Liverpool have gone nine points clear at the top of the Premier League after a hard-fought 2-0 win at Bournemouth on Saturday. The high-flying Cherries gave it their all and ought to have found the back of the net several times but a Mohamed Salah brace secured the victory for the Reds. In an end-to-end encounter, the Egyptian King opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Lewis Cook tripped up Cody Gakpo in the box on the half-hour mark.

After the break, Bournemouth dominated proceedings and seemed destined to equalise. Justin Kluivert came closest, firing wide after Marcus Tavernier’s shot hit the post. A moment of magic sealed the game in Liverpool’s favour however, as Salah curled a stunning effort past Kepa Arrizabalaga in the closing stages. All eyes will now be on Sunday’s clash between Arsenal and Manchester City but there was concern for Arne Slot as Trent Alexander-Arnold limped off in the second-half.

Relive all the action from the Vitality Stadium with Metro’s match day blog. Over to you Arsenal. The Gunners surely have to beat Manchester City tomorrow if they want to beat Liverpool to the Premier League. We’ll be back with out live coverage of that tantalising fixture but until then enjoy the rest of your evening. Goodbye!. Darren England decides enough is enough. Bournemouth gave it their all but Liverpool and Mo Salah could not be stopped.

The Reds are now NINE points clear at the top of the Premier League. Nearly a consolation! Jebbison’s shot deflects off Gravenberch and Konate and Alisson is forced to make a cracking save. Five minutes added on. Any chance of injury-time drama?. Salah hat-trick? No, the winger can’t get on the end of Jones’ header back to the far post. That’s his last action of the day as Endo takes his place. The No.11 doesn’t seem too happy to come off but there’s a Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham to think about….

Semenyo has two chances to score and – you guessed it – fires wide each time. Bournemouth are still going to go for it. Midfielder Christie is off, striker Jebbison is on. Gutting for Bournemouth and while there’s still time for a comeback, it seems unlikely. Szoboszlai looked good to add a third after being teed up just outside the area but he dallies on the ball and misses the opportunity. Game, set and match!.

After all those Bournemouth changes, it’s Liverpool who score and who else but Mo Salah!. What a stunner as well. After a quick break, Jones finds Salah on the edge of the box. He’s surrounded by defenders but he does what he does best, curling a shot past the keeper. How have Bournemouth not scored?!. Nearly an instant impact from Tavernier who curls an effort from range. It’s beaten Alisson but not the post, bouncing across goal.

Kluivert is racing in and just has to tap in to an empty neat… but he blazes it wide!. Bournemouth make their first change as Brooks comes off for Marcus Tavernier. And there’s concern for Liverpool as Alexander-Arnold is down hurt with Conor Bradley set to replace him. Van Dijk is now in the book. Darren England has been handing out cards like it’s Christmas in this second-half. Jones is thrown straight into the thick of it, having a shot blocked after being set up by Salah and then he gives the ball away and Bournemouth break.

England blows for a foul on the young midfielder however. The Cherries are not happy with the officiating today. Could have been a controversial moment as Mac Allister fires an effort just wide of the post. Slot is taking no risks with the Argentine, subbing him off for Curtis Jones. “Off! Off! Off!” shout the home fans as Mac Allister – already on a yellow – fouls Brooks. Darren England lets him off.

Liverpool heads are going here. Mac Allister is forced to stop Ouattara after he shrugs off Diaz and the midfielder is in the book. The Cherries have to take advantage of this situation. Szoboszlai is lucky to escape a booking as he commits a foul then boots the ball away. Liverpool are on the ropes here and Slot is not happy. Christie and Ryan Gravenberch are the first players to gte booked today, the latter for tripping up Kerkez.

Bournemouth make good use of the free-kick and Semenyo looks certain to score but Alisson saves!. Bournemouth have flown out of the trap. Ouattara heads over within seconds of the restart before Kluivert’s shot is well-blocked by Konate!. The players are back on the pitch and ready to go. This game can’t stay at 1-0 right? Right?!. Arrow MORE: Gary Neville makes astonishing Arsenal vs Man City prediction.