Liverpool this season have been very good at being good enough. There have been very few games in which they’ve dismantled the opposition. They have won fewer league games by more than three goals than Tottenham have, but ended the day nine points clear at the top with their closest rivals to play the defending champions on Sunday. If Liverpool do, as they surely will, go on to win the title, it will have been an old-fashioned sort of success, a league won not by the spectacular or the flamboyant but by consistency and calmness, by ruthless accumulation.
This was Liverpool’s sixth 2-0 win in the league; more than a quarter of their games so far. It’s a scoreline that speaks of control, of winning games with a little to spare, taking freakish equalisers, ill luck and odd refereeing decisions out of the equation, without being flashy and demanding overexertion: 2-0 is the scoreline of champions. Arsenal, like Liverpool, began the season with a pair of 2-0 wins but, since then, they have won 2-0 only once.
When optimistic Arsenal fans looked at the second half of the season and noted that Liverpool had some tricky away games to play, this was one of the fixtures they would have earmarked as having the potential to cost Arne Slot’s side points. Bournemouth had beaten not only Arsenal at home but also Manchester City and Nottingham Forest. And they could easily have taken a point off Liverpool, Antoine Semenyo and Marcus Tavernier clattering shots against the post.
There has been a sense with Liverpool that they have played teams at the right time, just at the point when they are out of sorts or have key players missing.
While there probably is some truth to that, it is also the case that Liverpool are very good at making opponents look as though they are in poor form. And nobody could have claimed that Bournemouth were not playing well before Saturday. If anything, their form was too good, having scored nine in their previous two games. Nobody can keep a shot conversion rate of 25% going for long. That Bournemouth got only three of 14 shots on target, two of those drawing excellent saves from Alisson, is perhaps a rare visible case of regression to the mean.
Lucky Liverpool? Possibly – as even Slot acknowledged. Certainly the penalty they were awarded in the first half will raise eyebrows. That Cody Gakpo kicked the back of his own heel was clear; the question was whether he was nudged into doing so by Lewis Cook. At the very least the decision was soft. The offside decision that saw the equaliser David Brooks seemed to have scored before half-time ruled out was correct, but it was a close-run thing.
Virgil van Dijk looked imperious at the back for Liverpool again. Photograph: Dylan Martinez/Reuters
But Liverpool’s second goal was one of rare quality, Curtis Jones beginning the break, catching up with it and feeding Mohamed Salah, who scored with the perfect finish, whipping the ball with very little backlift round Milos Kerkez and the stretching arm of Kepa Arrizabalaga and just inside the far post. It was a goal of efficiency and beauty, technically excellent and without the slightest needless embellishment and, as such, emblematic of Slot’s team as a whole.
It is true that they could easily have conceded, true that the shots that were flying in for Bournemouth over the past two weeks did not on Saturday – a process that culminated in the ferocious late drive from Tavernier that smashed into what might politely be termed the nether regions of Tyler Adams – but equally Liverpool defended with admirable composure.
Virgil van Dijk, as so often, was a colossal figure, not only winning his duels with Dango Ouattara but radiating calm, constantly organising and cajoling. He is not only a very fine defender, arguably back to being the best centre-back in the league, but also a great leader. There has been rather less focus on Van Dijk than on the other two players who are out of contract in June, perhaps because he is 33, and perhaps because the assumption is that he is more likely than either Trent Alexander-Arnold or Salah to sign a new deal, but if he does leave he would be sorely missed, not only for what he himself offers but because he makes players around him better.
Liverpool still have to go to Everton, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Chelsea. They still have to play Arsenal at home. There are hurdles to be negotiated. But given the sides Bournemouth have beaten at the Vitality this season, this was a big obstacle ticked off. There are 15 games left. The title race is not over yet. But Liverpool felt a lot closer to the tape at the final whistle than they had at kick-off.
Liverpool’s unbeaten run in the Premier League has left many wondering if luck has played a role in their success. With multiple late goals and close matches going their way, it’s easy to see why some might question whether the Reds are truly as dominant as their record suggests.
However, when you look closer at Liverpool’s performances this season, it’s hard to argue that luck has been the sole factor in their success. Their attacking prowess, solid defense, and ability to grind out results in tough matches all point to a team that is not just lucky, but also highly skilled and well-coached.
From their thrilling comeback against Aston Villa to their hard-fought victories over top teams like Manchester City and Chelsea, Liverpool have shown time and time again that they have what it takes to come out on top in any situation.
