Liverpool’s impressive 13-match run without a loss came to a screeching halt on Saturday as a 95th-minute winner from Amine Adli handed AFC Bournemouth a dramatic 3-2 victory. In a rain-soaked encounter at the Vitality Stadium, the Reds looked to have staged a classic comeback after falling two goals behind early in the first half to strikes from Evanilson and Alex Jimenez.
A Virgil van Dijk header before the interval and a sensational late free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai appeared to have salvaged a point for the defending champions. However, a defensive lapse in the dying seconds allowed the Cherries to snatch all three points, leaving Arne Slot’s side at risk of slipping out of the top four by the end of the weekend.
Player Ratings & Performances
Alisson Becker – 5
A frustrating afternoon for the Brazilian. He was largely a spectator until the goals flew past him, and he drew the ire of the coaching staff for failing to clear the ball into the stands during Joe Gomez’s injury—a sequence that led directly to Bournemouth’s second. His positioning for the late winner also left much to be desired.
Jeremie Frimpong – 6
One of the few bright sparks in the second half, Frimpong used his pace to stretch the Bournemouth defense. He looked like the most likely source of a breakthrough before being substituted, and the team noticeably lacked his directness until the final stages of the game.
Joe Gomez – 6
The defender displayed some excellent vision with his passing from the back, but he was caught flat-footed for the opening goal. His afternoon ended prematurely due to yet another injury setback, continuing a frustrating pattern for the versatile Englishman.
Virgil van Dijk – 5
A rollercoaster of a performance from the captain. He was uncharacteristically sloppy for the first goal and played Jimenez onside for the second. While he redeemed himself with a powerful header to spark the comeback, he was ultimately part of the defensive collapse that allowed Adli to score the winner.
Milos Kerkez – 4
A miserable return to his former hunting ground. Kerkez struggled to track the movement of Jimenez and looked off the pace throughout the first half. It was no surprise to see him hauled off at the interval as Slot looked to tighten up the left flank.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
The midfielder provided a sense of calm in possession, helping Liverpool dominate long stretches of the ball. However, he was often accused of playing it too safe, failing to provide the incisive through-balls needed to break down a stubborn Bournemouth block.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8
Undoubtedly Liverpool’s standout performer. Not only did he provide the assist for Van Dijk’s header, but he also stepped up with a world-class free-kick to equalize. His versatility was on display again as he filled in at right-back during the final half-hour, nearly dragging his team to a result.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5
After a bright opening 20 minutes where he dictated play, the Argentine’s influence waned significantly. He struggled to deal with Bournemouth’s physicality as the game became more transitional and was substituted before the hour mark.
Florian Wirtz – 6
Wirtz was a constant thorn in the side of the Bournemouth defense, but his final ball lacked its usual precision. He was denied a goal by a superb save but will be frustrated by the number of times he turned over possession in dangerous areas.
Cody Gakpo – 4
Leading the line in a central role, Gakpo was largely anonymous. He struggled to link play or find any significant openings in the box, finishing the game with a remarkably low touch count before being replaced late on.
Mohamed Salah – 5
Making his first start since early November, the Egyptian looked rusty. Despite providing the short-pass assist for Szoboszlai’s free-kick, his overall contribution was wasteful, and he never truly threatened to add to his impressive scoring record at this stadium.
Substitutes
Wataru Endo (6): Slotted into the backline and grew into the game, though he was lucky not to be punished for an over-eager jump late on.
Andy Robertson (5): Provided his usual energy but lacked quality with his delivery from the wide areas.
Rio Ngumoha (6): A highly impressive cameo; his direct running won the free-kick that led to the equalizer.