Bournemouth 0-1 Liverpool - Premier League Match Report & Player Ratings

An Enormous 3 Points for Liverpool

A happy return to the South Coast for Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, as he saw his new team edge out Bournemouth in a hard-fought 1-0 win in the Premier League.

Heading into the international break with a win 😍 #BOULIV pic.twitter.com/Etp4qEgPCN

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 20, 2026

This means the Reds are heading into the International break on the back of a win and three clean sheets in a row in the Premier League. It's the first time that has happened for over two years (vs Ipswich, Brentford and Man Utd between 17th August - 1st September 2024).

Three Premier League clean sheets in a row 👊 pic.twitter.com/OJSPoub9pg

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 20, 2026

A goal from Alexander Isak just over 10 minutes into the second half was enough to prove the difference between the two sides.

The Liverpool wall of Van Dijk, Jacquet and Araújo dealt with Bournemouth at arm's length and ensured Liverpool saw out the three points.

A much-improved Liverpool from a defensive standpoint and a solid base to build on even if the attack isn't firing on all cylinders.

On a weekend that saw Chelsea and Arsenal chewed up by Brentford and Brighton, you get a real sense of just how good a three points that is for Liverpool on the road. It was a battle, but the main positive was how they kept Bournemouth from creating anything truly clear cut.

— David Lynch (@davidlynchlfc) September 20, 2026

Bournemouth are still in search of their first win of the season despite some promising performances under new manager Marco Rose in their first five league games.

First Half

Iraola made three changes ahead of todays game, with Gody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister and Milose Kerkez all returning to the starting Xl.

The start to the match was relatively uneventful with both teams trying to sus one another out in the early stages.

Liverpool's Szoboszlai had the first sighter of the game from a free-kick after a naughty challenge just outside the box from Tyler Adams on Florian Wirtz. The Hungarians attempt sailed just over the bar.

Bournemouth's first real chance of the game and a great one at that came in the 18th minute. Tavernier burst down the left for Bournemouth before playing the ball to the near post where Evanilson's clever backheel was tipped away magnificently by Alisson.

Liverpool conjured a chance inside the box about 10 minutes later after a nice run from Barcola was picked out by Kerkez. The Frenchman cut it back to Wirtz, who blazed over the bar, although the flag did go up for offside.

In the 34th minute, Barcola tested Petrović in goal, who saved with his trailing leg in unorthodox fashion. The rebound dropped loose just outside of the 18-yard mark where Mac Allister was clipped by Evanilson.

Szoboszlai stepped up again from slightly further out then last time. His dipping effort narrowly brushed past the left post.

Second Half

On 53 minutes, Bournemouth created arguably the most clear-cut chance of the match up until that point. Rayan drove down the right before lifting a cross to the near post where Ryan Christie was placed to meet. The Scots left-footed shot strayed just wide of the right post.

A few minutes later, Bournemouth would be left to rue their missed chances. Excellent, determined work from Cody Gakpo to force an opening down the right allowed him to swing in a low cross. The ball bobbled between Wirtz and Hill, who both went for the ball, before landing at the feet of Isak, who hit a first-time shot into the bottom left corner to give Liverpool the lead.

Alexander Isak grabs his fourth Premier League goal of the season! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/5ehwhl1it4

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 20, 2026

The goal was the Swede's fourth of the season, equalling his tally from last season in all competitions.

Bournemouth tried their hardest for an equaliser; an Evanilson shot was gathered by Alisson with relative ease.

The home side tried from range on two occasions. The first coming from Adrien Truffert, which sailed over the bar and the second, a free-kick attempt from Alex Scott, had the same degree of inefficiency as Truffert's.

Liverpool's last chance of the game fell the way of substitute Lewis Koumas who, after great work down the right byline by Víctor Muñoz, fired the cutback straight at Petrović from a more than promising position inside the Cherries' penalty area.

That would prove to be the last action of a tightly contested match and an undoubtedly sweet return for Andoni Iraola to the Vitality Stadium as Liverpool took home all three points.

