Bournemouth snatched victory with the last kick of the game to pile on more misery for Arne Slot as Liverpool’s valiant recovery efforts went in vain in the Premier League.
The Reds started the contest in complete control but went behind against the run of play, with Virgil van Dijk failing to deal with a long-ball into Alex Scott. The Englishman kept the ball in play at the byline, seemingly to the Liverpool captain’s surprise, before squaring to Evanilson to lash home.
In trying to prevent the goal, Joe Gomez took a heavy knock in the crotch from Alisson, forcing him off the field. However, Liverpool failed to make the substitution promptly and conceded again with 10 men, with Alex Jimenez firing through Alisson’s legs after Van Dijk had kept him onside.
Van Dijk, culpable for both of Liverpool’s goals, went some way to making amends on the brink of half-time, fortuitously flicking home to halve the deficit, before Dominik Szoboszlai scored another free-kick with 10 minutes to play to complete the comeback.
But just as Liverpool thought they’d salvaged a point, a last-minute long throw from James Hill caused chaos in the Reds box before Amine Adli fired home from the tight angle to nick all three points.
Follow all the action from Bournemouth vs Liverpool in our live blog below:
Bournemouth vs Liverpool live
- Bournemouth beat Liverpool with last kick of the game to pile on misery for Arne Slot
- 90+5' GOAL! Adli converts from goal-mouth scramble to nick it for Cherries [BOU 3-2 LIV]
- 80' GOAL! Szoboszlai scores another free-kick to level [BOU 2-2 LIV]
- 45' GOAL! Van Dijk's flicked header gives visitors hope of comeback [BOU 2-1 LIV]
- 33' GOAL! Jimenez scores as Liverpool defence split open once again [BOU 2-0 LIV]
- 26' GOAL! Evanilson fires home after Reds fail to deal with long ball [BOU 1-0 LIV]
Report: Arne Slot faced with recurring problem as Liverpool stunned by last-gasp Bournemouth winner
21:00 , Will CastleAmine Adli scrambled home a winner in the fifth minute of added time as Liverpool’s dismal title defence suffered another setback with a dramatic 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth.
The Reds looked set to register a fifth successive Premier League draw after Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai cancelled out strikes from Evanilson and Alex Jimenez.
But, with virtually the last kick of an enthralling contest in wet and windy conditions, Cherries winger Adli sparked wild scenes at the Vitality Stadium.
Slot faced with recurring problem as Liverpool stunned by late winner
Virgil van Dijk fumes at refereeing over last-gasp Bournemouth winner
22:00 , Will CastleVirgil van Dijk voiced his frustration at not being awarded a foul in the midst of the goal-mouth scramble that led to Bournemouth’s 95th-minute winner over Liverpool.
The Reds captain felt he was blocked off before Amine Adli scrambled the ball beyond Alisson and into the net, snatching all three points for the Cherries as Liverpool’s two-goal recovery went in vain.
"What I felt on that pitch is that I was blocked but the referee and VAR didn't give it,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports.
“I can stand here and say it shouldn't have been given bit it was, so it is what it is."
Virgil van Dijk fumes at refereeing over last-gasp Bournemouth winner
Iraola hails importance of three points
21:40 , Will Castle"It is a massive win for us because we were in a difficult situation, especially last week in terms of numbers and in defensive players,” Iraola told BBC Sport.
"We are finding ways to get points against difficult opposition. I am very proud of the team and what we are doing. We are adapting and we are getting good points.
"I think it is a win that we needed. We are now on 30 points, we need the points and we need them as soon as possible. We are still in relegation situation so we still have to fight and go for points."
Arne Slot explains heated interaction with officials at full-time
21:20 , Will Castle"For me, four minutes of added time was not enough but in the end that didn't matter because they scored,” he said.
“Although then we could've maybe had two or three minutes but this game shouldn't have had four minutes of extra time. There was already a free-kick that took two or three minutes, there was VAR moments, there was substitutions. That's what I said to them, that four minutes wasn't enough.
"We were down to 10 men and then they scored their second and that was the only few minutes bar from the last 10 minutes that we had some problems. But the result was another loss."
Match-winner Adli reflects on his moment
20:45 , Will Castle"I think, like I said before, we play football for moments like this,” Adli told BBC Sport.
