Liverpool took a major step towards reclaiming the Premier League title after a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth, with Mohamed Salah once again proving decisive. However, controversy marred the Reds’ triumph as the Egyptian forward’s opening goal came from a highly disputed penalty, leaving Bournemouth fuming over what they saw as a blatant officiating error.
Controversial Penalty Sparks Outrage
The match at the Vitality Stadium took a dramatic turn in the first half when Liverpool were awarded a penalty in bizarre circumstances. Cody Gakpo appeared to trip over his own feet rather than being fouled by Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook, yet referee Darren England pointed to the spot. Despite heated protests from the home side, VAR upheld the decision, citing Cook’s challenge as the cause of Gakpo’s fall.
“The referee’s call of penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge deemed to have been a trip by Cook on Gakpo. The VAR also confirmed Gakpo was onside in the build-up,” read a Premier League statement.
Salah confidently dispatched the penalty, sending the Bournemouth goalkeeper the wrong way and putting Liverpool ahead in the 26th minute.
Salah Strikes Again as Liverpool Tighten Grip on the League
With the Cherries still reeling from the controversial decision, Liverpool tightened their grip on the game. Bournemouth had come into the match with impressive home wins against Manchester City and Arsenal, but they struggled to break down a resilient Liverpool defense.
As the match wore on, Salah put the game beyond doubt in the dying moments of the second half. The Egyptian talisman latched onto a precision pass from Darwin Núñez, shrugged off his marker, and rifled a left-footed strike past the helpless Bournemouth keeper.
With his 21st goal of the season in just 23 league games, Salah continues to cement his legacy as one of the Premier League’s greatest goal-scorers. The strike saw him surpass Frank Lampard on the league’s all-time scoring list, moving into sixth place with 178 career goals.
Liverpool March Towards Premier League Glory
Liverpool’s relentless run under Arne Slot shows no signs of slowing. Unbeaten in 19 league games, with 17 wins in 23 matches, the Reds now sit nine points clear at the top, putting immense pressure on second-placed Arsenal ahead of their crucial clash against Manchester City.
The Anfield faithful are daring to dream of a record-equalling 20th English league title, which would be their first Premier League triumph since 2020.
Meanwhile, the Reds still have multiple fronts to fight on. On Thursday, Liverpool will host Tottenham in the League Cup semi-final second leg, aiming to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit as they chase an ambitious quadruple.
Injury Concern for Liverpool
The only setback for Liverpool was the injury to England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was forced off in the second half. Slot will be hoping for a swift recovery as his side continues their charge towards domestic and European glory.
For Bournemouth, their 11-game unbeaten streak in the league came to a crashing halt, and the controversy surrounding Salah’s penalty will no doubt fuel debates about VAR’s role in Premier League officiating.
But for Liverpool, the road to glory is looking clearer than ever. Can anyone stop them?
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