Liverpool Extends Premier League Lead with 2-0 Victory at Bournemouth

Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 9 points with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Bournemouth, thanks to a brace from Mohamed Salah. The match was not without controversy, as the first goal came from a contentious penalty decision.

Referee Darren England, officiating his first Liverpool match since a VAR error cost them a goal against Tottenham in September, awarded a debatable penalty when Cody Gakpo went down under Lewis Cook’s challenge. Salah converted from the spot to give Liverpool a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Bournemouth controlled much of the play and created several chances to equalize. Their best opportunity came when Marcus Tavernier’s shot hit the post and Justin Kluivert failed to convert the rebound.

Liverpool sealed the victory late on with a clinical counterattack, as Salah curled in a superb second goal. The win was somewhat fortunate for Liverpool, who were outplayed for long periods by an impressive Bournemouth side.

The result extends Liverpool’s advantage at the Premier League summit, but manager Jurgen Klopp will know his team must improve if they are to maintain their title challenge. For Bournemouth, it was a frustrating afternoon as their strong performance went unrewarded.