Hello, and welcome to tonight’s liveblog.
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The big news from an Irish perspective is that former Ireland U21 international Eunan O’Kane starts for the visitors, though Harry Arter is still injured.
Here are the teams for tonight’s match…
These sides met not so long ago in the Capital One Cup in 2014, with Liverpool winning 3-1.
We’re underway…
Encouraging start for Bournemouth. The visitors win a corner, though it’s relatively easily dealt with.
O’Kane is then penalised for a late tackle, to give Liverpool a free kick and stem the pressure on their goal.
Elphick heads home from a corner for Bournemouth, but it’s ruled out.
Replays show the defender had arms on his marker as he scored. It’s slightly harsh but probably correct by the letter of the law.
Bournemouth are putting considerable pressure on Liverpool during these opening stages.
Callum Wilson, in particular, is causing Lovren problems down the right.
Here’s a look at that early disallowed goal.
Nice link-up play between Lallana and Benteke, but Coutinho’s subsequent pass is too strong.
The Liverpool attacking line have yet to really get into this game.
(John W Henry and Linda Pizzuti Henry in the stands during tonight’s match)
Ibe bursts down the left, and is superbly found by Coutinho’s long ball.
However, the young winger mis-controls it and the ball goes harmlessly out for a goal kick.
Ritchie finds Gradel brilliantly from distance, but Clyne’s well-timed tackle brings the attack to a halt.
It’s been a very entertaining opening 20 minutes.
LIVERPOOL 1-0 BOURNEMOUTH (BENTEKE 26)
Benteke scores his first league goal for Liverpool as he gets on the end of an inswinging cross.
It looks like it should have been ruled out though, as Coutinho appeared to influence play from an offside position.
Henderson hits the top of the crossbar with a superb strike from distance.
Bournemouth are on the ropes here and need to be careful they don’t lose this game in the next 15 minutes.
Eunan O’Kane has just been booked for blocking Coutinho’s charging run.
It’s not the first infringement he’s made, though it looked slightly harsh regardless.
Half-hearted claims for a penalty, as Gradel knocks Henderson over in the box, but the midfielder gets up immediately and crosses the ball, only for Bournemouth to clear their lines.
The visitors were slightly fortunate there, even if the Liverpool man did go down easily.
The ball breaks kindly to Coutinho on the edge of the box, but he side-foots it narrowly wide.
The Brazilian has looked very lively this evening.
HALF-TIME: LIVERPOOL 1-0 BOURNEMOUTH
According to Sky, it’s five years since Liverpool have lost when leading at half-time.
So a promising start by Bournemouth, though Liverpool increasingly established control of the game and probably just about deserve their lead, even if it was secured by ostensibly illegitimate means.
Benteke and Coutinho have both impressed at times for the hosts, though the visitors showed enough in that first half to suggest they are capable of getting back into this game.
The second half is underway…
Bournemouth are applying more pressure at the start of the second half.
Ritchie has just had a shot from distance that’s straight at Mignolet.
Ibe attempts a shot on goal but strikes it miles wide.
Shortly thereafter, Coutinho breaks forward and his shot is deflected just wide.
The Brazilian has looked a threat tonight and has probably been Liverpool’s best player.
Can, who has just replaced Henderson, does well to rob King of possession as he charges towards goal.
Just before then, Ibe’s cross finds Milner (Liverpool’s new captain), who can’t quite direct the ball into the goal.
A cross is touched on by King to Ritchie, whose shot from the edge of the box hits the outside of the post. It’s a reminder for Liverpool that this game is far from over.
King is subsequently replaced by Tomlin, who is making his Premier League debut.
An interesting possession stat…
Another strike from Ritchie is deflected wide. He’s certainly not afraid to have a pot shot.
Meanwhile, Mignolet has just flapped unconvincingly at a corner that misses anyone before being cleared.
With Liverpool looking a little off the boil in recent minutes, they introduce summer signing Roberto Firmino to freshen up their attack.
Jordan Ibe, who’s been quiet enough tonight, makes way.
Excellent block by Surman to stop Coutinho getting a shot in on the edge of the box.
Bournemouth may be renowned as a technically accomplished Championship side, but it’s been their doggedness in defence that’s stood out tonight.
Another great block, this time by Daniels, after Coutinho is played in by Benteke.
The game is getting stretched now as Bournemouth go in search of a late equaliser.
It’s been a quiet last few minutes.
Bournemouth have put in a big effort over the course of the game so far, and it’s starting to show.
Good run down the left by Gradel and he manages to win a corner.
Cook’s header from the subsequent set piece is well off target.
Adam Smith then replaces Gradel for Bournemouth, while Coutinho is given a standing ovation as he goes off for Alberto Moreno.
Firmino comes on to make his full debut.
Good patient build-up play from Bournemouth who are still looking dangerous.
O’Kane is contributing to their slick passing, with the Derry native enjoying a solid Premier League debut.
O’Kane is now off with Gosling taking his place.
As I type, Tomlin heads goalwards, but his attempt is comfortably saved by Mignolet.
Clyne’s beautiful cross finds Benteke, with the Belgian international’s volley coming off the crossbar.
He should have done better there.
Controversial…
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FULL-TIME: LIVERPOOL 1-0 BOURNEMOUTH
So Liverpool narrowly prevail against a dogged Bournemouth outfit.
That’s all from me for the moment, but stay tuned for more reaction.
Thanks, as always, for reading and commenting.
