The Reds get a much-needed psychological boost from the Cherry-kicking goal-fest.
It was the first half to shatter every illusion about Liverpool’s lackluster first few weeks of this season.
Liverpool completed more tackles, more shots, more passes, more crosses and enjoyed a greater share of possession, with higher rates of passing accuracy, than in any of the Premier League games they have played so far this season.
Was this in Saturday’s 9-0 win over Bournemouth? Actually, no. The Opta figures show that Jurgen Klopp’s side registered these better metrics in their recent 1-1 home draw against Crystal Palace.
“I loved how we started the game,” Klopp said, after correctly identifying the stark differences with the previous three performances. So, in the absence of broader statistical evidence highlighting such a marked improvement, what were they?
The most meaningful contrast in Liverpool’s start against Bournemouth was the two goals within six minutes and five by half-time while eradicating the trend of conceding the first goal. But the real distinction was one of Liverpool’s application and psychology.
Asked if they were motivated after the Manchester United defeat, defender Virgil van Dijk said: “Yeah. After the game, you want to get the next game coming and it was good for us that we only had to wait four days so everyone was motivated.
“Lucky that we didn’t have any injuries in the week before which was a nice change. Obviously great performance.
“A bit of luck was missing earlier in the season. I don’t know. It’s difficult to say for me. We all wanted to perform, we all wanted to get results, but you know I don’t like to look back, I like to look forward.
“Today was a good start, a good win, something to build on but it is never guaranteed that we crack on from here. That’s what we want, that is what we work for and that is what we will try to do and it starts on Monday.”
Liverpool turns their attention to Wednesday as improving Newcastle – fresh from their 1-1 draw at Wolves yesterday – arrive at Anfield, where Van Dijk is expecting a “tough game” against a side that has impressed him.
Summer signing Darwin Nunez completes his three-match ban for headbutting Palace’s Joachim Andersen against the Magpies, meaning Roberto Firmino will surely get another chance to shine up top.
The 30-year-old has not been as heavily relied on over the past season or so but produced a stunning display on Saturday by scoring two and providing the assist for three more.
