Darwin Nunez gamble pays off as Liverpool find new undroppable in Bournemouth romp

Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 win over Bournemouth at Anfield thanks to a brace from Luis Diaz and a goal from Darwin Nunez on his return to the starting lineup.

After surviving a scare that saw the visitors find the back of the net only to be pulled back for offside, Arne Slot’s outfit were comfortable and bounced back from their defeat last time out in the Premier League to Nottingham Forest, though with an encouraging Champions League win against AC Milan in midweek.

The Reds have gone top of the table with three points, at least until Manchester City take on Arsenal in Sunday’s blockbuster, and are staking their claim against last season’s top two.

Express Sport runs the rule over the major talking points from Liverpool’s win over Bournemouth below…

Nunez shines on first start

After 37 minutes there was a very clear reminder of what Nunez brings to this Liverpool team, when he curled a stunning effort in off the post with his weaker foot from range.

It was the Uruguayan’s first goal since early April and his confidence went through the roof as the net bulged.

Moments later he was racing back on a solo press back in his own half, winning the ball back and setting up another dangerous attack.

If Diogo Jota had an eye over his shoulder before Bournemouth’s visit to Merseyside, he will be fretting even further at the possibility of losing his spot in the team.

Slot finds new undroppable

Previous concerns surrounding Diaz were his lack of goals and consistency. However, he has began the season proving any detractors wildly wrong, with another two goals in two minutes against Bournemouth.

He capitalised on a Kepa Arrizabalaga error to tuck home the opener, before firing past the Spaniard moments later with a composed finish.

Liverpool have six forwards capable of starting but it is looking increasingly likely that there is only one spot to fight for, alongside Mohamed Salah, as Diaz is undroppable in this current form and looks a man reborn under Slot.

Kelleher’s last chance saloon

With Alisson missing, Kelleher may have played his last-ever Premier League game for Liverpool.

Should the Brazilian stay fit for the remainder of the campaign, Kelleher is unlikely to feature again and has already asked to leave the club, following the summer capture of Valencia stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Very rarely were so many chances created for the visitors at Anfield inside the opening 30 minutes, but Kelleher was equal to all of them.

He then had plenty more to do in the final 15 minutes of the match to keep a clean sheet intact, keeping Luis Sinisterra and co at bay with a host of instinctive saves and interventions.

If this is Kelleher’s last league appearance for Liverpool, he is making it very tough for the club to move him on.

Chiesa watch

Seconds into his league debut off the bench, Federico Chiesa gave Liverpool fans a glimpse of the player he wants to be after sealing a summer move from Juventus.

He received the ball 30 yards from goal and sharply turned, letting fly from range with a vicious effort that Kepa was equal too.

But the intent was clear from the Italian. He wants to make an impact as soon as possible and cement himself as a long-term replacement for Salah.

He also hit the post during his 20-minute cameo in a central role, before the offside flag was raised, but there are promising signs for Liverpool’s newest face.

Horror return to Anfield for Kepa

Bournemouth had been well and truly in the game before a Kepa clanger gave Diaz a golden opportunity to open the deadlock.

Ibrahima Konate sprung a long ball almost the entire length of the two penalty boxes, but the on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper was left in no man’s land outside his own area, not close to cutting out the pass as Diaz expertly brought it down.

The Colombian had an open goal and duly dispatched his effort, with Kepa holding his head in his hands – a familiar sight for those acquainted with his exploits in England.