EPL: Salah’s Brace Sends Liverpool Nine Points Clear at the Top

Mohamed Salah scores twice to propel Liverpool to a commanding nine-point lead in the Premier League title race, solidifying their top position.

Mohamed Salah’s debated penalty set Liverpool on the path to a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth, allowing the Premier League leaders to extend their lead by nine points on Saturday.

Arne Slot’s team went ahead in the first half when Salah scored a penalty, which was given after Cody Gakpo seemed to stumble over his own feet instead of being brought down by Lewis Cook’s tackle.

Bournemouth were outraged when VAR supported referee Darren England’s on-field decision.

“The Premier League stated that the referee’s penalty decision was reviewed and upheld by VAR, concluding that Cook had tripped Gakpo. Additionally, VAR confirmed that Gakpo was onside during the build-up.”

Salah compounded Bournemouth’s woes by scoring again late in the second half, further extending Liverpool’s lead over Arsenal, who are currently in second place.

The Egyptian forward has scored 21 goals in 23 league matches this season, marking the fifth time he has surpassed the 20-goal milestone in his English top-flight career.

Liverpool have remained undefeated in 19 league games, securing victory in 17 out of their last 23 top-flight matches. This impressive streak began after Slot took over from Jurgen Klopp during the off-season.

Chasing a record-tying 20th English title and their first since 2020, Liverpool can relax and watch if longtime rivals Manchester City will help them out by defeating Arsenal on Sunday.

On Thursday, Liverpool, who are in pursuit of four titles this season, will attempt to reverse a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Tottenham in the League Cup semi-final at Anfield.

Slot’s sole concern was an injury that led to the departure of England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in the second half.

Bournemouth had secured home victories against Manchester City and Arsenal earlier this season, while Nottingham Forest, sitting in third place, suffered a 5-0 defeat on the south coast last week.

However, their 11-match unbeaten streak in the league was halted by a relentless Liverpool team that seems poised to conclude the season with the Premier League title added to Anfield’s trophy cabinet.

Bournemouth almost had an ideal beginning just 12 seconds into the game when Trent Alexander-Arnold lost control of the ball to Antoine Semenyo, whose shot prompted a strong save from Alisson Becker.

Once again in his career, Alexander-Arnold’s defensive weaknesses were evident when a poor clearance allowed Justin Kluivert an opportunity. Fortunately for him, Alisson made a crucial save to prevent further embarrassment.

Semenyo deftly maneuvered past two Liverpool defenders before unleashing a powerful shot that struck the woodwork.

However, Liverpool consistently sliced through the Bournemouth defense effortlessly, with Kepa Arrizabalaga saving an attempt from Dominik Szoboszlai.

Bournemouth struggled to contain the Reds, whose precision and electrifying attacks eventually led to a contentious opening goal in the 30th minute.

Cook was chasing after Gakpo as the Dutchman sprinted toward goal, but he didn’t make any contact before the penalty was given.

Unbothered by the commotion, Salah confidently approached and drove the penalty into the corner.

Adding to Bournemouth’s troubles, David Brooks had his immediate equalizer disallowed for offside by VAR.

Liverpool had to rely on some fortunate moments, and Alisson came through by swiftly charging off his line to block an attempt at the feet of the Ghanaian winger Semenyo.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was not penalized for a handball after a VAR review, and Alexis Mac Allister did not receive a second yellow card despite his foul on Brooks.

When Marcus Tavernier’s long-range shot hit the post and bounced back, it seemed inevitable that Kluivert would score; however, he missed the target with his follow-up attempt.

In the 75th minute, Salah capitalized on Bournemouth’s missed opportunities.

Curtis Jones delivered a pass that set Salah sprinting into the area, where he expertly guided a shot past Kepa in his signature predatory manner.