A dramatic stoppage-time goal handed AFC Bournemouth a thrilling 3-2 victory over Liverpool, condemning Arne Slot’s side to a fifth straight Premier League game without a win and giving the Cherries just their second success in 15 meetings with the Reds, Softfootball reports.
Liverpool arrived on the south coast buoyed by a convincing 3-0 away win over Marseille in midweek, a result that briefly eased the frustration built up from a run of league draws. However, that European sharpness did not immediately carry over. The opening exchanges were cagey, with Mohamed Salah firing a hopeful effort wide before Bournemouth slowly began to grow into the contest.
The hosts struck first midway through the half after Liverpool were caught out defensively. Virgil van Dijk misread a ball over the top from Marcos Senesi, allowing Alex Scott to reach the byline and square for Evanilson, who powered his finish beyond Alisson. Bournemouth doubled their advantage soon after, as Álex Jiménez was played onside and calmly rolled the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs to put the Cherries firmly in control.
Liverpool responded with greater urgency before the break. Florian Wirtz dragged a low effort narrowly wide, while Salah tested Đorđe Petrović with a routine volley. Van Dijk partially made amends for his earlier mistakes on the stroke of half-time, rising highest to head home Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner and give the visitors a lifeline heading into the interval.
The second half saw Liverpool dominate possession, but Bournemouth defended with discipline and bodies on the line. Attempts from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Jeremie Frimpong were repeatedly blocked, while Ryan Gravenberch went close from range with a strike that skimmed past the post. Bournemouth nearly restored their two-goal cushion when Jiménez reacted to a long throw, only for Alisson to gather his effort.
That miss proved costly. With 10 minutes remaining, Liverpool finally found an equaliser as Salah cleverly rolled a free-kick into Szoboszlai’s path, and the midfielder bent a superb effort around the wall and into the corner.
Just as the visitors looked set to escape with another draw – following last week’s frustrating 1-1 stalemate against Burnley – Bournemouth delivered one final twist. A long throw caused chaos in the Liverpool area deep into stoppage time, and Amine Adli reacted quickest to bundle the ball over the line, sparking wild celebrations at the Vitality Stadium.
After the game, Bournemouth via its official X handle shared that defender Sensei was named the player of the match in an exclusive photo of the player holding the player of the match award. They posted:
The result ends Bournemouth’s long wait for a home win over Liverpool and underlines their growing resilience, while for Slot’s side, a promising European display against Marseille contrasts sharply with ongoing domestic struggles that continue to stall their league momentum.
