Jurgen Klopp’s side secured a comfortable victory at the Vitality Stadium as they eased past Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, with a Mohamed Salah hat-trick firing Liverpool to the summit.
Gini Wijnaldum believes Liverpool's performance against Bournemouth was far from perfect.
— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) December 9, 2018
“It would have been complete if we’d done the first half much better.”https://t.co/kJepWgtdgC
It was an impressive display from the Reds as they overcame Eddie Howe’s high-flying side on the south coast, but Liverpool star Wijnaldum has insisted that his side could have been stronger in the first half.
“It would have been complete if we’d done the first half much better,” the Dutchman told the club’s official website.
“But in the second half we did what we usually do with the counter-press; that’s how we scored the second goal, when Mo scored.
“That’s the game we want to play – a high press when we lose the ball, counter-press to create chances, and also play to create chances. That went well in the second half.
Souness: "It was emphasised again in Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League that three workaholics in midfield - Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum - is simply not enough at the highest level." https://t.co/CqDsht5Jde
— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) December 2, 2018
“It was a good game but if you want the perfect game, we had to play a better first half.”
With the likes of Fabinho and Naby Keita brought into the side on Saturday - and Sadio Mane and captain Jordan Henderson named on the bench - Liverpool’s increased strength in depth was once again displayed to good effect against Bournemouth.
Wijnaldum acknowledged the importance of having such depth in options at Klopp’s disposal, as the 28-year-old added: “It’s important to have a squad that can replace each other.
GOAL Bournemouth 0-4 Liverpool (77 mins)
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 8, 2018
That's his hat-trick! Mo Salah is through on goal, takes an age to get his finish away but it's worth the wait for @LFC fans - top composure!#BOULIV
“Everyone knows in the Premier League – and especially when you play in the Champions League – you play a lot of games, so you need a big squad.
“If everyone can replace everyone and keep the level, it’s really important.
“I hope we can stay fresh until the end of the season and injury free. Then I think we can do big things.
“We’re in a run right now and we have to make sure we stay in this run to succeed.”
Liverpool face a huge week ahead, as the Reds host Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday before meeting arch-rivals Manchester United at Anfield in their next Premier League outing on Sunday.
Source : 90min