Conceding from set pieces is still a concern, but Bournemouth looked good defensively from open play, and carried a real threat going forward.
Match report and reaction:
Momentum is starting to build for Iraola’s side once again – the Daily Echo rates the Cherries players in victory at the Vitality.
Djordje Petrovic: 7
The Serbian’s recent performances have been gradually improving and he was good between the sticks again last night. A wonderful save from a Florian Wirtz shot at 2-2 (for which Bournemouth were given a goal kick) was probably the highlight, but he looked more confident in commanding his box.
Adrien Truffert. (Image: Richard Crease)
Adrien Truffert: 7
Truffert had Salah to deal with and while at times the Egyptian found space in behind, he wasn’t allowed to have too much influence on the game. The Frenchman was also threatening going forward – another good performance.
Marcos Senesi: 8
The centre back pairing was excellent. Both were instrumental in the two first half goals, and while Senesi didn’t pick up an assist himself, his pass created the first. Both limited Gakpo’s influence and kept Ekitike quiet when he came on.
James Hill: 8
As above – although Hill did get an assist for his beautiful pass through for Alex Jimenez’s first Bournemouth goal.
Adam Smith: 7
Smith was as solid as ever and his experience was key when Liverpool were trying to turn the screw in the second half in search of an equaliser.
Alex Scott. (Image: Richard Crease)
Alex Scott: 8
Scott and Cook in midfield were brilliant. Scott did superbly to run in behind and cut back for Evanilson for the opening goal, and he was also instrumental in the midfield, doing plenty of running and helping to give the hosts some control.
Lewis Cook: 8
As with Scott, Cook was impressive in allowing Bournemouth to have some control although they did not see much of the ball.
Amine Adli scrambled in the winner. (Image: Richard Crease)
Amine Adli: 8
His second Cherries goal and it was a good one, in the context of the match and possibly the season. He bundled home after a long throw to snatch the most dramatic of victories. Otherwise, it was Adli’s brightest performance in a Bournemouth shirt since he signed in the summer.
Junior Kroupi: 7
Kroupi’s off the ball work was impressive as he grows into the number ten role, with Iraola praising his hard work in allowing the side to operate with two number nines. His partnership in behind Evanilson is building and is a real positive for the Cherries.
Alex Jimenez: 9
A superb performance from the Spaniard. His first goal in a Bournemouth shirt was an excellent finish, and he had former Cherry Milos Kerkez beat on a number of occasions. Jimenez is very good going forward and, playing out of position on the wing, he added more defensive stability too.
Alex Jimenez scored his first Cherries goal. (Image: Richard Crease)
Evanilson: 8
A brilliant finish in the first half as he has found some good goalscoring form of late. Should have had a second at 2-2 but his finish went wide when one-on-one. He ran himself into the ground, as always, before he was replaced in stoppage time.
Substitutes:
Ryan Christie: 6
Alex Toth: N/A
Enes Unal: N/A