Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez both scored as Liverpool beat Bournemouth 2-1 to advance further in the EFL Cup.
After being knocked out as reigning champions in the fourth round last season to Manchester City, Liverpool were looking to reclaim their EFL Cup crown as they played Bournemouth in the same stage.
A win in the fourth round would advance the Reds into the quarter-final. Conditions threw the game into doubt as Storm Cairan ripped through the south coast of England. The match did indeed go on – albeit in heavy wind and rain.
The Liverpool boss named a strong starting eleven, with somehow an even stronger bench. Jurgen Klopp opted for a mix of youth and experience in midfield as Wataru Endo, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott all started in the centre of the park.
Jarell Quansah was awarded another EFL Cup start as he partnered Joel Matip in defence. A rare Cup start was given to Mohamed Salah, as he started just his fourth EFL Cup match in his Liverpool career.
Stormy conditions made for an unorthodox first half, with windy weather responsible for numerous misplaced passes. It would be the dutch forward Cody Gakpo to prod Liverpool ahead in Bournemouth after Elliott’s initial effort was saved and spilled by Radu.
Alex Scott showcased his ability throughout the second half as he ran the show for the Cherries for twenty minutes — with Liverpool struggling to regain the rhythm of the first 45. One of Scott’s efforts from outside of the box skimmed over the crossbar.
Bournemouth’s continued efforts were eventually rewarded after Justin Kluivert, son of Patrick, equalised with a back-post header from a corner. Momentum had shifted, and Liverpool were in danger of being knocked out.
Enter Captain Chaos. Darwin Nunez’s introduction to the match would be no cause for regret after his stunning effort restored his side’s advantage in the fourth round tie. The nature of the goal was synonymous of the Uruguayan’s tenure at Anfield thus far, with a poor first touch forcing him out wide, before thunder-striking the ball into the back of the net with a beautiful, long-range finish.
The Reds held on to win the match and advance to the quarter-final. Both Arsenal and Manchester United were knocked out on the same night, with Liverpool one of favourites to win the competition alongside Newcastle United.
It’s West Ham United who come to Anfield in the quarter-final. Chelsea, Newcastle United, Port Vale, Middlesbrough, Everton and Fulham are the other sides remaining in the tournament.
Liverpool take a trip to Kenilworth Road in their next foray as they face Luton Town in the Premier League. Kick-off is Sunday, 5 November at 4.30pm.
Bournemouth team: Radu, Smith (Aarons 82), Mepham, Zabarnyi, Kerkez, Scott (Moore 81), Billing (Tavernier 61), Semenyo (Brooks 74), Christie, Kluivert (Traore 74), Solanke.
Liverpool team: Kelleher, Gomez, Matip, Quansah, Tsimikas, Elliott (Nunez 60), Endo (Alexander-Arnold 61), Jones (Mac Allister 61), Salah, Gakpo (Jota 81), Szoboszlai (Gravenberch 76).
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