Full Time: Liverpool 2-2 Bournemouth
Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw by Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth side at Anfield on Wednesday night in the Premier League.
The Reds suffered a setback very early in the game when Benik Afobe capitalized on a poor backpass from Gini Wijnaldum to slot home past Simon Mignolet in the 7th minute. But Philippe Coutinho came to the rescue with a neat equalizer 5 minutes before the break, following some brilliant work from Roberto Firmino.
The Reds began the second period on an ominous note, with Nathaniel Clyne hitting the woodwork from distance. Fifteen minutes later, they were able to complete the comeback with striker Divock Origi heading home a Wijnaldum cross. However, Bournemouth weren’t done yet as they laid siege to the Liverpool goal, late in the game, and managed to find a way through in the 87th minute with Joshua King putting his team back on level terms.
The Reds remain 3rd in the league standings, with Manchester City losing to Chelsea on the same night. It was a disappointing result for Liverpool after an excellent derby win over the weekend. Here is how the Liverpool players performed in the game:
Liverpool Player Ratings
Simon Mignolet – 6/10
Nervy footwork put him under pressure early on. Not a lot he could have done about the two goals. Solid handling.
Nathaniel Clyne – 7/10
Solid but unspectacular. The former Southampton man offers great steel at the back, but the thrust going forward was lacking at times. However, he did hit the post with a powerful effort from long range.
Dejan Lovren – 6/10
Did not do anything wrong at the back, but did look nervy at times. Afobe asked some serious questions of him, but the Croatian held firm.
Ragnar Klavan – 5.5/10
Solid for most phases of the game, but was extremely poor when in possession. Could have done better to thwart the second goal.
James Milner – 6.5/10
Ran up and down the left-flank and offered an outlet for attack with his forward movements. However, the crossing wasn’t up to the level.
Lucas Leiva – 6/10
Another professional display in the middle of the park from the Brazilian. Held things together and looked energetic.
Emre Can – 6/10
After a series of impressive displays in recent weeks, the German international wasn’t at his best against Bournemouth. No lack of efforts, but the quality wasn’t there.
Georginio Wijnaldum – 6/10
His dreadful backpass allowed Afobe to open the scoring. Made up for it with an assist for Origi for Liverpool’s second goal.
Roberto Firmino – 6/10
Tested Artur Boruc on a couple of occasions. Did really well to set Coutinho up for the equalizer. Could have done better in terms of offering a bigger goal threat.
Divock Origi – 7/10
Having scored against Everton over the weekend, the Belgian made the most of his start, scoring the all-important second goal for the Reds.
Philippe Coutinho – 7.5/10
Equalized for Liverpool in the first half with a calm finish. Showed some skills and always looked like making something happen in the final third before being taken off.
Substitutes
Joel Matip – 6/10
Replaced Coutinho in the 65th minute. Didn’t do anything wrong in a back-three setup.