Liverpool shrugged off the absence of Mohamed Salah to move five points clear at the top of the Premier League as Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez struck twice in a 4-0 win at Bournemouth on Sunday (Jan 21). The Reds' title credentials will be tested while their star man is away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. But Jota and Nunez stood up to be counted to secure a vital win at one of the form sides in the Premier League. Bournemouth had lost just once in their previous nine games to climb comfortably clear of the relegation zone.
Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points as an impressive second-half display overpowered Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
In difficult conditions with the onset of Storm Isha, an even first half gave way to another show of Liverpool's attacking strength as two goals apiece from Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota sealed a deserved three points.
Jurgen Klopp's men hold that lead over Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa – although Pep Guardiola's reigning champions have a game in hand.
Both sides struggled to create anything worthwhile in the first half but Nunez broke the deadlock four minutes after the break with a composed right-foot finish from Jota's pass. Nunez was then involved in the build-up to Liverpool's second with 20 minutes left, battling to win possession for Cody Gakpo to release Jota, who beat Neto at his near post.
Jota got his second when he initially miscontrolled, but then recovered his poise to send a low shot beyond the Bournemouth keeper. Uruguay forward Nunez added the fourth in stoppage-time, diverting in Joe Gomez's cross.
Elsewhere in the Premier League on Sunday, an Oli McBurnie penalty in the 103rd minute handed Sheffield United a 2-2 draw with West Ham United. Maxwel Cornet put the Hammers ahead before Ben Brereton Diaz equalised for the Blades.
James Ward-Prowse thought he had scored the winner in the 79th minute but McBurnie levelled the score in the 13th minute of injury time. United’s Rhian Brewster was sent off in the 93rd minute before West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal was given his marching orders four minutes later.
The Premier League continues tonight as Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. host Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
