Jim Holden
LOOK at the Premier League table and two things shout in favour of Liverpool’s title chances after this dominant victory ended their miniwobble. One is that Jurgen Klopp’s team jumped back on to the top perch, three points clear of Manchester
City with just 12 matches left in the season.
The second is the column which records matches lost in a campaign. Liverpool have just one defeat so far, against four by City.
History shows that almost every champion club finishes the season with fewest losses of any team – because they have been the hardest to beat and the most consistent.
That’s where Liverpool are now when all the agonising and shouting is done by The Kop and the TV pundits.
Can they sustain their challenge through to the finish and end 29 years of waiting to win the title?
On this evidence the answer must be yes.
The dynamism of their performance yesterday, inspired by Naby Keita, was even more impressive than the scale of the victory.
Sure, when you’ve had a blip, it’s wonderful to be at home against Bournemouth, who play an open game and give you space to play.
But how well did Liverpool perform yesterday when the pressure had been mounting on them – playing with verve and joy and power and precision.
Klopp had delivered a stirring message to fans in the match programme – demanding that opponents “feel the power of Anfield” for the rest of the title race.
Modern supporters, though, often need stirring action on the field to prompt a rise in volume.
The Kop was fairly quiet for 20 minutes, despite Klopp’s command, as Bournemouth more than held their own in the opening spell.
Only a fine diving save from goalkeeper Alisson prevented a goal for Bournemouth after just 76 seconds, when a passing move cut through Liverpool’s defence to give Ryan Fraser space for a shot.
Eddie Howe’s team are always good to watch, clever in possession and willing to play.
But they need to score goals – because their defence is forever vulnerable. Mo Salah, for one, was enjoying the freedom to get on the ball and try his tricks, and it was only a matter of time before Liverpool scored.
It arrived on 24 minutes when James Milner crossed from the right and Sadio Mane headed home from close range – and it was another moment of good fortune for Klopp’s men.
TV replays showed that Mane had been half a yard offside at the moment the ball was delivered – and so for the second match in succession he had benefited from a linesman’s error. There was little emotion from the Liverpool manager on the touchline, but the goal settled any remaining nerves in the stadium.
Klopp had stuck with Keita in midfield despite widespread scepticism about the Guinean star’s form – and faith was rewarded with interest.
It was pressure on the ball from Keita that gave Liverpool possession in the 34th minute.
Andy Robertson pounced instantly with a perfect chip forward to Gini Wijnaldum who scored with a delicate lob over the keeper. Keita was the architect of the third goal just after the break with a superb pass with the outside of his boot to release Roberto Firmino, who then conjured a cute back-heel into the path of Salah to score with a cool finish.
The Egyptian striker was enjoying his afternoon, and almost scored again after an equally exhilarating move in the 76th minute, clipping the bar with his drive after a pass from Firmino.
Salah had another effort tipped