“The people are coming for this and to see all the happiness in everybody, the members of staff, all the people who are working for the club and the fans, it's for moments like this we play football.
"It's a crazy moment. Obviously it's the first time it's happened to me. The emotions are amazing, but overall it shows the character of the team.
“I think we played a very good game against a very tough opponent and this goal is showing all the work rate of the whole team and hopefully I score this one, for sure I'm even more happy. I'm just happy for the team."
Liverpool's failure to hold on at the death
20:30 , Will CastleAgainst Bournemouth, Liverpool conceded a 90th-minute winning goal for the third time in the Premier League this season – their most ever in a single campaign in the competition.
A recurring theme of this season and Arne Slot’s woes.
Van Dijk says Liverpool conceding with 10 men was 'not on Alisson'
20:15 , Will Castle"We were with 10 men, you can argue that we have to kick the ball out,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports.
"It's not on Alisson. It's easy to say he should have done this. It is a split second.
"We decided to keep the ball as we had possession and unfortunately for us we conceded. Losing never feels good, especially as a Liverpool player."
Arne Slot faced with recurring problem as Liverpool stunned by last-gasp Bournemouth winner
20:10 , Will CastleAmine Adli scrambled home a winner in the fifth minute of added time as Liverpool’s dismal title defence suffered another setback with a dramatic 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth.
The Reds looked set to register a fifth successive Premier League draw after Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai cancelled out strikes from Evanilson and Alex Jimenez.
But, with virtually the last kick of an enthralling contest in wet and windy conditions, Cherries winger Adli sparked wild scenes at the Vitality Stadium.
Slot faced with recurring problem as Liverpool stunned by late winner
Senesi: 'Unbelievable because we needed a win'
20:00 , Will Castle"To be honest, unbelievable,” Senesi said. “I think we did a very good first half going to 2-0 then they scored, they draw the game. A late winner is perfect for us.
"Unbelievable because we need a win. Everyone below us is getting points, so it is massive for us to win today against a really good side like Liverpool. They are doing amazing and it was a good game and at the end we got the result.
"The team is staying together, doing the work even we have a few injuries and important players for us. Everyone is stepping up and we got an important result today."
Van Dijk feels he was fouled for Bournemouth winner
19:50 , Will Castle"What I felt on that pitch was that I was clearly blocked,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports. “The referee and the VAR don't give it.
"We will have to accept it. I can stand here and say it should not be given but it was. It is what it is."
Jamie Redknapp responded by arguing that while he was blocked, he was blocked by his team-mate.
"Van Dijk thinks he was fouled and he was blocked... but by his own team-mate,” he said.
"It was Curtis Jones who tripped him."
Bournemouth beat Liverpool with last kick of the game
19:40 , Will Castle
FULL-TIME! Bournemouth 3-2 Liverpool
19:34 , Will CastleBournemouth snatched victory with the last kick of the game to pile on more misery for Arne Slot as Liverpool’s valliant recovery efforts went in vain in the Premier League.
The Reds started the contest in complete control but went behind against the run of play, with Virgil van Dijk failing to deliver with a long-ball into Alex Scott. The Englishman kept the ball in play at the byline, seemingly to the Liverpool captain’s surprise, before squaring to Evanilson to lash home.
In trying to prevent the goal, Joe Gomez took a heavy knock in the crotch from Alisson, forcing him off the field. However, Liverpool failed to make the substitution promptly and conceded again with 10 men, with Alex Jimenez firing through Alisson’s legs after Van Dijk had kept him onside.
Van Dijk, culpable for both of Liverpool’s goals, went some way to making amends on the brink of half-time, fortuitously flicking home to halve the deficit, before Dominik Szoboszlai scored another free-kick with 10 minutes to play to complete the comeback.
But just as Liverpool thought they’d salvaged a point, a last-minute long throw from James Hill caused chaos in the Reds box before Amine Adli fired home from the tight angle to nick all three points.
FULL-TIME! Bournemouth 3-2 Liverpool
19:25 , Will CastleIt’s all over!
Arne Slot is absolutely furious.
GOAL! Bournemouth 3-2 Liverpool (Adli, 90+5')
19:24 , Will CastleTHE CHERRIES NICK IT!
Finally the long throw comes good for Bournemouth, causing chaos before Adli gets the decisive touch to put it beyond Alisson and into the net!
