Godsent Ogbebor
Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday, thanks to a brace from Mohamed Salah, including a controversial first-half penalty.
The Reds took the lead in the 30th minute when Cody Gakpo appeared to trip inside the box without any clear contact from Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook. However, referee Darren England pointed to the spot, and after a VAR review, the decision stood.
Despite protests from the home side, Salah calmly converted the penalty, putting Liverpool in control.
“The referee’s call of penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR, with the challenge deemed to have been a trip by Cook on Gakpo. The VAR also confirmed Gakpo was onside in the build-up,” the Premier League later explained.
Bournemouth thought they had responded immediately, but David Brooks’ equaliser was ruled out for offside.
Liverpool continued to absorb pressure from the hosts, with Alisson Becker making key saves to keep his side in front. Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert came close for Bournemouth, but their efforts failed to find the net.
In the 75th minute, Curtis Jones set up Salah, who made no mistake in finishing past Kepa Arrizabalaga to seal the win.
The Egyptian forward’s double took his tally to 21 goals in 23 league games this season and moved him past Frank Lampard into sixth place on the Premier League’s all-time goal-scoring chart with 178 goals.
Liverpool, now unbeaten in 19 league matches, remain in firm control at the top of the table, nine points ahead of second-placed Arsenal. With their pursuit of a record-equalling 20th English title in full swing, they will now turn their attention to Thursday’s League Cup semi-final against Tottenham, where they look to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit.
However, the win came at a cost, with Trent Alexander-Arnold forced off in the second half due to injury. Manager Arne Slot will be hoping for positive news on his right-back as the title race heats up.
