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By Karl Matchett
That 3-1 result at San Siro answered questions over Arne Slot’s side about whether they could rise to challenges after a flawless start to the Premier League season; now their next task is to start proving their relentlessness again, as Bournemouth visit Anfield.
It appears the Reds will be without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker, through a minor injury, but Caoimhin Kelleher has long since proven his worth as a stand-in – even if the club no longer see him as a viable long-term starter. Expectation weighs on Slot’s side, but they have shown at the start of the campaign they are good enough to cope with that. The bigger question is now about consistency, which will dictate if they are involved in a title challenge or not.
The Cherries will not be easy opponents to bounce back against domestically. Andoni Iraola has constructed a side with plenty of attacking outlets, though with Evanilson yet to fully settle in as Dominic Solanke’s replacement in attack, the final touch can at times be lacking. Six big chances created is slightly on the low side perhaps at this stage, but 106 touches in the box (ninth in the Premier League), 6.5 average times they’ve won possession in the final third (third) and a total xG of 7.6 (fourth) all show they are going forward plenty and having efforts at goal.
Add in the late turnaround against Everton and the fact they pushed Chelsea so close last weekend, and there’s little reason to doubt Bournemouth will take the game to Liverpool whenever they can.
In turn, though, while Forest shut up shop in the middle of the park last week, the more adventurous mentality can leave Bournemouth vulnerable to Liverpool’s dominance, counter-attacks and creativity outside the box.
While Diogo Jota is underperforming in front of goal so far in terms of cleanliness of strikes and taking the chances which fall his way, Mohamed Salah has started the campaign in startlingly good form and there’s a battle developing on the left for who is in better form: Luís Diaz and his early-season goals, and Cody Gakpo, so impressive against Milan.
As always it’s tough to not see Liverpool winning at home, but if Forest provided the blueprint for stopping that happening, it would still be a surprise to see Iraola following any plan but his own.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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