A sickener for Liverpool.
Bournemouth 2-2 Liverpool
19:23 , Will Castle90+4 mins: One more long throw for Hill.
Bournemouth 2-2 Liverpool
19:22 , Will Castle90+3 mins: Liverpool fail to cause damage from the corner and Bournemouth counter through Adli.
Gravenberch thwarts the Moroccan as he knocks it out for a throw, before booting the ball away to prevent the quick restart.
He’s booked for his troubles.
Bournemouth 2-2 Liverpool
19:21 , Will Castle90+2 mins: Liverpool are just trying to find that gap and they nearly do as Salah fires it back across from the byline.
It seemed like it went through the legs of two Liverpool players before deflecting away off Robertson.
Bournemouth 2-2 Liverpool
19:19 , Will Castle90+1 mins: FOUR added minutes, for one of these teams to find a winner.
Bournemouth 2-2 Liverpool
19:19 , Will Castle90 mins: Iraola is throwing on Unal, a striker, in a bid to win this. Says all you need to know about how Bournemouth feel about the winnability of this game.
Bournemouth 2-2 Liverpool
19:17 , Will Castle88 mins: Bournemouth are still going for this. They work it to Scott on the edge of the box, whose curling effort flies over the bar.
Up the other end, Liverpool try to force it forward but Wirtz gets his through ball completely wrong, toeing it out for a goal kick.
Bournemouth 2-2 Liverpool
19:16 , Will Castle85 mins: CLOSE! This time it’s Petrovic who gets the all important touch, tipping Wirtz’s prodded effort around the post.
It looked like that was headed for the far corner, but the referee seemed to miss Petrovic’s saving contribution as he gives a goal kick - not that Bournemouth will complain!
Bournemouth 2-2 Liverpool
19:13 , Will Castle84 mins: CHANCE! A golden opportunity to nick it for the Cherries!
Evanilson is slipped through and manages to get his effort beyond Alisson, only to see it roll just wide.
Agonising!
Bournemouth 2-2 Liverpool
19:12 , Will Castle82 mins: SAVE! What a stop by Alisson to prevent Liverpool from falling right back behind.
Christie fires from outside the box and it looks destined for the top left corner, only for Alisson to tip it over.
GOAL! Bournemouth 2-2 Liverpool (Szoboszlai, 80')
19:09 , Will CastleHE’S DONE IT AGAIN!
Teed up by Salah, Szoboszlai comes good from the set piece once again, bending it beautifully around the wall and past Petrovic.
What an ending we’ve got in store!
Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
19:08 , Will Castle79 mins: Jimenez stays close to Ngumoha and this time gives away a free-kick, and this is in Szoboszlai range.
The Bournemouth players have seen what he did against Marseille - they’ve got a man lying on the ground.
Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
19:07 , Will Castle76 mins: Jimenez is a lucky boy that Ngumoha hasn’t been indoctrinated to search for a penalty at any chance he gets.
As the young winger darts past him into the box, Jimenez steps across him and if he went down, that’s probably a stonewall spot-kick.
Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
19:03 , Will Castle74 mins: Liverpool are running out of time to turn this around, and Slot has thrown the dice one more time to try and rediscover some attacking momentum.
Teenager Ngumoha replaces Gakpo in Liverpool’s front-line - Slot’s final substitution.
Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
19:01 , Will Castle72 mins: Scott’s effort goes into the wall, but with one failed set-piece opens the opportunity for another.
Hill launches a long throw and it briefly causes panic in the Liverpool box, with an overhead kick attempted by an audacious Bournemouth body, but the Reds eventually get it away after Jimenez can’t catch his volley right.
Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
18:59 , Will Castle69 mins: Ekitike is penalised for catching his man while trying to nick the ball away on the edge of Liverpool’s final third.
He’s not happy about it and replays show why - the Frenchman did very well to get the ball there, rather than go through his opponent.
But alas, Bournemouth have a free-kick in a potentially dangerous position.
Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
18:57 , Will Castle67 mins: Bournemouth make their first change of the evening as Kroupi, on a yellow, is replaced by Christie.
Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
18:57 , Will Castle66 mins: CLOSE! Gravenberch lets fly from outside the box and just sees his effort go wide of the post.
Liverpool are getting closer...
Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
18:54 , Will Castle64 mins: Bournemouth have not been able to get into this second half, but they get an opportunity to do some damage as Hill launches in a couple of long throws.
Liverpool deal with it the first time, and the second time, allowing them to counter.
The move ends with Jones firing a volley against the back of Kroupi.
Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
18:48 , Will Castle59 mins: Double change for Liverpool - Mac Allister and Frimpong make way, and it’s Ekitike and Jones who come on.
Jones moves into right-back, while Ekitike unsurprisingly takes his place up top.
Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
18:46 , Will Castle57 mins: This has almost been a carbon copy of the first half.
Liverpool are on top and Bournemouth are camped in their own half - but the trailing visitors aren’t doing much to actually threaten Petrovic’s goal.
Perhaps that’s why Slot is turning to his bench again...
Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
18:42 , Will Castle52 mins: The centre-backs have their passing boots on today, don’t they?
This time it’s substitute Endo who tries splitting open a defence, looking to find Gakpo in behind but Petrovic comes out to get there first.
Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
18:40 , Will Castle51 mins: Salah sprints left to collect a Wirtz pass and skips away from his man under pressure before whipping in a lovely cross - but nobody is there to meet it.
It’s coolly dealt with by Truffert, who chests back to Petrovic.
Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
18:39 , Will Castle49 mins: Robertson’s first big contribution sees him cut one across the box from the left, with his pass going all the way through to Frimpong who sees his shot blocked.
The away end sings his name loud amid talk of a move away - still a fan favourite, as he should be.
Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
18:36 , Will Castle47 mins: Alisson sees the dropping ball slip through his grasp, giving away a needless corner. Luckily for the Brazilian, nothing comes from it.
BACK UNDERWAY! Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
18:35 , Will CastleWe are back underway - and Arne Slot has taken the decision to hook the homecoming boy at half-tme.
Milos Kerkez has been replaced by Andy Robertson, who of course has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham over the past couple of days.
HALF-TIME! Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
18:29 , Will Castle
HALF-TIME! Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
18:28 , Will CastleLiverpool find themselves trailing to Bournemouth at the break but will be thankful they aren’t out of this one just yet after a disastrous seven minutes saw them completely fall apart.
The Reds started the contest in complete control but went behind against the run of play, with Virgil van Dijk failing to deliver with a long-ball into David Brooks. The Welshman kept the ball in play at the byline, seemingly to the Liverpool captain’s surprise, before squaring to Evanilson to lash home.
In trying to prevent the goal, Joe Gomez took a heavy knock in the crotch from Alisson, forcing him off the field. However, Liverpool failed to make the substitution promptly and conceded again with 10 men, with Alex Jimenez firing through Alisson’s legs after Van Dijk had kept him onside.
Van Dijk, culpable for both of Liverpool’s goals, went some way to making amends on the brink of half-time, heading home to halve the deficit. But Arne Slot’s men will require a big second-half display if they want to end their run of four league games without a win.
HALF-TIME! Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
18:20 , Will CastleSalah fires into the wall, and no they can’t.
There goes the whistle for half-time. Liverpool have renewed hope of salvaging this, but a lot to sort out going into the second 45.
Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
18:19 , Will Castle45+3 mins: Kroupi gives away a needless foul and goes into the book for it.
On the right side of the box, can Liverpool snatch an equaliser at the end of the half?
Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool
18:18 , Will Castle45+1 mins: Three minutes added on in first-half stoppage time.
Liverpool will be happy they’ve got a way back into this game, but they’ll need to sort themselves out defensively for the second half. They’ve looked very vulnerable ever since Bournemouth broke the deadlock.
GOAL! Bournemouth 2-1 Liverpool (Van Dijk, 45')
18:16 , Will CastleThey’ve wasted a lot of their corners, but not that one!
Szoboszlai’s delivery is flicked on by Van Dijk into the back of the net to give Liverpool hope of a comeback.
Bournemouth 2-0 Liverpool
18:15 , Will Castle44 mins: CHANCE! Big opportunity for Liverpool to nick one back before the break.
Gakpo dinks one towards the back post where Salah is waiting, but on his weaker foot, his volley has no real umph and it bounces into the gracious hands of Petrovic.
Bournemouth 2-0 Liverpool
18:13 , Will Castle41 mins: Liverpool have been knocked for six here.