So while luck may have played a small role in Liverpool’s success this season, it’s clear that their spotless results are a result of their talent, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. As they continue their quest for the Premier League title, it’s safe to say that Liverpool’s success is more than just luck – it’s a testament to their skill and resilience as a team.
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Sometimes you just get a sense during the season that you are watching a special team, and I cannot be the only one who felt that wutg Liverpool’s win at Bournemouth.
There were lots of elements of their performance that were eye-catching.
Mohamed Salah’s genius, Alisson’s sharpness, the confidence, the control, the hunger… Of course, there were moments of concern for Liverpool in the game, but that is because they were facing a team stacked with self-belief.
This is a big hurdle cleared in their pursuit of the title.
It is also mightily impressive that Liverpool look indestructible when the future of three of their most important players is so uncertain. Some teams would not cope with that.
Salah’s majestic moment is only going to create more headlines, but I am not sure anything is going to distract them this season.
Liverpool secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Bournemouth on Saturday, with goals from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane proving to be enough to secure all three points. The win was significant for the Reds, as it marked a crucial hurdle cleared in their quest for the Premier League title.
The victory was not without its challenges, as Bournemouth put up a strong fight and made life difficult for Liverpool throughout the match. The hosts took the lead early on through Callum Wilson, but Liverpool showed their resilience and fought back to secure the win.
Manager Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for his team after the match, highlighting the importance of grinding out results in tough games like this one. He emphasized the importance of staying focused and not dropping points against teams lower in the table.
The win sees Liverpool maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table, with Manchester City hot on their heels. With just a few games left in the season, every victory is crucial, and Klopp will be hoping that this win against Bournemouth will give his team the momentum they need to push on and secure the title.
Overall, the victory against Bournemouth was a big hurdle cleared for Liverpool, and it showed that they have the mental strength and determination to grind out results when it matters most. With the title race heating up, Liverpool will need to continue to show this level of resilience if they are to end their long wait for a Premier League title.
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Liverpool are still progressing nicely in all competitions. They finished top in the league phase of the Champions League to jump into the last 16, are in the fourth round of the FA Cup and on Thursday entertain Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit after the first leg of their semi-final and get to Wembley.
In an interview with Football Focus on Saturday, Slot, who became Reds manager last summer following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, said he could not have expected to have such a lead.
Slot knows what it is like to win a championship, having won the Dutch Eredivisie with Feyenoord and, worryingly for Liverpool’s title rivals, the Reds are not showing any signs of slipping up.
This latest win extends their unbeaten league run to 19, since they were beaten 1-0 at home by Forest on 14 September.
“It was a battle, but I knew it would be,” added Slot. “All the points we have got, we have deserved them.”
Goalkeeper Alisson hailed his side’s mental strength and said: “It’s a great result away from home. We showed great desire, mentality and great quality.
“Bournemouth are really intense. They are top for running, intensity – the way they play, they’re aggressive. You have to be focused and really sharp in every situation.
“This intensity takes a lot of energy to win these games. The Premier League is a high standard this season.”
But with less than four months to go, Liverpool remain the standard setters and will take some stopping if they are to not win their first title in five seasons.
Liverpool pass ‘tough challenge’ with flying colours
Liverpool FC put on an impressive display as they passed a ‘tough challenge’ with flying colours in their latest match. The team showed great resilience and determination to secure a convincing victory, showcasing their strength and skill on the pitch.
From the opening whistle, Liverpool dominated the game, controlling possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Their attacking play was sharp and incisive, while their defense remained solid and organized throughout the match.
Key players stepped up to the challenge, with standout performances from the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Virgil van Dijk. The team worked together seamlessly, showcasing their chemistry and teamwork to secure a well-deserved win.
Manager Jurgen Klopp praised his team’s performance, noting their ability to overcome a ‘tough challenge’ and come out on top. He highlighted the team’s mentality and spirit, commending their effort and determination on the pitch.
Overall, Liverpool’s impressive display in this match signals their strong form and title credentials. Fans can look forward to more exciting performances from the team as they continue their pursuit of success this season.
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Liverpool went nine points clear at the top of the Premier League with their 2-0 win over Bournemouth, and the away supporters were jubilant as they started to believe title No. 20 could be on the way.
Mo Salah‘s second goal was nearly as unexpected as it was brilliant.
Coming during a period of Bournemouth pressure, the goal was a showcase of why the Egyptian has been so important to Liverpool for the last seven-and-a-half years.
His strike, of course, sent the away section at the Vitality Stadium into raptures and the buoyant mood continued on the journey home.
