Mohamed Salah set the record for the most goals in his first 100 Premier League appearances as Liverpool beat Bournemouth at Anfield. The Egyptian has now scored a whopping 70 league goals in the top flight. The Reds now only need three wins to seal the league title.
Salah Key Again As Liverpool Beat Bournemouth
An early scare
After two consecutive defeats, the last thing that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp would have wanted was to go behind. Yet, that’s what happened.
After ten minutes, striker Callum Wilson fired the Cherries ahead after what seemed like a push on defender Joe Gomez. Klopp was livid, but his protests had no effect as the decision was not overruled.
This was an important moment for Liverpool. The Reds had to show their mental strength once again and prove themselves as worthy champions. That’s what they did.
But, it wasn’t without some luck. Defender Jack Simpson dwelled too long on the ball which allowed winger Sadio Mane the chance to intercept it. The Senegalese then played a horrendous ball to Salah, who didn’t panic and instead slotted it in the corner of the net.
For the Egyptian, this was an incredible moment. He has scored more goals in 100 Premier League games than any other Liverpool player. In addition, he is also the first striker since Michael Owen to score twenty goals in three consecutive seasons.
And a fair share of those goals has come against Bournemouth. The winger has scored in all of his appearances against the Cherries. They must be sick of the sight of him.
But, that wasn’t it for this game. Defender Virgil Van Dijk then played a wonderful through ball to Mane who expertly finished the chance. The Reds’ attack was back after a poor last few games.
A deserved win
Liverpool were worthy winners. They had 75 percent of the ball and eight more shots than their opponents.
Despite this, they have makeshift left-back James Milner to thank for preserving their win. He made an incredible goal-line clearance after winger Ryan Fraser had lobbed goalkeeper Adrian in the 60th minute.
With this victory, Liverpool also set a record for the most consecutive home wins with 22. They haven’t lost at Anfield since 2017.
They also only need nine more points to seal the Premier League title for the first time in 30 years. If they keep winning, it’s possible that they could clinch at the Eithad when they face Manchester City in April.
Salah sets up a good start to a tough week
This home win was exactly what Liverpool needed heading into an extremely difficult week. They face a resolute Atletico Madrid team on Wednesday in the Champions League knowing that only a win by two clear goals will take them through. In addition, the next time they play in the league, a trip to local rivals Everton beckons.
Klopp will be hoping that this win will propel them through that period. Otherwise, they will lose their Champions League crown.
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