January 21, (THEWILL) – Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the English Premier League table to 5 points after a crushing 4-0 victory away to Bournemouth on Sunday. Despite being without top scorer Mohamed Salah, Jurgen Klopp’s side turned on the style in the second half as Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota both claimed braces.
Bournemouth started the brighter of the two sides in the first half and Liverpool initially struggled to find their rhythm. Clear-cut chances were few and far between before the break but the away side started to grow into the game. There was a controversial moment involving Justin Kluivert, who somehow escaped a red card for a dangerous tackle on Luis Diaz.
The second half was a different story though as Liverpool ruthlessly capitalised on sloppy Bournemouth defending. Nunez opened the scoring just 4 minutes after the restart after a mix-up in the Cherries backline allowed him a simple finish. Jota then helped himself to a quick-fire double in the 70th and 79th minute before Nunez wrapped up the scoring deep into added time.
It was a professional performance from Liverpool, who fully made the most of Manchester City not being in action over the weekend. The result means Klopp’s side have now gone 14 league games unbeaten as they continue their charge towards another EPL title. Bournemouth competed well for large parts but their defence ultimately crumbled under relentless Liverpool pressure.
For the home side, it is now back to the drawing board after only their second defeat in nine games. As for Liverpool, attention will turn to Wednesday night’s clash away to Wolves in the FA Cup 3rd Round Replay. On this evidence though, it will take something special to stop them winning at least the double this season.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