Here, Chloe Bloxam (@ChloeBloxam) gives her reaction to Liverpool’s win from the coach home, while Sam Millne (@sam_millne) discusses some of the key talking points.
The good…
CHLOE: It had everything you need in that game to win a league title.
It had the luck, and we rode our luck at times; it had the massive individual performances – Andy Robertson who I’ve been a little bit critical of this season, he was phenomenal.
Alisson, who’s had some criticism over the last couple of weeks, was incredible – a saviour today.
You had Mo Salah who was absolutely sensational and just does what he does, game in game out. And that finish, the way he just caresses it so effortlessly into the back of the net, he is on a different planet right now.
The midfield was boss but with that bit of luck that we had and the quality that we had, we also had grit determination and fight.
We had to do so much running and so many hard yards, because they are a brilliant side and they don’t give you a second of rest. Liverpool had to fight, they had to dig deep, they had to want it, and we definitely did all of that.
SAM: Saturday was never going to be an easy outing for Liverpool.
Thankfully, they had got the job done in Europe early so could come into this one refreshed. This seemed particularly noticeable in all three midfielders, who covered immense amounts of ground against a good team willing to commit men forward.
While Luis Diaz didn’t contribute to either of the Reds’ goals, he deserves a mention for the sheer amount of graft he put in going back towards his own goal.
Only Ryan Gravenberch (13) contested more duels than the Colombian, with Diaz winning five of his 11. He also made six recoveries in the game – only Gravenberch, Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai managed more.
The bad…
SAM: The performance as a whole was excellent, though as Chloe alludes to below, Bournemouth should have done better with their chances as they hit the woodwork twice.
Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s injury is the obvious other downside of the game. We don’t yet know the diagnosis, but it looked like a hamstring issue at first glance and, if that is the case, it would be the third time in 18 months he has missed football due to problems of this type.
That is conjecture, though. What we do know is that he is a doubt for the Tottenham game on Thursday. Thankfully, Conor Bradley is a more-than-able deputy!
CHLOE: We weren’t defensively excellent, we had to have big moments. That was perhaps the only negative, but I just felt like the game had absolutely everything.
Every side of Liverpool was on show. Every weapon that they had and they possess, they showed today. They showed that they can get through games of football, win by any means and fight through tough periods.
But they also showed how you can control, how you can dominate, how stars can make the difference and also, they showed that we are a team that can go on and win this title.
Is the feeling in the away end still apprehensive about the title or are we confident now?
CHLOE: The crowd believed, they’re starting to believe.
After the second goal, the bouts of ‘A Liverbird Upon My Chest’ were absolutely incredible. You can hear us start singing about the league, about being top of the league.
You can feel the belief building and it’s for the players on the pitch to stay humble to, keep up the work and to not think about it.
It’s time for us as fans to start believing it, to start backing the players, because these players so far this season have given us absolutely no reason to doubt that they can come through the other side.
And I’m not going to go too early and say it’s ours, because it’s absolutely not. It’s not over but we’ve given ourselves an incredible foundation and we just need to keep riding the wave that we’re on and hopefully bounce into each and every single game and see what we can make of it.
But yeah, an absolutely incredible away end, an incredible away day and hopefully much more to come.
As a die-hard Liverpool fan who was lucky enough to be in the Liverpool end for the recent match, I have to say – it’s time for us to start believing in this team. The atmosphere at Anfield was electric, and the passion from the fans was palpable.
Despite a few shaky moments, the team showed incredible resilience and determination to come out on top. The players fought for every ball, and their chemistry on the pitch was undeniable. From the precision passing to the clinical finishes, it was clear that this team has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
With key players stepping up when it mattered most and the depth of our squad shining through, there’s no reason why we can’t push for success this season. It’s time for us as fans to rally behind the team, to believe in their abilities, and to support them through thick and thin.
So let’s raise our voices, wave our scarves, and show the world that we are proud to be Liverpool supporters. This team has the potential to achieve great things, and it’s up to us to be the 12th man and help them get there. Believe in the Reds, believe in the magic of Anfield, and let’s make this season one to remember. Up the mighty Reds! #YNWA #LiverpoolFC
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That took Salah’s tally in the Premier League this season to 21 goals but there were worrying signs in the second half for Arne Slot as Trent Alexander-Arnold went off holding his thigh.
That was the only blemish for Liverpool as they secured an important win against one of the Premier League’s most in-form teams. Bournemouth’s last defeat in any competition had come on November 23 against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Gregg Evans and Mark Carey analyse the key talking points from the Vitality Stadium.
