Mohamed Salah nets again as Liverpool return to winning ways in style

Premier League top-scorer Mohamed Salah struck his 14th goal of the campaign as Liverpool thrashed Bournemouth 4-0 at Dean Court to climb to fourth place.

Egypt forward Salah became the first Premier League player to reach 20 goals in all competitions this season, with Philippe Coutinho, Dejan Lovren and Roberto Firmino also on target.

Jurgen Klopp’s men extended their unbeaten league streak to nine games under precious little pressure, hitting back to winning ways after successive home draws against Everton and West Brom.

Tweet of the match

Star man – Coutinho

There was plenty of competition for man of the match but creative midfielder Coutinho just edge it ahead of team-mates Salah and Firmino. He was unlucky with an early free-kick which struck the right post, scored a sensational opening goal and constantly carved dangerous moments for the hosts with his guile and pinpoint passing. He also assisted Firmino’s goal before being brought off for a deserved rest with three minutes to go.

Moment of the match

Coutinho’s 20th-minute opener was a joy to watch. He collected the ball wide on the left, accelerated forward and then waltzed past Cherries captain Simon Francis and the challenge of Lewis Cook to calmly find the bottom left corner.

Moan of the match

As good as Liverpool were, the hosts were guilty of some poor play and never looked like making a game of it. Eddie Howe’s men were completely outplayed in the first half, although there could have been a shift in momentum at 2-0 when England striker Jermain Defoe went through on goal from substitute Junior Stanislas’ pass only to strike the foot of the right post. The Cherries’ slim hopes of salvaging something disappeared with that miss as Salah made it 3-0 five minutes later.

Data points

After managing three at the Vitality Stadium, no team has scored more first-half Premier League goals this season than Liverpool. Klopp’s men have hit 19 in 18 matches, sharing the record with unbeaten leaders Manchester City.

Ratings

Who’s up next?

Chelsea v Bournemouth (Carabao Cup, December 20)

Arsenal v Liverpool (Premier League, December 22)