Arne Slot Must Avoid Repeating Costly Error With Liverpool Pair After ‘Shocking’ Bournemouth Display
Liverpool’s 13-game unbeaten run came to a halt on Saturday evening as the reigning Premier League champions suffered a dramatic 3–2 defeat away to Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth. Despite flashes of quality, the loss sparked frustration among supporters, with two players in particular labelled “shocking” and “horrendous” by the Anfield faithful.
Against the run of play, Bournemouth struck first in the 27th minute. A failed clearance from Virgil van Dijk allowed Alex Scott to keep the move alive, squaring the ball for Evanilson, who finished from close range. The hosts then doubled their lead when Alex Jimenez netted his maiden Premier League goal. Just before half-time, Liverpool found a lifeline as Van Dijk rose highest to meet Mohamed Salah’s corner, his looping header beating Djordje Petrovic.
The second half, however, was largely uninspiring. Arne Slot’s side struggled to create clear chances despite several substitutions, including the introduction of Hugo Ekitike. Eventually, Liverpool drew level through Dominik Szoboszlai, who curled a superb free-kick into the bottom corner after Salah teed him up. But heartbreak followed late on, as Bournemouth snatched a decisive winner in the dying moments to seal all three points.
Tactical Gamble Falls Flat
Slot experimented with a 4-2-2-2 system, allowing the full-backs to push high, two attacking midfielders to operate centrally, and two forwards to roam across the front line. The setup looked promising early on, but unravelled once Bournemouth took the lead. Liverpool struggled to assert themselves in the box, particularly with Salah and Cody Gakpo—both natural wide players—tasked with leading the attack together.
While the approach intrigued some fans, it quickly became clear that Liverpool were missing a genuine penalty-box presence, whether Ekitike or the injured Alexander Isak. Gakpo, substituted in the 73rd minute, failed to make a meaningful impact, managing just 34 touches—only three inside the opposition area—and creating just one chance.
Salah, returning after Egypt’s disappointing AFCON campaign, also endured a difficult night. Though two of his three shots were saved, his crossing was especially poor, completing just one of eight attempts. His struggles in the final third stood out as Liverpool laboured to break Bournemouth down.
Fans Vent Their Frustration
Few Liverpool players emerged with credit at the Vitality Stadium. Florian Wirtz showed flashes of intent, and Ekitike looked lively off the bench, but overall the performance fell well below expected standards despite Liverpool dominating possession. Much of the post-match criticism was directed at Salah and Gakpo, with fans on social media pulling no punches.
Supporters described the partnership as “unwatchable,” with some claiming they “needed bleach” after witnessing the duo lead the line together. Others criticised their decision-making, ball control, and lack of composure in key moments, with one fan summing it up as “painful to watch.”
What Comes Next?
Looking ahead, it’s clear Liverpool must rethink their attacking setup if they are to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification for the 2025/26 season. The Salah-Gakpo pairing lacks the natural centre-forward threat needed at this level, and with Isak sidelined, Ekitike appears the more sensible focal point in attack.
Liverpool now turn their attention to their final Champions League league-phase fixture against Qarabag before facing Newcastle United and Manchester City in back-to-back Premier League clashes at Anfield—matches that could define their season.