Salah hits 20-goal milestone and has Aguero in his sights
Salah held his nerve to tuck away the penalty that moved him onto 20 league goals for the season before adding a superb 21st in the second half.
Salah slams home his penalty (Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Salah was given some rough treatment early into the game but stepped up when it mattered in the 30th minute to convert after Lewis Cook had tripped Cody Gakpo in the box. And in the 75th minute, he curled home to make it 2-0 after being set up by Curtis Jones.
Salah joins Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane in reaching the 20-goal milestone in a Premier League season for the fifth time.
The last time he hit such numbers was back in 2021-22. At 32, he’s showing no signs of slowing up. With four months of the campaign remaining, he could rival his best goalscoring Premier League season (32 goals in 2017-18).
Salah’s importance to the team, even when he isn’t at his best, is clear. His latest goal moved him to sixth on the all-time Premier League goalscoring chart (178 goals, one ahead of Frank Lampard).
Next in his sights is Sergio Aguero on 184…
Gregg Evans
Alexander-Arnold injury is a worry for Liverpool
Clutching his thigh as he departed midway through the second half, Alexander-Arnold’s injury was the only downside of an impressive away win.
(Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Alexander-Arnold was tasked with keeping Bournemouth’s in-form left-side players in check and performed admirably for large periods.
He limited the threat of Antoine Semenyo and stayed tight to Milos Kerkez when he pushed on, and rather than bombing forward himself, he sat deep and stuck to his defensive duties for most of the game.
Seeing his afternoon cut short was disappointing, especially as he has only completed 12 full 90-minute outings in the Premier League this season.
Conor Bradley, the replacement right-back, will be braced to step in for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday if Alexander-Arnold requires time on the sidelines.
Gregg Evans
Slot’s midfield tweak to combat the threat of Kluivert
From a defensive midfield position in the centre of the field, the Netherlands international’s press resistance and comfort on the ball have allowed team-mate Alexis Mac Allister to push forward and influence the game from more of an advanced position.
However, against Bournemouth, there was a notable tweak to Gravenberch’s game — he appeared to be pushed out to a wider position while Mac Allister acted more as Liverpool’s pivot in possession, as illustrated in Liverpool’s passing map in the dashboard below.
Given Bournemouth’s recent form, perhaps Slot was acutely aware of the attacking threat offered by Justin Kluivert — who likes to pull wide left from a central attacking midfield position — which forced Gravenberch across to look after his fellow countryman out of possession.
It wasn’t Gravenberch’s most influential game. There were fewer driving runs, an absence of those sharp turns, and he even picked up a yellow card in the second half for a needless foul.
However, it was a disciplined tactical display overall and only adds to the glowing praise he has been given under his new manager. With the intensity that Bournemouth provide in midfield areas, it was a job well done by Gravenberch with his slightly tweaked role.
Mark Carey
Liverpool embraced the chaos
The narratives were set.
Bournemouth have grown into one of the most effective transitional sides in the Premier League, capable of punishing you with direct play and relentless pressing. The issue? They were coming up against a Liverpool side equally comfortable playing like that — and have been for many seasons.
It was a fraught contest, full of niggly fouls and exchanges of possession as each side pressed tightly onto one another. Liverpool’s considered build-up was thrown out of the window — they showed direct play of their own, bypassing Bournemouth’s press as they looked to use their strength on the transition.
Ultimately, that is how both Salah’s goals came about. The penalty was won after a long, direct ball to Gakpo, who was tripped by Cook. The second was a typical Liverpool breakaway goal, with substitute Darwin Nunez driving forward before passing to Jones, who found Salah to finish beautifully into the top corner.
Bournemouth have gained a lot of their advantages from making games chaotic this season. Against Liverpool, they found a team willing to embrace the disorder.
Mark Carey
What did Arne Slot say?
On Alexander-Arnold: “The situation was that Trent said to me ‘you have to take me off’ and he sat on the floor.
“He felt something. I can’t tell you exactly what or how bad it is because it’s only an hour after the game.
“But it’s never a good sign when a player is asking for a substitution. I would be surprised if he plays on Thursday. Let’s hope he’s back with us as soon as possible.”
What next for Liverpool?
Thursday, February 6: Tottenham Hotspur (H), Carabao Cup semi-final (second leg), 8pm UK time, 3pm ET
Recommended reading
(Top photo: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
In a dominant performance against Bournemouth, Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory with Mohamed Salah once again reaching the milestone of 20 goals for the season. The Egyptian forward has been in scintillating form and continues to be a crucial player for the team.