They need something to inspire some hope and Florian Wirtz might be the man to do that, with his movement proving the only real spark for the Reds.
It goes without saying that the next goal will be crucial.
Bournemouth 2-0 Liverpool
18:08 , Will Castle37 mins: Endo is now on for the injured Gomez, but Alisson seems to think that substitution has come too late - he was furious that his side were allowed to concede with 10 men.
Liverpool have completely disintegrated.
GOAL STANDS! Bournemouth 2-0 Liverpool
18:05 , Will Castle34 mins: For once, VAR comes to a decision without taking an age!
Van Dijk keeps Jimenez on, and Bournemouth are now two to the good.
GOAL! Bournemouth 2-0 Liverpool (Jimenez, 33')
18:04 , Will CastleAnother piercing through ball, and another goal for Bournemouth!
It’s Jimenez with the finish - but did he hold his run? There’s a VAR check...
Bournemouth 1-0 Liverpool
18:00 , Will Castle29 mins: And it gets worse for Liverpool.
Joe Gomez took a big blow in the crotch from his own goalkeeper for that goal, but it looks like he’s picked up more than a knock. Wataru Endo is getting ready to come on.
After such a promising start to this game, it’s all begun to fall apart.
GOAL! Bournemouth 1-0 Liverpool (Evanilson, 26')
17:56 , Will CastleTALK ABOUT AGAINST THE RUN OF PLAY!
It’s Evanilson with the finish but that all comes down to the long ball from Senesi, whose searching straight pass isn’t properly dealt with by Van Dijk.
Brooks manages to keep it in, seemingly to the Dutchman’s surprise, before Evanilson lashes home to give the hosts the lead out of nothing!
Bournemouth 0-0 Liverpool
17:51 , Will Castle21 mins: Liverpool get two corners in quick succession but neither of them do much to threaten Bournemouth - the first from Salah sailing over everyone, before Szoboszlai’s flies straight into the hands of Petrovic.
Bournemouth 0-0 Liverpool
17:48 , Will Castle18 mins: Bournemouth have a period in a Liverpool final third that culminates with their first effort on goal, with Hill firing a half-volley on the spin that loops over Alisson’s goal.
Bournemouth 0-0 Liverpool
17:45 , Will Castle13 mins: Some vision by Wirtz, that. The German maestro tries to slip Salah into the box by playing a straight pass right through the heart of the Bournemouth defence and it very nearly pays off.
Bournemouth do cut it out but give away a corner, from which Liverpool keep up the pressure, with Salah and Wirtz linking up once again to get to the byline.
Again, it’s dealt with by the Cherries, but Liverpool are flowing here.
Bournemouth 0-0 Liverpool
17:41 , Will Castle11 mins: That was a chance.
Szoboszlai sets Salah through and the Egyptian has time and space to run into on the right, but he tries to thread it to Gakpo in the box too soon and the pass is cut out.
Bournemouth 0-0 Liverpool
17:39 , Will Castle9 mins: A fine pass by Senesi helps get Bournemouth forward, with Jimenez darting past his man and getting into the box before trying to pull it back to Evanilson.
A white shirt gets there first and Liverpool clear, but that’s better from the hosts.
Bournemouth 0-0 Liverpool
17:37 , Will Castle7 mins: First opening comes Liverpool’s way as Salah combines with Wirtz before bending one high and wide from just outside the box.
The Egyptian has seen a lot of the ball so far. A promising start.
Bournemouth 0-0 Liverpool
17:35 , Will Castle5 mins: Kerkez has been back on Bournemouth soil for not shy of a few minutes and he’s already getting heated!
The former Cherries man gets into a bit of a scuffle and has to be calmed down by the referee.
Bournemouth 0-0 Liverpool
17:33 , Will Castle3 mins: Liverpool controlling majority of the ball in the early stages. A feeling out process going on.
KICK-OFF! Bournemouth 0-0 Liverpool
17:30 , Will CastleWe are underway!
It’s a rainy and windy night on the south coast - let’s see what effect the conditions have on this one.
The teams are out
17:29 , Will CastleWe are just moments away from kick-off at the Vitality...
T-minus 10 minutes until kick-off!
17:20 , Will CastleRight team, we are rapidly approaching kick-off at the Vitality.
