Liverpool grind out Bournemouth win on Andoni Iraola's return - 5 talking points

2026-09-20 · Mirror

BOURNEMOUTH 0-1 LIVERPOOL: Andoni Iraola made a winning return to the Vitality Stadium courtesy of a second-half goal from Alexander Isak in a game of few chances

Liverpool continued their unbeaten start to the season with a hard-fought 1-0 win away to Bournemouth. Alexander Isak's goal made the difference, breaking the deadlock just before the hour mark.

Chances were few and far between on the south coast, with both teams seemingly sapped from a busy first portion of the season before the first international break.

The game also marked Andoni Iraola's first visit back to Bournemouth since leaving the Cherries in May. His successor, Marco Rose, was looking for his first Premier League win, having started their Europa League campaign with a victory against Real Sociedad.

Here are five talking points from the Vitality Stadium.

1. Alisson's still got it

Thirty three is no age for a goalkeeper, but the injury which ruled Alisson out for two months at the end of last season raised questions over Liverpool's state of affairs between the posts. Giorgi Mamardashvili wasn't convincing when he deputised and fans were concerned when Alisson was linked with a move to Juventus over the summer.

The Brazilian was reportedly open to joining the Serie A giants, but fortunately for Liverpool, a deal never materialised. Alisson sent a reminder of his world-class ability in the 18th minute when he denied Evanlison from close range.

Marcus Tavernier blazed down the left flank and looked certain to continue his prolific run of form with an assist when Evanlison got the better of Virgil van Dijk and flicked his team-mate's cross towards goal. But Alisson got down brilliantly to tip the ball around the post for a corner, keeping it goalless.

2. Not up to speed

Intensity. It was a core principle of Jurgen Klopp's football and is a buzzword for Andoni Iraola. It's also what Liverpool lack.

Judging by the first half, you'd suspect it was Liverpool who'd played away in Europe on Thursday night, not the other way around. The Reds' midfield of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz was getting overrun, with Bournemouth playing as they did under Iraola for the last three seasons.

Their decision to appoint Rose was made with the aim of continuing that style of play, whereas Liverpool are attempting to transition from Arne Slot's more controlled approach. It seems that the Spaniard needs more time.

3. Gakpo and Isak combine again

It's now four Premier League goals for Alexander Isak - all made by Cody Gakpo. Although the Dutchman didn't get the official assist this time, it was his driving run down the right wing which created the chance for Isak.

James Hill did his best to cut out the cross under pressure from Wirtz, but the Bournemouth defender couldn't get enough on it. The ball fell kindly to Isak, who made no mistake to break the deadlock.

The goal begged the question: where would Liverpool be this season without Gakpo? The 27-year-old's future was uncertain until the dying embers of the summer transfer window, with both Tottenham and Manchester City interested, and he's proving that he was worth keeping.

4. The Wirtz conundrum continues

Glance at the stats and you'd assume that Wirtz had a good game. His tally of three chances created was the joint-most in the match when Iraola subbed him off in the 73rd minute, and he played a part in Isak's goal.

But the Germany international had a difficult afternoon. Wirtz was particularly poor in the first half, squandering possession on several occasions.

When the £116million man was replaced by Trey Nyoni, Jamie Carragher stated on commentary that he could have 'no complaints'. It's safe to say that the jury is still out.

5. Wait goes on for Rose

It's now five games and no wins for Bournemouth in the Premier League. Although the Cherries made history in midweek, the reality is that the English top flight remains their bread and butter.

Hovering one place above the relegation zone - for now - things don't get much easier after the two-week international break. Bournemouth travel to Chelsea on October 10 to kick-off nine games in 27 days.

It's a period that will test Rose's squad which Justin Kluivert currently isn't a part of due to an injury which he suffered on Thursday. But it's also a chance to make more history.

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