Alexander Isak continued his impressive start to the Premier League season by scoring the only goal as Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth on Andoni Iraola’s return to the Vitality Stadium.
The match took some time to come alive, with both teams hoping to avoid a fourth draw of the season. Liverpool eventually found the breakthrough in the 57th minute when Isak converted after a blocked cross.
Bournemouth had the better early chance, with Evanilson forcing a strong save from Alisson Becker. However, after falling behind, the hosts struggled to create a response as their winless league run continued.
Dominik Szoboszlai tested his luck with a 10th-minute free-kick, curling an effort narrowly wide of the top-left corner.
Alisson was soon called into action again, reacting quickly to keep out Evanilson’s improvised backheel attempt, which had appeared destined for the bottom corner.
Liverpool increased the pressure before the interval, with Bradley Barcola coming close to scoring his first goal for the club. The winger cut inside from the left before seeing his low effort deflected, only for Djordje Petrovic to keep it out with his legs.
Szoboszlai went close again from another free-kick before half-time, while Isak fired a long-range attempt well over the bar.
Ryan Christie was Bournemouth’s main attacking outlet after the break, combining with Rayan before bursting into the box, but he could only steer his effort wide under pressure.
Liverpool eventually made their best opportunity count. Cody Gakpo weaved through challenges on the right before his delivery took a deflection after Florian Wirtz failed to connect cleanly under pressure from James Hill. The loose ball fell perfectly for Isak, who converted shortly before the hour mark.
Bournemouth defender Hill then prevented Isak from doubling Liverpool’s lead by throwing himself in front of another effort after Gakpo had played the striker through.
The hosts pushed forward late on but could not find an equaliser, with Liverpool holding on for all three points.
Isak continues impressive run
Bournemouth had celebrated a historic victory over Real Sociedad in their first European match during the week, but the hosts could not produce another positive result against Liverpool.
Despite Liverpool having two additional days of preparation after their EFL Cup victory over Tottenham, the expected high-tempo contest failed to materialise as the match developed slowly.
Isak once again proved decisive. His four goals in five appearances this season have already taken him beyond his Premier League tally from the whole of last season, when he scored three times in 14 games.
Gakpo also played a key role for Liverpool, particularly with his future having been uncertain during the summer. Although he managed just two shots, his creativity stood out as he created three chances, level with Wirtz for the team-high, while also winning nine of his 16 duels.
Liverpool’s defence also maintained its strong form, recording a third consecutive Premier League clean sheet — their longest run without conceding since a four-game streak between May and September 2024.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, enter the international break still searching for their first league victory under Rose. Their only longer winless start to a Premier League campaign came under Iraola in 2023-24, when they failed to win any of their opening nine matches.