After four consecutive draws, can Liverpool finally get back to winning ways against Bournemouth? Or will the Cherries produce an upset as they adjust to life without Antoine Semenyo?
We’ll have all the action, up next!
Final warm-ups
17:16 , Will Castle
Around the grounds
17:14 , Will CastleWe haven’t been short of drama today!
From West Ham’s first-half romp of Sunderland, to Harry Wilson’s late winner at Craven Cottage, to Cristian Romero’s last-gasp Spurs equaliser (that might still not be enough to save his manager’s job), it’s been a belter of a Premier League matchday so far.
Here are the scores on the doors:
Manchester City 2-0 Wolves
Burnley 2-2 Tottenham
Fulham 2-1 Brighton
West Ham 3-1 Sunderland (early kick-off)
The transfer miscalculation that saw Liverpool lose Marc Guehi to Man City
17:10 , Richard JollyNothing, it seemed, became Marc Guehi quite like his leaving. On the last day of August, he scored a stunning goal against Aston Villa. This, it seemed, was his parting gift to Crystal Palace. He was off to Liverpool.
Except he wasn’t. Four and a half months on, some 27 appearances later, with a different destination and a fee that is £15m less, his departure has caused ructions at Palace and may bring regret at Liverpool. Oliver Glasner’s evident unhappiness at the loss of his captain threatens to bring his reign to a premature end.
It was a sign that Palace’s glorious 2025 is giving way to a more uncertain 2026. A transfer triangle can at least offer a reminder of historic feats. Palace have won two major trophies in their history. Guehi lifted both, in the same summer, after Wembley triumphs over Manchester City and Liverpool. They became his two principal suitors; his destination was almost Anfield at the start of September, until Palace pulled the plug on the move. Now it is the Etihad Stadium instead.
The transfer miscalculation that saw Liverpool lose Marc Guehi to Man City
Mohamed Salah's favourite opponent?
17:00 , Will CastleMo Salah loves a goal against the Cherries.
He has scored 12 goals in 12 league games against Bournemouth, including three in his last two appearances.
He might not have been in the best of form before he left for the Africa Cup of Nations, or in the manager’s good books, but after four goals in his first four games in Morocco, he has found his shooting boots again.
The Egyptian helped his side to fourth place overall and took his tally for the season to 12 from 30 games for club and country.
He still has a long way to go to get close to his numbers from last season, but from this stage last season, he added 13 to his tally, including a run of eight goals in seven games from now, would you really put it past him to do it again?
Back on familiar turf
16:55 , Will CastleTonight acts as something of a homecoming for Milos Kerkez, who returns to the place he made his name in the Premier League.
Two fruitful seasons with Bournemouth saw him earn a move to Liverpool in the summer, one of a handful of expensive defensive exits from the Vitality.
He starts tonight at left-back - let’s see how the Cherries faithful take to their former boy.
Arne Slot makes surprise admission over Liverpool struggles
16:50 , Will CastleArne Slot has admitted he and Liverpool were always aware this could have been a year of transition – despite the fact that the defending champions spent a record £450m on new signings.
“Could have been, yes,” Slot said. “Everyone at the club was aware of this. If you make changes, transition can be a part of that. But after the first six games, we had a different idea. But looking where we are now, I don’t think anyone sees it as a surprise that we needed a bit of time to adjust.”
Slot’s plans have been further disrupted by injuries to new signings Giovanni Leoni and Isak – and he said the £125m forward has only been in peak condition for 10 minutes of his Liverpool career.
He added: “Giovanni Leoni was injured straight away. We had 10 minutes of the Alex we thought we were getting at Tottenham. That was the first time we had seen him – then he was out. If you take that all into account, if I have to use one word for this season then it is ‘adaptation’.
“Every single time, it feels like something happens. ‘S**t, I haven’t got a full-back!’ or ‘who am I going to play there?’ or “we don’t have a winger” – it is a constant adaptation to things we have had during the season. This club makes signings that are mostly young and you know the best is still to come. They are young but they are also very good. If you sign the same player aged 27, then he is cheaper.”
Bournemouth vs Liverpool: Head-to-head
16:40 , Will CastleBournemouth have won just one of their last 15 matches with Liverpool, and that came at home back in March 2023 when Philip Billing scored the only goal of the game.
In the other 14 matches, Liverpool have won 12, and just one, back in April 2017, has ended all square, so it’s no surprise that the visitors go into this afternoon’s match as favourites.