However, the win was not without its concerns as right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold had to be substituted due to injury. The extent of his injury is yet to be confirmed but it will be a worrying situation for Liverpool fans as Alexander-Arnold has been an integral part of the team’s success this season.
In response to Alexander-Arnold’s injury, manager Jurgen Klopp made a midfield tweak, bringing on Naby Keita to bolster the midfield and provide more defensive cover. The change paid off as Liverpool maintained control of the game and secured the victory.
Overall, it was a solid performance from Liverpool as they continue their march towards the Premier League title. However, the injury to Alexander-Arnold and the need for a midfield tweak serve as a reminder that challenges can arise at any moment in football.
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WSL LIVE: Man City vs Arsenal, Brighton vs Crystal Palace, Everton vs Leicester, Liverpool vs West Ham, Aston Villa vs Chelsea & Tottenham vs Man Utd – scores, results & latest updates
Today is an exciting day in the Women’s Super League as some of the top teams face off in thrilling matchups. Here are the latest scores, results, and updates from the matches:
– Man City vs Arsenal: The game ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with both teams putting on a fantastic display of skill and determination.
– Brighton vs Crystal Palace: Brighton emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, securing three crucial points in the league.
– Everton vs Leicester: Everton dominated the game and secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Leicester, showcasing their strength and prowess on the field.
– Liverpool vs West Ham: Liverpool came out on top with a 2-1 win over West Ham, with both teams putting on a competitive and entertaining performance.
– Aston Villa vs Chelsea: Chelsea proved their dominance with a 4-0 win over Aston Villa, showcasing their talent and skill as one of the top teams in the league.
– Tottenham vs Man Utd: In a highly anticipated matchup, Tottenham and Man Utd ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw, with both teams putting on a fantastic display of talent and determination.
Stay tuned for more updates and results from the Women’s Super League matches happening today. Exciting football action awaits! #WSL #ManCity #Arsenal #Brighton #CrystalPalace #Everton #Leicester #Liverpool #WestHam #AstonVilla #Chelsea #Tottenham #ManUtd #Scores #Results #Updates
Liverpool head to Bournemouth knowing they are up against the Premier League‘s most in-form team, who have scored 16 goals in their last four top-flight matches.
Bournemouth vs. Liverpool at the Dean Court promises goals aplenty, but then so did the Reds’ recent narrow 2-0 win at Brentford.
What we can guarantee, though, is that both teams will be confident in their own abilities going into the game, and neither will be willing to compromise too much on their principles.
In-form opposition
Bournemouth‘s attacking trio of Justin Kluivert, Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo have scored 14 goals between them in their last four matches, netting six, five and three respectively in that time.
The Cherries’ best-ever top-flight points tally came last season when they managed a total of 48 points, ensuring a finish of 12th. They currently have 40 points with 15 matches still to play.
Andoni Iraola’s team are currently 13 points better off than at the same stage of last season’s campaign. They are currently on a club record 11-match unbeaten run in top-flight football (seven wins and four draws).
Liverpool aren’t in bad shape themselves, though, of course.
The Reds have won all 14 league games this season when they have scored the game’s first goal and have won 23 of 24 such matches in all competitions.
They are unbeaten in their last 18 league games (13 wins and five draws) since the 1-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest in September.
Mo Salah moving up the charts
As ever, another game brings another chance for Mo Salah to move up the various goalscoring charts.
The Egyptian is the highest scorer in the history of this fixture, with nine goals in 11 appearances.
One more goal would see Liverpool’s No. 11 join Frank Lampard in joint-sixth on the Premier League‘s highest goalscorers list, with 177 goals.
He also needs to score just once to register 20 league goals in a season for the club for the fifth time and the first occasion since 2021-22.
Salah is fourth on Liverpool’s all-time list of top goalscorers, seven behind Gordon Hodgson who managed 241 in 377 appearances from 1926 to 1935.
Liverpool: Salah 23, Gakpo 15, Diaz 12, Jota 8, Nunez 6, Szoboszlai 4, Elliott 3, Jones 3, Mac Allister 3, Alexander-Arnold 2, Konate 2, Van Dijk 2, Chiesa 1, Danns 1
* Stats courtesy of LFC statistician Ged Rea (@ged0407).
Liverpool can continue their brilliant goalscoring record as Mo Salah eyes Frank Lampard’s Premier League goal tally.
With Mo Salah in sensational form this season, Liverpool fans are hopeful that the Egyptian forward can continue to light up the Premier League and potentially break Frank Lampard’s impressive goal tally of 177 goals.
