Alisson silences doubts

During a Premier League campaign of such relentless positivity for Liverpool, there have been few real reasons to grumble. But one concern that has niggled slightly with supporters is now being addressed.

As when negotiating a similarly tricky away assignment at Brentford a fortnight earlier, the foundation for this victory at Bournemouth was a hard-earned clean sheet.

Not that the Reds were without some good fortune, the Cherries twice hitting the woodwork while denied a goal by the tightest of offside calls.

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There was, though, nothing lucky about the manner in which Alisson Becker denied first Antoine Semenyo from close range with Liverpool just one goal ahead, and later reacted quickly to a deflected cross to preserve his shut-out.

The Reds have now had three clean sheets in their last four Premier League away games, with six in 12 on their travels over the season.

After some question marks following his return from injury before Christmas, there was an assurance to Alisson’s performance that permeated through to the defence that, while individually not without struggle, collectively stood firm with skipper Virgil van Dijk once again leading by example.

Slot decision proves transfer stance

It was the rarest of luxuries for a Premier League manager at the start of February. And it lasted barely 70 minutes.

That was how long it took before Trent Alexander-Arnold slumped to the Vitality Stadium turf clutching his leg before ultimately being replaced by Conor Bradley.

Up until then, Arne Slot had been in the unusual position of having a full-strength squad from which to choose leading to Joe Gomez and Federico Chiesa not being including in the matchday squad, let alone youngsters such as James McConnell, Tyler Morton and Jayden Danns.

It also perhaps underlined why the Reds are not pushing greatly to bolster their squad before Monday’s transfer deadline, loan departures the more likely late business.

Fingers will now be crossed Alexander-Arnold – who suffered a difficult afternoon even before his injury – isn’t facing an extended spell on the sidelines having started all bar three of Liverpool’s 23 top-flight games this season.

Bradley, though, was much improved on his performance at PSV Eindhoven, perhaps evidence of why Slot was keen to give so many fringe and under-utilised players minutes in the dead rubber. The Northern Irishman appears ready to deputise should Liverpool’s worst fears be realised.

Jones sends reminder

The happy trend of Liverpool players making a difference from the bench continued here. And this time Curtis Jones was the beneficiary.

Having missed the last two games through injury, Jones was thrust into the action on the hour for Alexis Mac Allister with the game very much still in the balance.

And amid the increasingly frantic midfield skirmish, the homegrown talent – who turned 24 earlier in the week – provided both quality, composure and bite, which all combined with his part in helping create Mohamed Salah’s second goal.

With Dominik Szoboszlai below his best – the quality of his display didn’t match his outstanding effort – it was a reminder of the importance of Jones for the remainder of the season, while Luis Diaz gave everything both down the centre of attack and, later, back on the left flank.

Bournemouth had already beaten Arsenal and Manchester City this season and went into the game on the back of a 5-0 thumping of Nottingham Forest.

The magnitude of this win, then, cannot be ignored. But with Everton away next up in the Premier League, the task isn’t becoming any easier. These are the tests that will determine the title – and Slot’s side keep on passing.