Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League, after overcoming a stubborn Bournemouth on a wet and windy south coast.

The last time Liverpool travelled to Bournemouth (in the Carabao Cup), the weather made an already tricky tie even harder, and the elements were once again proving difficult, with swirling winds and rain making free flowing football very difficult.

With the challenging conditions, and a well organised Bournemouth proving very hard to break down, it was little surprise that Liverpool were limited to long range efforts in the first half.  It was also not surprising that the match reached half time goalless, despite Bournemouth making all the early running.

Jurgen Klopp was not a happy man at half time, and made several tactical tweaks, inlcuding moving Darwin Nunez into a more central position, so he could use his pace and physicallity to unsettle the Bournemouth defence.  The changes worked almost instantly, as a lovely passing move saw Diogo Jota find Darwin Nunez on the edge of box, who coolly slotted in first time to send the travelling Liverpool fans wild.  The relief on Nunez's face was clear for all to see, and his lovely finish made a mockery of the easier chances he has missed in recent weeks.

Liverpool grew in confidence after the goal, and although Bournemouth still posed a threat, it was the Reds who created the better chances, with Diogo Jota doubing the lead in the 70th minute.  Jota was at it again nine minutes later, as Liverpool put the game beyond doubt.  Both Jota's strikes showcased his natural finishing ability, and proved once again what an important player his is for Liverpool.

With eight minutes of added time, Liverpool went in search of further goals, and 93 minutes, Nunez slide in to claim his second of the match, to end a thoroughly satisfying night for Jurgen Klopp and his players.

No Salah, No Problem....

Much has been made of the players Liverpool are missing at the moment, but in the absense of Salah, Trent, Robertson and Szoboszlai, Liverpool's squad has stepped up to not only fill in the gaps, but propel the team to new heights.

Last season, the thought of losing four or five first team players would have been a nightmare, but this season, the emergence of new talents from the Academy, together with a more experienced and rounded squad, means Klopp can rotate players, and cover for injuries, without comprimising the teams style of play.

No where is this more evident than in defence, where Jarrel Quansah, and now Conor Bradley, have slotted seemlessly into the first team, making light of the loss of Joel Matip and Alexander-Arnold.  Liverpool's forward players have also come to the party, scoring two against Arsenal, two against Fulham and now four agianst Bournemouth, in a period where Salah's absense (due to the AFCON) was supposed to derail our season.

Liverpool travel to Fulham on Wednesday, for the second leg of the Carabao Cup Semi Final, carrying a 2 - 1 lead, knowing they are just 90 minutes away from another Wembley appearance. In this form, no-one would bet against them.

Sky Sports Man of the Match : Diogo Jota
BBC Man of the Match : Alexis Mac allister
BBC Public vote Man of the Match : Diogo Jota
Liverpoolfc.com Man of the Match : Diogo Jota

If you liked the article 'Liverpool thrash Bournemouth to go five points clear', then please like and share this page with your friends, or leave a comment below.

For all the latest Liverpool FC news - visit our dedicated news page, where you'll find breaking news, match reports, transfer gossip, injury news and much more.

Looking to earn some extra money?  Earn cash online by completing surveys, testing products and playing mobile games with Swagbucks.  Sign up for Free and start Earning today!

#LFC #Liverpool #LiverpoolFC #YNWA #TheReds #LFCBackOnOurPerch #Anfield #Football

Affiliate Links & Disclaimer

This post may contains affiliate links, meaning, we promote products or services on external websites that we have used or know well and may receive a commission if you purchase them too (at no additional cost to you).  This helps keep LFC - Back On Our Perch free to use.  Our editorial decision making is not affected by the inclusion of such links.

*Please note that LFC - Back On Our Perch is a fan site and is not linked in any way to Liverpool FC.  For the official Liverpool FC website please visit liverpoolfc.com