. But the Brazilian did not have to wait too long to find the net. After 20 minutes, he picked up a Ragnar Klavan pass and exchanged passes with Andy Robertson. As the Scot continued his run down the Liverpool left, Coutinho used him as a decoy and cut inside before sliding home his 11th of the season. Coutinho’s corner set up the