BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 20, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 20, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Alexander Isak’s goal proved the matchwinner as Liverpool picked up a much needed victory against Bournemouth ahead of the long international break.
Premier League (5) | Vitality Stadium
September 20, 2026
GOAL
Isak 57′
STATS
Possession: 46% – 54%
Shots: 9 (2) – 12 (3)
Big Chances: 1 -1
Expected Goals (xG): 0.76 – 1.57
Three changes from Fulham bore draw
Andoni Iraola made seven changes after the midweek Carabao Cup win over Tottenham, restoring what is very arguably Liverpool’s strongest XI available at present.
Bradley Barcola and Cody Gakpo got the nod out wide, Gakpo replacing Munoz from the team started in the dour 0-0 with Fulham last time out in the Premier League.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 20, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola on the bench before the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 20, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola on the bench before the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Ryan Gravenberch and Kostas Tsimikas were the other two replaced from that lineup.
Another half lacking attacking quality
Despite the hosts having had 48 hours less rest, and Liverpool having rotated heavily in their midweek fixture, Bournemouth showed more energy and attacking threat in the opening stages.
The Cherries, who played their first ever European game on Thursday night, made just one change but dominated the opening 20 minutes, forcing a superb save low down from Alisson.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 20, 2026: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai with a free-kick during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 20, 2026: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai with a free-kick during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool began to get more of a foothold in the game after half an hour but there was very little to show for it.
After the bore draw against Fulham, this was sadly similar, taking us to over 200 minutes without a league goal, despite having three £100 million forwards on the pitch.
Half-time: Bournemouth 0-0 Liverpool
Isak nets again to break deadlock
The second half began in similar fashion, Liverpool players continually losing individual duels and unable to match Bournemouth physically.
The breakthrough arrived thanks to Gakpo showing some physicality down the right to beat his man and put in a cross, which fell for Alexander Isak to fire his fourth goal of the season from close range.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 20, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak scores the first goal during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 20, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak scores the first goal during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Gakpo had assisted all of Isak’s three other goals this season and effectively created this one. He also twice put his teammate into a good position soon after.
Iraola withdrew the largely ineffective duo of Wirtz and Barcola, bringing on Victor Munoz and Trey Nyoni for the final 20 minutes.
Nyoni’s choice from the bench ahead of Gravenberch was certainly notable.
The home side pushed for an equaliser and dominated possession. Gravenberch and Koumas replaced Szoboszlai and Isak for the final 10 minutes.
A much needed positive result heading into the new three-week international break. Next up is the visit of Man City to Anfield in 21 days’ time.
TIA Man of the Match: Cody Gakpo
Next Match: Man City (H) – Premier League – Sunday, October 11, 4.30pm
Liverpool: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai (Gravenberch 81′), Mac Allister; Gakpo, Wirtz (Nyoni 71′), Barcola (Munoz 71′); Isak (Koumas 81′)
Subs not used: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Frimpong, Tsimikas, Gravenberch, Ngumoha, Koumas
Bournemouth: Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Silva, Truffert; Scott, Adams; Rayan, Christie, Tavernier; Evanilson
Subs: Di Gregorio, Diakite, Toth, Sanchez, Soler, Cook, Brooks, Gannon-Doak, Jebbison
Referee: Michael Oliver
Football – FA Premier League – AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool FC
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 20, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak is challenged by AFC Bournemouth's António Silva (L) during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Nottingham Forest FC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the pre-match warm-up before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)