Man of the Match - Jérémy Jacquet

The Frenchman was the best player on the pitch, so composed, so controlled especially given his age. He certainly looks the part too, has that quiet confidence and arrogance about his play, but not to the detriment of his performances.

Another solid performance from Jeremy Jacquet 💪

Our #BOULIV Player of the Match 🏆 pic.twitter.com/sEKtLNxgXU

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 20, 2026

If he carries on like this, then Zinedine Zidane has a lot of thinking to do ahead of Euro 2028.

Bad Day at the Office

A tough day for Wirtz who struggled to impose himself on the game. Ran a lot again and contested for duels, however the final action is severely lacking and there were times today when he was in acres of space and failed to execute a simple ball.

Player Ratings

Alisson Becker - 8/10: The Brazilian was flawless all game, held onto shots that other goalkeepers may have parried. The biggest praise however is how commanding he was on set-pieces, showing authority and strength to come and claim the Bournemouth in-swingers.

Ronald Araújo - 7/10: Won pretty much aerial ball which landed his way. He looked more comfortable in possession than in previous games too.

Jérémy Jacquet - 9/10: The young Frenchman is proving to be one of the signings of the season already and quietly establishing himself as one of the leagues best defenders. His proactive, front-footed nature combined with his excellent reading of the game is a frightening match for any centre forward and he dealt with Evanilson brilliantly.

Virgil Van Dijk - 8/10: The captain was solid, had the most touches of any outfield player during the match and was as aerially dominant as both Araújo and Jacquet.

Milos Kerkez - 6/10: In fairness to the Hungarian, he did defend his box well, however is on the ball quality leaves a lot to be desired. Technically Liverpool suffer when building out because of Kerkez's erratic nature on the ball and his angle bias.

Dominik Szoboszlai - 5/10: Fairly anonymous in possession as it was Mac Allister in midfield who largely looked to progress the most. Looked a damn sight less cultured than the other No. 8 on the pitch in Alex Scott.

Alexis Mac Allister - 6/10: Once again looked Liverpool's best senior midffield option. Had some nice moments where he combined well, threading passes through to Wirtz or recieving it from the centre-backs. He was slopp at times however.

Florian Wirtz - 5/10: Misplaced a few passes early on and despite showing good work ethic, he struggled to impose himself again and some fans are growing impatient with the £116m signing from Germany.

Gody Gakpo - 8/10: A vital player for Liverpool on that right hand side. Created the goal for Isak after some really great determination and perseverence down that side. He was hounded and pressed almost everytime he recieved the ball, but to still impact the game shows what an elite professional he is.

Bradley Barcola - 6/10: Like Gakpo, he was heavily marked, this time by Adam Smith. But unlike the dutchman, Barcola failed to get the best out of his man. He became more of an outball in the 2nd half but didn't offer a lot of penertration. The main positive was more minutes in the tank.

Alexander Isak - 7/10: Grabbed the crucial goal to win the game for the Reds which is the main thing. Seemed frustrated at times that he wasn't recieving the ball when he demanded it. He did have some sloppy moments but you can't criticise the matchwinner to much, right?

Substitutes

Trey Nyoni - 7/10: Destined for a first Premier League start soon enough. Was subbed on before Gravenberch, which is both damning and arguably about who Iraola prefers. He was calm in possession, snuffed out danger and was positionally sound.

Víctor Muñoz - 6/10: Brought tonnes of energy off the bench and played his part really well, it has to be said.

Ryan Gravenberch - 5/10: Came on to play in the No. 10 role. The Dutchman was largely ineffective and I truly believe Iraola doesn't trust him enough at this moment in time.

Lewis Koumas - 5/10: Did the dirty work when he was subbed on. Vastly different role to Isak, but like the other younger lads, he played his part very well. Had a good chance at goal towards the end, which he probably should've done better with given the time and space he had.

What Next for Liverpool?

Liverpool don't play until Sunday 11th October where they host league leaders Manchester City at Anfield.

That is because both the September and October International breaks have been merged into one meaning there is no Premier League football to rant and rave about for an entire three weeks!

One thing is for certain, the post-international break fixtures look the toughest yet for Liverpool and Iraola.