Dramatic comeback

> Liverpool lose unbeaten record to Bournemouth

LIVERPOOL conceded three late goals as they slipped to a dramatic 43 defeat at Bournemouth yesterday, their first defeat in 16 matches in all competitions.

Liverpool led 2-0 and then 3-1 with 15 minutes to go but Ryan Fraser and Steve Cook levelled and then Nathan Ake won it in time added-on.

The result left Liverpool third, four points behind leaders Chelsea while Bournemouth moved up to 10th on goal difference.

“I have to say (it was) a deserved win for Bournemouth,” Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp (caricature) said.

“A big fight from them. We gave the game away at a decisive point. We opened the door and they ran through and scored some wonderful goals. So that’s the deserved result.

“Even when we are in the lead at 2-0… we gave the game away because we didn’t play football any more.

“If we learn it’s okay. At 2-0 or 3-1 the game is not decided but the way we played after we gave it away. We gave Bournemouth the ball. These things happen.”

Liverpool were dominant in the first half and led through goals from Sadio Mane and a brilliant finish from Divock Origi. Bournemouth had barely had a shot at that stage but a substitution – Fraser for the injured Junior Stanislas on 54 minutes turned the match on its head. First Fraser won a penalty after he was fouled by James Milner just two minutes after his introduction, Callum Wilson converting from the spot. Emre Can looked to have ended their fightback with a fine strike for Liverpool’s third goal eight minutes later. But Fraser fired in Bournemouth’s second goal 14 minutes from time and then defender Steve Cook scored a superb equalizer, dragging a cross down and stabbing it into the bottom corner. Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius made a stunning stop to prevent a Bournemouth fourth and Origi went close to a winner before Ake poked the ball home from one yard after Karius spilled a powerful shot from Cook. “It was an incredible comeback,” Ake said. “The first half they dominated us and we sat back too much. We gave away two early goals but we came back strong in he second half. We pressed them and did well. “This result gives us confidence, Liverpool have been doing well and we just need to keep going now.” – dpa