Nevertheless, Bournemouth will still have fond memories of a famous win over the Reds at the Vitality - one that came in December 2016, when the Cherries came from 3-1 down with 15 minutes to go to produce a stunning 4-3 victory, Nathan Ake snatching the stoppage-time winner.
Liverpool arrive at the Vitality
16:35 , Will Castle
Prediction: Expect goals aplenty at the Vitality
16:30 , Will CastleBournemouth have been struggling to win games this season, coming out on top just once in their last 13 league outings.
However, goals have not been a problem for Andoni Iraola’s side, and that’s despite losing Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City for £65m. They have scored four goals in the two games since he left, and have actually only failed to score four times so far this season.
When the two sides met on the opening day of the Premier League season, Liverpool let a two-goal lead at Anfield slip when Semenyo scored twice to cancel out goals from Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo. Just as Bournemouth thought they would be leaving Anfield with a point, Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah scored in the last two minutes to secure a 4-2 win.
The Reds have scored three or more goals against the south coast side 10 times since December 2017, and given that the two sides have conceded 70 goals between them and kept just 14 clean sheets, we should expect goals.
Read The Independent’s full prediction below:
Bournemouth vs Liverpool: Prediction, betting tips and lineups
Bournemouth team news
16:27 , Will CastleThe Cherries are without in-form Marcus Tavernier for today’s clash, with Adam Smith coming into the team and Alex Jimenez moving forward.
Bournemouth XI: Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Cook, Scott; Jimenez, Kroupi, Adli; Evanilson.
🚨 TEAM NEWS 🚨
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) January 24, 2026
Here's the squad for #BOULIV 💪 pic.twitter.com/CkfBBuAsHE
Liverpool team news
16:19 , Will CastleThe teams are in... and the big news is that for the first time since November, Mohamed Salah starts for Liverpool in the league.
Hugo Ekitike isn’t able to start back-to-back matches, with Cody Gakpo looking set to lead the line.
Andy Robertson is on the bench amid talk of a potential a move to Tottenham, with the Scotsman in reserve behind Milos Kerkez, who starts against his former club.
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Gakpo.
Team news in IN 💪 #BOULIV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 24, 2026
Closing in on team news
16:10 , Will CastleJust a few minutes away from hearing confirmation on today’s line-ups.
We’ll bring it right to you as it lands. Stay tuned!
What Arne Slot said on Liverpool absences
16:00 , Will CastleLiverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that he could be without five members of his first-team squad for the match against Bournemouth, with both Federico Chiesa and Ibrahima Konate likely to be absent.
The Reds come into the weekend off the back of an impressive 3-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League in midweek, with Joe Gomez deputising for Konate, who was absent due to a family bereavement.
“I've spoken to him a few times and these are private matters and they should stay that way,” said Slot on the Frenchman.
“It's very obvious when something like that happens the player needs time to be there for his family and for himself.@
While Slot has to contend with the long-term absences of Alexander Isak, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley, the Dutchman also added that he could be without Chiesa this weekend, with the Italian “maybe 50-50” to feature.
“Federico wasn't able to be on the bench on Wednesday. There was a recovery session yesterday, [it’s] difficult to say if he's available for Bournemouth. Maybe 50-50,” said Slot.
In better news, Slot added that “nobody picked up a knock or problem after the game” against Marseille, with the 47-year-old adding that he expects all the same players to be available this weekend.
Slot provides update on Konate and Chiesa absences ahead of Bournemouth match
The second coming of Loris Karius, eight years on from his Liverpool nightmare in Kiev
15:45 , Will CastleHere’s our exclusive interview with former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius, speaking to Will Castle:
Loris Karius had come to terms with his footballing career being over when, following his Liverpool release in 2021, he was left without any desirable club prospects at the prime goalkeeping age of 28. “I was retired,” Karius tells The Independent, “because I didn’t do anything for seven months. It sounds dramatic. In my mind, I was pretty much retired.”
You wouldn’t blame him for falling out of love with the game. Three years prior, Karius had endured one of the cruellest nights a sportsman could possibly conceive, sparking a downward spiral that looked terminal. The infamy of his 2018 Champions League final capitulation in Kiev, later discovered to have been catalysed by a concussion, came to unfairly but understandably define his time on Merseyside. There, they struggle to remember him beyond his worst moment.
