Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points after defeating Bournemouth 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium.
Mohamed Salah scored both goals, one from a controversial penalty, in a match that saw significant VAR intervention.
The game’s turning point came in the first half when referee Darren England awarded Liverpool a penalty after a challenge by Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook on Cody Gakpo.
The decision was contentious, with some arguing Gakpo appeared to trip himself.
VAR did not recommend a review, and Salah converted the spot-kick for his 20th league goal of the season.
Bournemouth, who had shown confidence coming into the match after recent victories over other top teams, initially dominated play.
They had several chances to score, notably when Marcus Tavernier hit the post and Justin Kluivert missed the rebound.
The hosts thought they had equalized when David Brooks scored, but the goal was disallowed after VAR confirmed an offside in the build-up.
In the second half, Bournemouth continued to press but were thwarted by Liverpool’s defense and goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who made crucial interventions, including blocking shots from Semenyo and Kluivert.
The final nail in the coffin came from a swift Liverpool counter-attack, with Salah curling in a superb second goal to seal the victory.
Despite their efforts, Bournemouth couldn’t find a way back into the game, leaving them frustrated by the VAR decisions and their inability to convert chances into goals.
