Liverpool hosted Bournemouth this past weekend in a match where the Reds emerged as comfortable 3-0 winners. Despite the scoreline, Bournemouth had their moments and pushed Liverpool’s defense, particularly in transition. However, the sheer quality in Liverpool’s pressing and sharp execution in front of goal saw them secure the points in what was a game marked by tactical battles and some intriguing stats.
Key Stats Breakdown
Liverpool dominated possession, holding 57% of the ball, while Bournemouth managed 43%. Both team’s attacking force was evident in their 17 shots compared to Bournemouth’s 16, but the hosts had more precision, getting 12 shots on target to Bournemouth’s 5. Liverpool’s clinical finishing was reflected in their 3 goals from an xG of 1.75, while Bournemouth were left frustrated, creating chances worth an xG of 1.36 without converting any of them.
The shot map illustrates the hosts’ effectiveness inside the box, with the majority of their shots coming from close range, whereas Bournemouth’s efforts were more scattered and less threatening, with many off-target or blocked. Liverpool’s pressing game also forced Bournemouth into making 12 fouls, a sign of their struggle to contain the Reds’ constant attacking movement.
Momentum Analysis
The match momentum graph (xG) shows a strong start from Liverpool, with the majority of their goals coming in a clinical 10-minute period between the 26th and 37th minutes. Luis Díaz opened the scoring with a brace in 2 minutes in the 26th and 28th minute, while Darwin Núñez added another shortly after. Bournemouth had a few moments in the second half where they created pressure, but the Liverpool defense remained solid, frustrating the Cherries.
Despite moments of Bournemouth pushing forward, their chances didn’t carry the same weight. The cumulative xG shows Liverpool maintaining a steady increase throughout the game, with Bournemouth’s few opportunities concentrated early in the second half.
Shot and Goal Analysis
Liverpool took 17 shots, converting 3 of them into goals, all of which came from inside the box. Their shot map shows a concentrated effort to work the ball into high-quality areas, with Díaz and Núñez particularly effective. In contrast, Bournemouth’s efforts were either from outside the box or low-quality areas, reflected in their struggles to truly test Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher.
Bournemouth managed 16 shots but were plagued by inaccuracy, with 9 shots off target and 4 blocked. Their xG of 1.36 indicates they created some dangerous situations, but their final touch let them down.
Possession Tactics & Pass Maps
Liverpool’s pass map highlights their reliance on the midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch to control the tempo. Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold provided the width, constantly linking up with Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz, keeping Bournemouth’s defense stretched. This forced Bournemouth to sit deep and defend in numbers, though they occasionally looked to exploit space on the counter.
Bournemouth’s pass map shows they focused heavily on using the flanks, with Antione Semenyo and Araujo serving as the primary outlets on the right. However, their inability to maintain possession in advanced areas meant they could not sustain pressure for long enough to trouble Liverpool consistently.
Overall, Liverpool’s superior technical quality and sharper finishing made the difference in a game where Bournemouth showed glimpses of promise but lacked the cutting edge to get on the scoreboard. The Reds continue their strong start to the 2024/25 campaign, keeping pace at the top of the Premier League.