Jurgen Klopp gave Roberto Firmino the biggest of hugs as he left the pitch after 70 minutes on an astonishing afternoon at Anfield. A pity Bournemouth didn’t get as close on a record-breaking day for Liverpool and one to forget for Scott Parker’s newly-promoted team... who simply surrendered.
The Brazilian might not be as loved at Liverpool as he once was, but after three assists and two goals - including his 100th in a Liverpool shirt - fabulous Firmino was the catalyst for a win that will live long in the memory.
Anyone can lose at Anfield especially when this Liverpool side are wounded with a point to prove. But the manner of defeat, even allowing for the gulf in class, left a bad taste for Bournemouth's travelling fans as Klopp’s men ran riot to notch their biggest ever Premier League win. The Kop howled for 10th - a result never done before - but they had to settle for nine despite late hope when VAR checked a potential penalty for Fabio Carvalho but for once Bournemouth’s luck was in.
Parker warned of a backlash after Liverpool’s defeat at Manchester United. But in his worst nightmares he couldn't have imagined this as his out-classed stars failed to properly defend Liverpool’s threat.
He said: “This is the toughest day I have experienced for sure. The touchline today was pretty painful and I could sense it was painful for the players as well. They need some help.
“Liverpool were ruthless, my boys were flat to the floor. At times, searching for some oxygen and trying to breathe. It was a tough, humbling experience but we can’t be making an excuse.There were some goals that were of our own doing.
“Some of the set-play goals were really poor and I feel sorry for the fans, sorry for the players. We are just a bit under-equipped from where we have come from.”
After losing at Manchester United the volume around Liverpool’s uncharacteristic start to the season suddenly dialled up. Questions surfaced about transfer strategy, tactics and - ludicrously - even the desire of Klopp’s players to go again after their past brilliance.
But in a whirlwind opening six minutes Liverpool silenced the noise, sending Anfield into raptures with two superbly worked goals that set the tone for a massacre.
The flying start must have left Cherries boss Scott Parker wishing he could wave the white flag - but his over-run players did that for him.
Liverpool’s performance bristled with a venomous desire to put right a poor start to the campaign - and they did so in style.
After a VAR check Luis Diaz started the avalanche heading home from close range after being picked out by Firmino. Anfield barely had chance to draw breath when they were celebrating a stunning second from teenage winger Harvey Elliott. The 19-year-old was in the right place as Firmino’s heavy touch fell in his path but his curling drive was quality.
Liverpool struggled with their injury list in the opening three games but not here.
Parker’s men were beaten 4-0 at Manchester City and 3-0 at home to Arsenal, but this defeat was on another level as they completely capitulated.
Amazingly, Salah didn’t score but he should have added a third somehow missing from an Elliott cross to the far post and then seeing a volley superbly tipped over. But another goal wasn’t long coming and what a beauty it was.
A one-two with Firmino gave Trent Alexander-Arnold the chance to rifle home a 25 yard banger. Minutes later Firmino was on the score-sheet himself with a neat take after a wicked deflection. Virgil van Dijk made it five easily heading home Robertson’s corner on the stroke of half time and an own goal by Chris Mepham made it six moments after the re-start.
Firmino grabbed his second after a Travers fumble for 7-0 before young sub Fabio Carvalho scored in front of the Kop with a smart volley and a Diaz header rounded off the scoring.
So, Liverpool are back on track with a bang and while Bournemouth’s survival won’t depend on winning at Anfield, many more heavy losses like this will make relegation inevitable.