Salah has been a key player for Liverpool since his arrival in 2017, scoring goals for fun and helping the team to multiple trophies, including the Champions League and Premier League title.
His recent performances have been nothing short of outstanding, with Salah consistently finding the back of the net and showcasing his incredible skill and finishing ability.
As Liverpool look to continue their dominance in the Premier League, Salah will undoubtedly be a key figure in their quest for success. With his eye on Lampard’s record, there is no doubt that Salah will be motivated to keep scoring goals and cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history.
So, Liverpool fans can rest assured that their team’s brilliant goalscoring record will continue as long as Mo Salah is leading the charge. And who knows, maybe he will even surpass Lampard’s goal tally and etch his name in Premier League history.
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Liverpool manager Arne Slot says forward Mohamed Salah is “wise enough to make the right decision” over his future.
The 32-year-old is out of contract in the summer and said in January this was his final season at Anfield as he and the club were “far away from any progress” over a new deal.
The Egypt forward has scored 23 goals this season to help the Reds to the top of the Premier League and the last 16 of the Champions League.
Salah has been regularly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and the country’s sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal has said he was “a big prize” and they “would love to have him”.
“Everybody wants him, including us,” said Slot. “We want him to extend of course as well – that is clear.
“I’m not surprised that Saudi want him but I wouldn’t be surprised if other countries want him as well.
“He’s old enough and wise enough, and has done so many smart things in his career, that he will make the right decision for himself and, hopefully, for us as well.”
Salah has 19 goals in the top flight this season, taking his overall tally to 176 and moving him up to seventh in the Premier League’s list of all-time top scorers.
Captain Virgil van Dijk and right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold are also out of contract in the summer and Slot said he has spoken to the trio about their situations during regular conversations.
“Of course, I speak to these players,” said Slot, in his news conference before the Premier League leaders face Bournemouth away on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
“I speak to them, not every day like [sporting director] Richard [Hughes], but quite a lot and it would be ridiculous if in all these times I speak to them we’ve never spoken about the future. Of course, we do.
“As you probably also know, that’s not something I’m going to discuss with you.
“It’s not only with the three that are out of contract, you also talk about future things with the other players as well.
“It’s a non-stop process talking to your players but it’s also a non-stop process that I will not talk about that in public with you.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided an update on Mohamed Salah’s contract situation, stating that discussions are ongoing with the winger’s representatives.
Speaking to reporters, Slot said, “We are in talks with Salah’s camp about a contract extension. Mohamed is a key player for us and we want to keep him at the club for many more years.”
Salah’s current contract with Liverpool is set to expire in 2023, leading to speculation about his future at the club. However, Slot remains confident that an agreement will be reached to secure the Egyptian’s long-term future at Anfield.
“We are optimistic that we can reach a positive outcome in the coming weeks. Mohamed is happy at Liverpool and we are working hard to ensure he remains a crucial part of our squad,” Slot added.
Fans will be eagerly awaiting news of Salah’s contract extension, as the 29-year-old continues to be a standout performer for Liverpool, with his goal-scoring exploits helping the team to success both domestically and in Europe.
Our betting expert Jones Knows provides his insight as he looks forward to the Saturday card in the Premier League – can Bournemouth stop Liverpool?
Nottingham Forest vs Brighton, Saturday 12.30pm
Nottingham Forest’s style of play means they soak up pressure and therefore concede a high amount of corners, especially for a team that are challenging for a top-four finish. They are conceding 6.3 corners per game in the Premier League, a figure that Brighton should be capable of hitting at the City Ground based on the likely direction of travel of the game.
Forest will sit deep, looking to hit on the counter while Brighton will be the team dominating the ball, sustaining attacks and getting into corner-winning situations.
The Seagulls won the corner race 9-1 in the corresponding fixture that ended 2-2 and a similar type of game could be on the cards despite Forest having home advantage. Brighton to win six or more corners looks too big at 5/4 with Sky Bet.
SCORE PREDICTION: 2-2 | JONES KNOWS’ BEST BET: Brighton to win 6+ corners (5/4 with Sky Bet)
This should be great fun. Bournemouth are running hot.
In their last four games, Andoni Iraola’s men are working at a 19.7 per cent conversion rate with their finishing, which is a bonkers number and a huge increase on their 9.2 per cent conversion rate over the course of this season.
In the last four games they’ve scored a goal every 5.8 shots and again that is a huge upsurge on their season average where they’ve scored every 10.8 shots per goal.
