In a match defined by haphazard defending and a dramatic finish, Bournemouth condemned reigning champions Liverpool to their seventh Premier League defeat of the season. Midfielder Amine Adli struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time to secure a 3-2 victory, leaving Arne Slot’s side still searching for their first league win of the new year.
The match swung on a series of defensive lapses and a controversial seven-minute spell in the first half. After Evanilson opened the scoring following a Virgil van Dijk error, Joe Gomez was forced off after a collision with Alisson.
Shockingly, Liverpool continued to play with 10 men for seven minutes while Wataru Endo warmed up, during which Alex Jimenez doubled Bournemouth's lead.
I take full responsibility even though it was a difficult ball to judge. The second goal we could have kicked the ball out... but to concede like that before half-time you put yourself in a position where you have to work harder than ever
Virgil van Dijk
Arne Slot cited a "short turnaround" from their midweek Champions League trip to Marseille as a reason for his squad running out of energy in the final moments.
Amid the defensive gloom, Dominik Szoboszlai once again proved why he is Liverpool’s player of the season. The Hungarian midfielder:
Assisted the first goal with a pinpoint corner.
Scored a "majestic" free-kick to draw the Reds level.
Operated as a makeshift right-back late in the game after Jeremie Frimpong was substituted.
