Luis Diaz’s two quick goals paved the way for Liverpool to secure a 3-0 Premier League home win over Bournemouth on Saturday, as Arne Slot’s side bounced back from an unexpected 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest last week.
Diaz was outstanding in the first half, covering up Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses with some excellent attacking runs down the left wing, and the game ended in half-time, effectively going to penalties.
Liverpool had to thank VAR when Antoine Semenyo’s opener against Bournemouth was ruled out for offside, and the home fans’ groans as they feared another shocking defeat turned to cheers when the goal was ruled out.
Diaz then came into action, forcing goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga into a superb save after eight minutes, before finally slotting home a long pass ahead of Kepa on 26 minutes.
Less than three minutes later, Diaz added his second, putting Bournemouth ahead 5-4, as the Colombian striker slotted the ball through the legs of an onrushing Kepa on his left foot to score his fifth goal in five league games.
Darwin Nunez added a superb third, attacking down the right and slowing down before suddenly speeding up again, cutting inside and curling a left-footed shot to make it 3-0.
With the visitors in a position of no win, there was little to show for the second half, except for Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa making his Premier League debut, coming on as a substitute and showing the talent that earned Juventus a fee of £10 million ($13.32 million) for him.
Despite their overwhelming attacking dominance, Liverpool often looked vulnerable in defence and goalkeeper Kaoimin Kelleher had to make a save after a late corner hit the post, but Bournemouth could not find a way to claw their way back into the game and the home side held on for an easy win.