This is an unsustainable figure unless Dango Ouattara is the next Erling Haaland.
I think they might slip back to their wayward finishing ways here against one of the best defences in the Premier League.
Some may deem the Cherries as dangerous outsiders but Liverpool, fresh and ready to go after being given a rest in midweek, are such a relentless winning machine. Away win.
Leicester look a great bet here at Evens with Sky Bet to get a result based on the injuries to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Oriel Mangala.
The Everton striker, who has a significant hamstring injury, has missed 15 games since the start of last season and Everton have only won three of them and scored just 10 goals.
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Tottenham Hotspur’s match against Leicester City in the Premier League.
Also, their numbers this season without Mangala would worry me based on their win price at odds-on. He has missed eight games this season and they have conceded 2.3 goals per game which is very un-Everton-like.
It would be wrong to get carried away with Leicester but they did play very well in forward areas at Tottenham, moving the ball into some dangerous positions even before they got their two goals. It wasn’t the first time they have caused teams problems under Ruud van Nistelrooy – they scored at Anfield, created enough to win the game vs Man City and were the better team in their home defeat to Crystal Palace.
SCORE PREDICTION: 1-2 | JONES KNOWS’ BEST BET: Leicester double chance (Evens with Sky Bet)
Ipswich vs Southampton, Saturday 3pm
This could be season defining for Ipswich. It’s a big one.
They’ve disappointed me of late, offering zilch in terms of resistance against Manchester City, who are of course vulnerable, and Liverpool. The 10 goals conceded isn’t going to help their confidence in the defensive process so Kieran McKenna has a big job on his hands to get the balance right at both ends of the pitch with expectation on them in the market to land maximum points. They are 19/20 with Sky Bet – a price I can certainly leave alone.
The equation could be simple for Ipswich, if Liam Delap plays well, Ipswich win.
He’s bound to give Jan Bednarek a busy afternoon and a foul frenzy between the pair may play out. Delap is drawing 1.93 fouls per game at home this season and Bednarek, a very aggressive defender, has made at least a foul in his last nine starts, totalling 16 fouls. He is 5/4 with Sky Bet to make two or more.
SCORE PREDICTION: 2-2
Fulham are a team I’m always drawn to but rarely make me any money.
They are such a well-drilled, well-coached outfit under Marco Silva with an excellent process when it comes to their underlying numbers but they find ways not to win matches. It’s down to their lack of finishers in the final third – as seen by Rodrigo Muniz in the defeat to Manchester United.
Newcastle are almost exactly the opposite with the main man Alexander Isak leading their line. It’s 18 goals in his last 18 starts across all competitions for him.
So, even though my instincts are telling me to get with Fulham here the likelihood is they’ll play well, do many things right in the game, but Newcastle will come out on top due to their better individual quality across the pitch.
SCORE PREDICTION: 2-1
Wolves vs Aston Villa, Saturday 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports – PLAY SUPER 6 HERE!
This is an underrated derby and one that is becoming more intense by the season.
Since the start of the 19/20 season, this fixture is the second dirtiest when it comes to yellow cards of any Premier League fixture to have been played more than five times, producing 60 yellow cards in 11 matches.
This latest battle between West Midlands’ finest is expected to deliver on the cards front as there is so much on the line for Wolves, whose bounce under Vitor Pereira has fallen flat with four straight defeats in the Premier League.
In the last four meetings between these two there have been 75 bookings points shown per game with every game landing for those backing the 50+ booking point line with Sky Bet, who are offering up 5/6 for it to land again. It’s a high line but it’s hard to resist based on the evidence.
And I think Wolves need to take this game down a scrappy path and try and overpower Villa, who surely will be feeling the effects of their rigorous schedule at various points in this match.
SCORE PREDICTION: 2-1 | JONES KNOWS’ BEST BET: 50+ booking points (5/6 with Sky Bet)
Sunday’s PL Predictions….
Sunday’s predictions and best bets, including Arsenal vs Manchester City – live on Sky – from Jones Knows will be published on Sunday morning across Sky Sports…
Jones Knows’ best bets…
1pt treble on: Brighton 6+ corners, Leicester double chance & 50+ booking points in Wolves vs Aston Villa (7/1 with Sky Bet)
The Premier League is back in action this weekend with some exciting matches on the cards. Can Bournemouth stop Liverpool’s unbeaten run? Will Everton be able to hold off Leicester’s strong attack? Here are our predictions, odds and best bets for this weekend’s matches.
