EPL: Iraola wins on Bournemouth return as Isak lifts Liverpool
Andoni Iraola enjoyed a winning return to Bournemouth as Alexander Isak’s second-half goal earned Liverpool a narrow 1-0 victory at Vitality Stadium.
Iraola received a warm reception from the Bournemouth supporters after returning to the club where he secured European football before leaving in the summer to take charge of Liverpool.
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The Liverpool boss endured a largely frustrating afternoon before Isak provided the decisive moment in the 57th minute.
Isak delivers when Liverpool need him
Liverpool struggled to create clear chances in a scrappy encounter, while Bournemouth came closest to opening the scoring in the first half.
Evanilson produced a clever flick in the 18th minute that forced Alisson into a good save, with the Brazilian goalkeeper pushing the effort behind for a corner.
Liverpool also threatened, although Florian Wirtz was incorrectly flagged offside after sending a close-range attempt over the bar.
The visitors eventually found their breakthrough shortly after the restart.
Cody Gakpo drove forward before sending the ball into the penalty area, where Bournemouth failed to clear their lines. Isak reacted quickest to finish from close range and put Liverpool ahead.
The Sweden international ran towards the travelling supporters to celebrate, earning a booking from referee Michael Oliver in the process.
Bournemouth remain without league win
Bournemouth attempted to respond but Liverpool protected their advantage and held on for their first victory at the Vitality Stadium under Iraola’s successor.
The Cherries’ new goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic made a strong save with his legs to deny Bradley Barcola, while Dominik Szoboszlai’s dipping 25-yard free-kick narrowly missed the target.
The defeat means Bournemouth are still waiting for their first Premier League win of the campaign and have three points from five matches, leaving them 17th.
Liverpool, meanwhile, moved up to sixth with nine points from six games as Iraola marked his return to his former club with victory.