**Liverpool ended the first portion of the season with an important win against Bournemouth on Sunday, as Andoni Iraola made a successful return to the Vitality Stadium.**
The Reds knew Iraola’s inner knowledge of his former team could be an advantage as they chased a big three points, and though they weren’t at their best, they still did enough to run out just about deserved winners.
Alexander Isak’s goal was the difference, but the defence were the real stars of the day. Here’s how we rated the players as Liverpool signed off in September with a win.
After his rocket against Atletico Madrid, should the Reds really be ignoring an extension for Mac Allister?
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar
**Alisson Becker: 7 –** Made an absolutely outstanding save to keep out a clever flick from Evanilson in the first-half, shifting his body weight to get down and claw the ball off the line. It wasn’t always perfect from the Brazilian, who looked shaky in his distribution at times, but that could be the save of the season.
**Ronald Araujo: 7 –** Another top performance from Araujo who offered far more offensively than we’ve seen from him in a Liverpool shirt. Kept the door locked at the back as well.
**Jeremy Jacquet: 8 ( Man of the match) –** An absolutely tremendous performance from a player who is becoming a real star in the Premier League. Made a brilliant late block on Ryan Christie in the first-half and grew into the match from there. Flawless on the ground and in the air.
**Virgil van Dijk: 7 –** Complemented Jacquet as well as ever and though the Frenchman took centre stage, this was still a very good display from his captain.
**READ MORE: [Jamie Carragher spotted Bradley Barcola copying Sadio Mane during Liverpool’s clash with Bournemouth](https://www.rousingthekop.com/2026/09/20/jamie-carragher-spotted-bradley-barcola-copying-sadio-mane-during-liverpools-clash-with-bournemouth/)**
**Milos Kerkez: 3 –** Arguably the worst player on the pitch on his return to the Vitality Stadium. Clearly let the occasion get to him, making poor decisions in attack and defence. He’s becoming a real problem for Liverpool.
**Alexis Mac Allister: 7 –** Continued his good run of form with another assured display. Kept things ticking and broke up the play well.
**Dominik Szoboszlai: 5 –** Went close with two free-kicks in the first-half but contributed to a slight lack of control from Liverpool throughout.
**Florian Wirtz: 4 –** Slammed throughout the game by Jamie Carragher on commentary and it was easy to understand why. Regardless of creating any moments of magic, the German couldn’t do the basics right, continually giving the ball away and being pushed off the ball. Absolutely not good enough. Better in the second-half and was in the mix for Alexander Isak’s goal, but taken off with 20 minutes left.
**Cody Gakpo: 7 –** Quiet up until he pulled off the game’s outstanding moment to find the breakthrough for Liverpool. Had no right to beat three Bournemouth players and find the ball in which Isak eventually finished off.
**Alexander Isak: 6 –** Hard to rate Isak in a game where he scored the winning goal but also looked poor at times. Either way, popped up with a typically clinical finish exactly when Liverpool needed him. Celebrated with aplomb with the away fans.
**Bradley Barcola: 5 –** Had some flashes from the left wing where he displayed his pace and poise on the ball, but it never really came off for him before being substituted with 20 minutes left.
**Victor Munoz: 4 –** Was a willing runner, but this will not be his finest cameo for Liverpool. Ran down some blind alleys and couldn’t hold the ball up as the Reds needed him to.
**Trey Nyoni: 6 –** Interestingly was Iraola’s first midfield change and showed why with a comfortable midfield performance. Helped out very well defensively on a couple of occasions.
**Lewis Koumas: 5 –** Came on and did exactly what was asked of him, harrying and hassling in what is becoming trademark fashion.
**Ryan Gravenberch: N/A –** No real time to make any impression.