Liverpool tightened their grip at the Premier League summit with a hard-earned victory at Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon. Mohamed Salah scored a contentious first-half penalty before curling in a brilliant second to earn a 2-0 triumph at the Vitality Stadium.

The result means Arne Slot's side have now moved nine points clear of second-placed Arsenal on the same games played, with the Gunners hosting champions Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

The ECHO was on the South Coast and here's how we rated the performances of the Liverpool players.

READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold forced off at Bournemouth as Liverpool suffer fresh injury blow

READ MORE: Liverpool receive clear referee verdict on Cody Gakpo penalty decision vs Bournemouth

Alisson Becker 8

Turned Kluivert shot around at near post first half and later watched Semenyo and Tavernier hit woodwork and Kluivert miss a sitter. Good save, though, from Semenyo and great reactions to keep out deflected shot late on.

Trent Alexander-Arnold 5

Lost the ball from the kick-off and didn’t clear properly for one Bournemouth chance, but improved as first half progressed. Tough second half and picked up injury. Subbed.

Ibrahima Konate 6

Not the most convincing with some of his distribution and somewhat hesitant on occasion but avoided any major errors. One good block denied Kluivert second half.

Virgil van Dijk 7

Liverpool’s best defender before break in helping steady the ship at times, and became confident enough second half to start pushing into Bournemouth half. Booked.

Andy Robertson 6

Slack distribution during opening quarter and a bit too much of his defending appeared rash, although long ball created penalty incident. Raided more effectively second half.

Ryan Gravenberch 7

Took a while to settle in the midfield skirmish but began to start reading the game well and used possession intelligently. Showed his toughness in second half as Bournemouth put themselves about. Booked.

Alexis Mac Allister 7

Kept the ball moving swiftly in central areas and made a number of decent interceptions. Subbed before he was sent off as home crowd bayed for a second yellow.

Mohamed Salah 8

Tucked away penalty confidently and didn’t allow frustration at some close attention to get to him. Gradually wore down Kerkez and Huijsen and superb finish for second. Subbed.

Dominik Szoboszlai 6

Shot saved by Kepa after good run but otherwise spent much of first half falling over his own feet. No lack of effort but quality was rarely there after interval.

Cody Gakpo 6

Willingness to keep running in behind won penalty for opener and had shot saved by Kepa. Much quieter second half as Bournemouth increased pressure. Subbed.

Luis Diaz 8

Put in a good shift, looked to hold ball up and thundered into tackles but could have been more of threat before half-time. Continued outstanding endeavour when back on left wing for final quarter.

Curtis Jones (for Mac Allister 61) 8

Hugely impressive cameo, playing some fine passes and showing good physicality when required. Assist for second.

Darwin Nunez (for Gakpo 70) 6

Put himself about for the cause and a couple of good touches.

Conor Bradley (for Alexander-Arnold 70) 6

Not the easiest introduction for the Irishman but stuck to his task.

Wataru Endo (for Salah 88)

The new James Milner.