Liverpool’s insipid Premier League form continued as they suffered a late 3-2 loss against AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
The Reds had come from two goals behind via a Virgil van Dijk header and another Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick meant. But their weakness of defending set-pieces again exposed, with the Cherries bagging in the 95th minute to end Arne Slot’s side’s 13-match unbeaten run - and they remain without a Premier League win in 2026.
Liverpool were much the brighter team in the opening stages, with Mo Salah failing to hit the target after combining with Florian Wirtz in the sixth minute.
But 20 minutes later, the Reds were architects of their own downfall when Bournemouth broke the deadlock with their first chance. Virgil van Dijk was far too casual when trying to clear a long ball, allowing Cherries midfielder Alex Scott to tee-up Evanilson to net from close range.
To make matters worse, Reds defender Joe Gomez was injured in the process. And when Liverpool were temporarily reduced to 10 men and waiting to make a substitution, Bournemouth took full advantage. Alex Jimenez beat the offside trap, with Van Dijk at fault again, and finished through the legs of visiting goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Slot’s men did rally before the break, with Salah volleying tamely at the back post. But Liverpool did reduce the arrears, with Van Dijk somewhat sparing his blushes when heading home Szoboszlai’s corner.
Liverpool spent much of the second period on top yet struggled to create many clear-cut chances. But with 11 minutes remaining, Rio Ngumoha won the Reds a free-kick in a dangerous area and they profited to equalise. . Salah rolled the ball for Szoboszlai, who fired home to score from a dead-ball scenario in successive games.
The game really opened up after the leveller and Bournemouth rued a big miss when Evanilson was slipped in and had only Alisson to beat but slid his effort wide.
Wirtz had an effort that was kept out and, in truth, a draw might have been a fair result. But in the fifth minute of stoppage-time, Liverpool’s vulnerability at keeping of set-pieces were their downfall. The Reds failed to deal with a long throw and Amine Adli bundled home.
Liverpool remain in fourth place but could well end the weekend in sixth should Manchester United and Chelsea earn victories.
Not chance with both first-half goals and didn't have another save to make. However, failed to listen to instructions from Slot to kick the ball out of play to make the substitution before Bournemouth's second goal. Left grounded during the scramble for the late winner.
1. Alisson Becker - 5
Not chance with both first-half goals and didn't have another save to make. However, failed to listen to instructions from Slot to kick the ball out of play to make the substitution before Bournemouth's second goal. Left grounded during the scramble for the late winner. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Lacked his recent spark and number of games he's played of late have perhaps caught up on him. Subbed in the 59th minute.
2. Jeremie Frimpong - 5
Lacked his recent spark and number of games he's played of late have perhaps caught up on him. Subbed in the 59th minute. | AFP via Getty Images
Far too complacent trying to clear the long ball over the top which led to Bournemouth's opener - and caused Gomez's injury. Then played Jimenez onside for the second but did somewhat atone when reducing the arrears. Far too weak when nudged by Adli before Bournemouth's winner.
3. Virgil van Dijk - 3
Far too complacent trying to clear the long ball over the top which led to Bournemouth's opener - and caused Gomez's injury. Then played Jimenez onside for the second but did somewhat atone when reducing the arrears. Far too weak when nudged by Adli before Bournemouth's winner. | Getty Images
Was doing fine before the familiar sight of him limping off with injury.
4. Joe Gomez - 6
Was doing fine before the familiar sight of him limping off with injury. | AFP via Getty Images