But while his legacy remains tainted by that one fateful night in Ukraine, Karius is writing a new story in his homeland. The German stopper’s “retirement” was short-lived, and he is now quietly in the midst of a quite remarkable redemption arc at Schalke 04 – traditionally Germany’s third biggest club who now find themselves in the second tier – with both sharing the common goal of clawing their way back after a dramatic fall from grace.
The second coming of Karius, eight years on from his Liverpool nightmare in Kiev
Arne Slot gives ‘uneasy’ verdict over dropping Mohamed Salah again
15:30 , Will CastleArne Slot has said he would be “uneasy” about leaving Mohamed Salah out of the Liverpool team again – but is willing to do so if he thinks it is the right thing for the side.
He explained: “I always find it uneasy if I leave a player out and even more a player that has meant a lot for this club. You can work with a player for a long time and you have had success with them, but part of my job is making the decision that I think is the best for the team.
“But that is always an uneasy decision. Not only with Mo but every single player I leave out because of the work they put in. Their quality is enough to play, so it is always uneasy not to play players.”
Arne Slot gives ‘uneasy’ verdict over dropping Mohamed Salah again
Tottenham make shock approach to sign Liverpool stalwart Andy Robertson
15:15 , Will CastleIn case you missed yesterday’s shock development...
Tottenham have made an approach to Liverpool for left-back Andy Robertson and are in preliminary talks about a deal.
Liverpool are considering the offer for their vice-captain, who is out of contract in the summer, and are yet to decide whether to let the 31-year-old leave.
Robertson revealed last week that he has had talks with Liverpool about a new deal but also wants to play more first-team football after losing his place to summer signing Milos Kerkez this season.
Liverpool, who are grateful for the outstanding service Robertson has given them over the last nine years, will consider the Scotland skipper’s wishes as well as the best interests of the club as they weigh up allowing him to move.
Tottenham make shock approach to sign Liverpool stalwart Andy Robertson
Predicted line-ups
15:04 , Will CastleBournemouth XI: Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Cook, Scott; Jimenez, Kroupi, Adli; Evanilson
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Liverpool team news
15:03 , Will CastleFederico Chiesa is “50-50” to return after picking up a knock in the warm-up ahead of the Marseille clash, forcing him off the bench.
Ibrahima Konate is likely to be absent as he deals with a family bereavement.
Alexander Isak remains out for Liverpool, while Conor Bradley is sidelined for the season after his knee injury at Arsenal.
But beyond injuries, Liverpool will have Mohamed Salah available again for the first time since December, after the Egyptian returning from Afcon duty.
Bournemouth team news
15:02 , Will CastleThe Cherries currently see their attacking options limited with Justin Kluivert, David Brooks, Ben Gannon Doak and Enes Unal all out of action due to injury.
Tyler Adams is also sidelined with a serious knee injury.
When is Bournemouth vs Liverpool?
15:01 , Will CastleLiverpool vs Bournemouth is due to kick off at 5:30pm GMT on Saturday 24 January at the Vitality Stadium.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage starts at 5:00pm GMT. NOW TV subscribers can live stream the game on mobile devices, too.
Bournemouth vs Liverpool live
15:00 , Will CastleMohamed Salah is in line for his first Premier League appearance since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations as Liverpool travel south to face Bournemouth.
The Egyptian returned to the fold in Liverpool’s impressive 3-0 win over Marseille on Wednesday, making his first start for the club since 26 November, when the Reds were humiliated by PSV in the Champions League.
Salah’s infamous tirade against Arne Slot and the Reds hierarchy followed 10 days later, though it seems tensions have since been eased and Liverpool will hope the 33-year-old can return to form to help reignite Liverpool’s top four push going into the second half of the season.
Slot’s side are currently on a 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions but are without a win in the league in 2025, having drawn four consecutive outings to Leeds, Fulham, Arsenal and Burnley.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, are now adjusting to life without talisman Antoine Semenyo, though their previous two home games have seen the 15th-placed side give stern tests to Arsenal and Tottenham, beating the latter in a dramatic last-gasp win.
Good afternoon
13:32 , Will CastleHello there and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Liverpool’s trip to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Stay tuned for all the latest team news, build-up and match action!
