Bournemouth 0-4 Liverpool: Mohamed Salah hat-trick sends Reds top of the Premier League
Liverpool have gone top of the Premier League, albeit until Manchester City player in Saturday's evening game, after a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Bournemouth in which Mohamed Salah returned to his very best with a hat-trick.
There was plenty of debate over the opening goal as Salah looked to be offside when he sprinted to reach a poor Asmir Begovic parry that allowed the Egyptian to calmly stroke the ball home from the centre of the box. Bournemouth made it through to half-time without conceding, but afterwards Liverpool turned on the style.
Salah added his second soon after the resumption before Bournemouth defender Steve Cook somehow turned the ball into his own net from a difficult angle, and there was enough time for Salah to add a late third to secure Liverpool's fifth consecutive victory in the league . Relive the live action below.
Good morning and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of today's opening Premier League encounter between Bournemouth and title-chasing Liverpool, brought to you from the Vitality Stadium on the south coast.
Kick-off is due for 12:30pm in the day's early game, and we'll bring you the breaking team news as it's released at 11:30am.
Until then, read Miguel Delaney's weekend preview as he takes a look at the title race that looks to be developing rather nicely - and the importance of Liverpool playing before Manchester City this weekend for the first time this season:
Bournemouth make 2 changes from their midweek win against Huddersfield. Midfielder Lewis Cook ruptured his ACL in that victory and is out for the season, while Callum Wilson is also absent through injury.
Joe Gomez was another to fall foul of a midweek injury, so he is one of a number of starters at Burnley on Wednesday to drop out of the Liverpool team.
Jordan Henderson, Divock Origi, Daniel Sturridge and Alberto Moreno are the others to make way, with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino (who scored off the bench at Turf Moor) among the returnees, and Fabinho perhaps starting in the right back berth vacated by Gomez.
The scheduling of this weekend's fixtures means Liverpool will go top with a win until this evening at least, and with Manchester City facing a tough trip to Stamford Bridge later, perhaps a little longer.
Bournemouth are level on points with Everton and Manchester United, jostling for position in the upper mid-table. They broke a run of four straight defeats against Huddersfield which had somewhat tarnished their immensely promising opening to the season, and Eddie Howe's team always play with confidence.
On the Bournemouth bench today is Jordon Ibe, who of course joined the club in a £15 million deal from Liverpool in 2016.
He hasn't had the best of times since moving to the South Coast but would love a run out against his former club this afternoon, particularly as Ibe turns 23 today.
While most would see the chance to go top and put the pressure on Manchester City as a good thing for Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp disagrees. He explains why it can be difficult...
Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool.
James Milner makes his 500th Premier League appearance from right back today. An outstanding achievement, becoming just the 13th player to eclipse the 500 mark, and arguably Milner is playing better than ever.
Here he is looking rather fresh-faced at Leeds 16 years ago.
5 minutes until kick off at the Vitality Stadium. This man is giving his final message in the changing room. A surprise home win, an entertaining draw or a comfortable away victory? You sense there'll be goals...
James Milner stands one up to the far post but Roberto Firmino is too physical in his attempts to win it, conceding a free kick.
Naby Keita has started initially wider on the left with Xherdan Shaqiri more central, and Mohamed Salah on the right. Milner at right back as promised.
An interchange of passing in the Bournemouth half from Liverpool breaks down when Mohamed Salah tries a no-look pass first time towards Naby Keita. Easily cut out by the Bournemouth defence.
Jeers from the home crowd as James Milner looks for an ambitious forward pass for Mohamed Salah. Salah had curtailed his run after realising he was straying offside and the ball scoots over the moist turf, out of play for a goal kick.
Bournemouth vs Liverpool kicks off at 12:30pm (GMT)
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports’ Premier League and Main Event channels from 11:30am. Highlights will be shown at 10:30pm on BBC One.
Player to watch
Virgil van Dijk: Despite Jurgen Klopp’s side’s diverse attacking threats, it has been the imperious Dutchman who has vastly improved Liverpool’s defence. He brilliantly created a second for Roberto Firmino against Burnley and could have scored himself, but it is at the other end where the former Southampton man will have to be at his best, with Callum Wilson in excellent form.
Form guide
Bournemouth: WLLLLW
Liverpool: LWWLWW
Odds
Bournemouth to win: 17/4
Liverpool to win: 3/5
Draw: 7/2
Prediction
Bournemouth 1-2 Liverpool: A nervy win could be in store for Jurgen Klopp's side
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