Salah hat-trick sends Reds top

Liverpool won their fifth consecutive Premier League game thanks to a Mo Salah masterclass as Eddie's Howe Bournemouth were outclassed by a ruthless Liverpool side. 

The hosts were dealt an early blow with striker Callum Wilson not making the matchday squad. Bournemouth manager confirmed that he was suffering with a slight hamstring issue, a big blow for the ‘Cherries’ given that ten of Bournemouth's last 11 league goals were either scored or assisted by Wilson or Ryan Fraser.

Despite Jurgen Klopp’s side dominating possession, chances were sparse in the first-half. Liverpool’s Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson had to be at his best to keep out Jordan Brooks after 22 minutes. The Welsh full-back got in behind Van Dijk and hit a fierce shot at the Liverpool goal. Alisson was strong and blocked the ball out for a corner, the best chance of the first half for Eddie Howe’s side.

Liverpool responded well to the early danger and were ahead five minutes later. Mohamed Salah registered his 40th Premier League goal for the ‘Reds’ however in controversial circumstances. Prior to the game Roberto Firmino had been involved in five goals in his last five Premier League appearances against Bournemouth, scoring three and setting up two. Make that six as he got an assist via a speculative long-range effort. Firmino tried his luck from far out shooting from just under thirty yards. The ball skidded along the damp surface at Dean Court and was spilled by former chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begović. He put the ball on a plate for Salah who made no mistake, drilling home with his left foot from inside the penalty area.

Bournemouth players protested to the assistant referee for offside however the goal stood. Replays show, however, that perhaps referee Lee Mason should have ruled the goal out for offside.

Whatever Jurgen Klopp said to his players at half-time clearly worked as Mo Salah instantly scored his second of the game. Bournemouth’s Steve Cook carelessly gave the ball away in his own half, gifting Salah the opportunity. The 26-year-old ran at the Bournemouth defence, with Cook trying his best to foul Salah and take the yellow card. Credit to the Egyptian, he honestly stayed on his feet and worked his way past Nathan Ake. Salah gave Begovic the eyes and calmly slotted the ball home in to the bottom right of his goal, a brilliant finish.

His 41st Premier League goal for Liverpool and the perfect start to the second half.

20 minutes later Steve Cook’s afternoon became even more miserable. Bournemouth have only beaten Liverpool once in any competition, coming from 2-0 and 3-1 down to win 4-3 in the Premier League in December 2016. A Bournemouth player scored the third goal of the game, however it was not to spark an impressive comeback. Steve Cook managed to slice the ball in to his own net after impressive play from Andy Robertson. The Scotland captain did well to get in behind the ‘Cherries’ defence and whipped in a dangerous cross. The ball seemingly clipped Cook’s calf and looped in over Begovic. Unfortunate, however a deserved third.

After tormenting the hosts for the first half, Mo Salah waited until the 77th minute to complete his hat-trick. The Egyptian forward capitalised on sloppy Bournemouth defending and managed to get in behind Steve Cook. Salah rounded Asmir Begovic not once, but twice, and then confidently took the ball around Nathan Ake. After humiliated four players Salah had the simple task of tapping the ball home past the scrambling Bournemouth defenders. A sensational goal to cap off a sensational performance from Salah.

After a raft of late substitutes to slow down the game Liverpool managed to hang on for an impressive victory. Klopp’s side temporarily move top of the Premier League, with all eyes in Merseyside on Manchester City’s game against Chelsea later on Saturday.