Liverpool back in top spot as Mane, Wijnaldum, Salah down Bournemouth

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:25 am

Liverpool strolled to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Bournemouth which saw them return to the top of the Premier League and open up a three-point lead over Manchester City.

Jurgen Klopp's men came into this match off top spot for the first time since December as they dropped to second on goal difference following City's 2-0 victory at Everton on Thursday.

But goals from Sadio Mane, Georginio Wijnaldum and Mohamed Salah saw Liverpool ease past the Cherries and overtake their title rivals.

After withstanding some early pressure from the visitors which saw the Anfield crowd become restless, Liverpool took the lead on 24 minutes as Mane scored for a fourth consecutive match. 

The Senegal international headed home at the near post following a James Milner cross after Bournemouth had failed to clear a corner.

Mohamed Salah celebrates after putting Liverpool 3-0 ahead against Bournemouth.
PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images

Salah went close to making it 2-0 moments later, before the second goal eventually came on 34 minutes as Wijnaldum ran onto Andrew Robertson's long pass to excellently lob a bouncing ball over goalkeeper Artur Boruc.

Last season's top scorer did get himself a goal three minutes after half-time as he latched onto Roberto Firmino's flick following a pass from Naby Keita and finished low into the net to wrap up the points.

Bournemouth, who were without main striker Callum Wilson, offered little in reply and will be concerned at once again losing heavily away from home against one of the Premier League's big six.

As well as moving ahead of City, this result saw Liverpool close the gap in terms of goal difference, with Klopp's men now just four worse off. Bournemouth, meanwhile, remain in 10th place.