Bournemouth vs Liverpool:
Liverpool are currently sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League table with a 10-point lead. Bournemouth, on the other hand, are struggling in 16th place and have only won one of their last five matches. Despite their poor form, Bournemouth have been known to cause upsets against top teams at home. However, Liverpool’s attack led by Salah, Mane and Firmino is too strong to be stopped. Our prediction: Liverpool to win.
Odds: Bournemouth – 6.50, Draw – 4.50, Liverpool – 1.44
Best bet: Liverpool to win and both teams to score at odds of 2.75
Everton vs Leicester:
Everton have been inconsistent this season and are currently in 14th place. Leicester, on the other hand, have been in great form and are sitting pretty in second place. Everton have struggled defensively and Leicester’s attack led by Vardy and Maddison will likely take advantage of that. Our prediction: Leicester to win.
Bournemouth earned four points from their first four Premier League games against Liverpool (W1 D1 L2), but have since earned just three from their last 11 (W1 D0 L10). The Cherries also scored more than twice as many goals in the first four (7) than they have against the Reds in the last 11 (3).
Liverpool have only failed to score in one of their 15 Premier League meetings with Bournemouth, netting at least three goals in 10 of these 15 games.
Bournemouth (unbeaten in 11) and Liverpool (unbeaten in 18) account for two of the three longest ongoing unbeaten runs in the Premier League (Arsenal also 13 without defeat). Indeed, since the start of MD13 (29th November), no side has won more Premier League points than the Cherries (25 – W7 D4 L0).
Bournemouth (who finished 12th last season), have already beaten Manchester City and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium this season. The last team to win at home against each of the previous season’s top three sides – having finished in the bottom half themselves – was Blackburn Rovers in 2005-06.
Liverpool have only lost one of their last eight Premier League games against a side coming into the match on an 11+ game unbeaten run (W4 D3), going down 4-1 at home to Man City in February 2021.
Bournemouth have lost 11 of their 12 Premier League games against sides starting the day top of the table. However, they did beat Manchester City 2-1 in November in their most recent fixture against the table toppers.
The two sides to have the most shots following a high turnover in the Premier League this season are Bournemouth (45) and Liverpool (40), while the Cherries have the third lowest PPDA figure (10.3) and the Reds have the joint fourth lowest (10.5).
Among those to have played 500+ minutes, Tyler Adams has made the most tackles per 90 minutes (4.8) and most interceptions per 90 minutes (2.7) of any Premier League player this season. Bournemouth have won 63% of the games he’s started this term (5/8) and scored 2.8 goals per game, compared to a 40% win rate and 1.3 goals per game when he doesn’t start.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has scored 19 Premier League goals this season and one more goal will give him his fifth 20+ goal season in the competition, something that only Alan Shearer (seven times), Thierry Henry (five), Sergio Agüero (six) and Harry Kane (six) have achieved previously. He’s also only one goal (176) behind Frank Lampard (177) in the all-time Premier League top scorers.
Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has had the most shots following a ball carry (29) in the Premier League this season, while he has also created 19 chances after a ball carry, a total only two players can better.
AFC Bournemouth vs Liverpool: Premier League preview, team news, stats & head-to-head
In this highly anticipated Premier League clash, AFC Bournemouth will take on Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium. Both teams will be looking to secure three crucial points as they battle it out for a top spot in the league.
Team News:
AFC Bournemouth will be without the services of key players such as Callum Wilson and David Brooks, who are both sidelined with injuries. However, they will be boosted by the return of Jefferson Lerma, who is back from suspension.
Liverpool, on the other hand, will be without the injured duo of Joel Matip and Fabinho. However, they will be buoyed by the return of Mohamed Salah, who is expected to feature in this clash.
Stats:
– Liverpool are currently unbeaten in the league this season, winning 15 out of their 16 matches.
– AFC Bournemouth have struggled in recent weeks, winning just one of their last five matches in the league.
– Liverpool have scored a league-high 40 goals so far this season, while AFC Bournemouth have conceded 25 goals, the joint-second highest in the league.
Head-to-Head:
Liverpool have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning seven out of their last eight meetings in all competitions. The last time these two teams met, Liverpool emerged as 3-0 winners at Anfield.
With both teams having key players missing, it will be interesting to see how they line up and approach this match. Will Liverpool continue their unbeaten run, or will AFC Bournemouth cause an upset at home? Tune in to find out.
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AFC Bournemouth vs Liverpool, Premier League preview, team news, stats, head-to-head, match analysis, key players, predicted lineup, score prediction, live stream
