Liverpool moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table, with Mohamed Salah scoring twice. When the time came, the Egyptian made the difference as he so often does.

Bournemouth played well. Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert are among the players that Andoni Iraola has dramatically improved over the season or so and the pair caused plenty of problems. Neither, though, are as ruthlessly clinical as Salah.

First from the spot and then the edge of the penalty area, the Egyptian ensured the points went to Liverpool. Rested midweek in the Champions League, he was kept under wraps by Milos Kerkez for much of the game — but not in the two decisive moments. That is what sets him apart from almost everyone else.

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That was the difference between Liverpool and Bournemouth here — and it is the difference between the Reds and their title challengers too. In attack, Liverpool is unrivaled.

Arne Slot started with Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo — his preferred trio at the moment — and brought Darwin Nunez off the bench. He had Diogo Jota available again but didn’t turn to him and didn’t even bring Federico Chiesa to the south coast (a selection decision rather than an injury).

Along with Joe Gomez, nearing full fitness again after an injury, the Italian wasn’t required, which speaks volumes about the depth that Liverpool has in all areas. For all the transfer clamor, that is probably worth remembering: in a massive game here, its most impressive performer midweek against PSV didn't even travel.

Ultimately, while Liverpool has six senior attacking options plus Jayden Danns to call upon, Arsenal is scrambling for a forward. Its move for Raheem Sterling hasn’t paid off, Gabriel Martinelli is not a regular scorer, and Bukayo Saka is injured. That explains the bid for Ollie Watkins, which came out of nowhere and was flatly rejected.

Mikel Arteta’s side, without a world-leading goalscorer or the strength in numbers that Liverpool has, is now nine points behind and with Manchester City next, it hasn’t so far had the firepower to keep pace at the summit. The evidence of this season would suggest that isn’t likely to change without different personnel.

"We need to stay humble and take each game at a time," Salah told Sky Sports at the final whistle. "It feels good scoring goals and the team winning. My main target is to win the Premier League with the team. We are going in the right direction."

Salah was the match-winner here and Gakpo won the spot kick that saw him open the scoring. Diaz and Nunez played their part, while Jota and Chiesa weren’t required on this occasion — though they soon will be.

If a team needs a goal to win a tight fixture, Salah and co are the likeliest to be able to provide one. That’s why Liverpool is the leading contender for the Premier League title, why it is so important that the Egyptian pens a new contract, and why Arsenal is lagging behind.