By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Alexander Isak’s second-half strike earned Liverpool a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, giving Andoni Iraola a winning return to his former club.
Liverpool produced a disciplined display to secure all three points in their final Premier League fixture before the international break, with Isak settling a closely contested encounter in the 57th minute.
The victory moves Liverpool into the top six of the Premier League, while Iraola enjoyed a memorable afternoon against the club he previously guided.
Bournemouth made the brighter start and looked the more threatening side during the opening stages.
Liverpool struggled to establish a rhythm, with the hosts pressing aggressively and limiting their opponents’ opportunities to play through midfield.
The Cherries came close to taking the lead in the first half when Evanilson found space in the Liverpool area, but Alisson was equal to the effort and kept the visitors level.
Liverpool improved after the interval and began to find more space in attacking areas. Their breakthrough eventually came through the combination of Cody Gakpo and Isak.
Gakpo produced excellent work down the right before delivering the ball into the area. The move created the opening Isak needed, and the Sweden international kept his composure to finish from close range and put Liverpool ahead.
The goal changed the momentum of the match, with Liverpool becoming more comfortable as Bournemouth were forced to commit players forward in search of an equaliser.
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