Mohamed Salah on target again for Liverpool but Alexander-Arnold the real star against Bournemouth

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  • Liverpool eased to a 3-0 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League at Anfield.

    Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino all found the target as the Reds strengthened their bid to finish in the top four.

    While Eddie Howe’s side didn’t offer much resistance, the encounter still served up plenty of food for thought.

    ALEXANDER-ARNOLD RIGHT BACK INTO CONTENTION

    With Nathaniel Clyne enduring an injury-ravaged season, Jurgen Klopp has spent much of this term alternating between Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold in that right-back spot. In recent times though, the latter has appeared to establish himself in that role.

    Alexander-Arnold has steadily grown in confidence with each appearance in the senior outfit and was hugely impressive against Bournemouth. In fact, his form may even force himself into Gareth Southgate’s England plans for the World Cup.

    The 19-year-old has certainly proved he can handle the big occasion after his stellar performances over two legs against Manchester City in the Champions League and was a potent attacking threat again as Liverpool entertained Bournemouth at Anfield.

    The full-back should’ve chalked up an assist in the first half when his vicious delivery into the box was put wide by Salah while he had the confidence to step up and test Asmir Begovic with a free-kick as well. It was his cross that Mane forced a save from Begovic off before turning in the rebound.

    He finally got his assist when Salah headed in another one of his sumptuous crosses from the right.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold

    Trent Alexander-Arnold

    STILL MANE ENOUGH

    Mane’s only drawback this season is that he hasn’t been able to keep pace with Salah. Given that the Egyptian has outrun most in Europe and is neck-and-neck with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, his Liverpool team-mate can be forgiven for not matching him stride for stride.

    In actual fact, this has been Mane’s finest season in English football. He has 16 goals and eight assists in the Premier League and Champions League. He was excellent again in the win over Bournemouth with his strike making him the highest-scoring Senegalese player in the history of the Premier League with 44 goals to his name.

    If not for the phenomenal Salah, Mane would be the one the Anfield faithful sing about this term. Perhaps he’s earned a few more chants.

    Sadio Mane

    Sadio Mane

    SALAH ALWAYS WANTS MO

    Harry Kane is as goal-hungry as they come but even he will struggle to match the appetite Salah has shown in front of goal this season. The Egyptian didn’t have it all his own way against Bournemouth as his finishing seemed to have evaded him and he resorted to a few pot shots into the second half.

    The point though is that he kept at it and never let his head drop. He’s consistently likened to Messi given his diminutive stature and favoured left side but he shares the same relentless nature as Ronaldo.

    He tried everything to get on the score sheet, dropping deep, swapping flanks, going through the middle and then some. He eventually got his reward with a rare header that he appeared especially proud of. He now has 30 goals in the Premier League this season and 40 overall. Kane may need a few more appeals if he’s going to catch the Liverpool star.

    Mohamed Salah

    Mohamed Salah

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