Bournemouth 0-1 Liverpool: An Isak Goal Enough For Andoni Iraola's Side To Secure A Narrow Away Win

Liverpool were looking to close off the opening game weeks of the season with three points as they travelled away to Bournemouth, who were fresh off the back of an away trip themselves in the Europa League.

But would a return to Andoni Iraola's former club prove to be a task too difficult to overcome, or would the Spanish coach get one over on his former employer before the international break?

Liverpool returned to their full-strength team after Iraola made 10 changes during the week.

The likes of Virgil van Dijk and Florian Wirtz had the midweek win over Tottenham off, so they were brought back in this afternoon, with the hope that they could bring the energy that the manager demands. 

Bradley Barcola and Cody Gakpo also started this game, the first time that the pair have started together since Barcola's late summer arrival.

Liverpool's Starting XI:

Bournemouth would start the brighter team, despite playing away in Europe just three days ago, trying to assert their control over the game.

But the Reds had the best opportunity in the opening 10 minutes, with a free kick from the edge of the box that Dominik Szoboszlai, fresh off the back of a wonder goal during the week, hit, but it was just wide of the top left corner.

The home side would continue to dominate the game in the opening 20 minutes, with Alisson forced into a brilliant reflex save, down to his near post, after Tavernier managed to get a ball in the box from the left-hand side, which Evanilson redirected towards goal, but LFC's number one was quick to react.

Barcola would be the one to inject some urgency into Liverpool's play, as he cut inside from the left-hand side and got his shot off, which was saved by Petrovic in the Bournemouth goal.

The rebound was then hit by Wirtz, which was blocked, then by Gakpo, whose shot was also blocked by the Cherries' defenders.

Iraola's side would have another half chance before the first half drew to a close, with a ball fizzed into Isak, who played a one-two with Florian Wirtz, but his shot from the edge of the box was well wide of the goal.

That would be the last chance of the first 45 minutes that lacked any quality from either side, with the game still scoreless.

No alterations from either side at the break, as Liverpool looked to try to ignite the game in their favour. 

But Bournemouth would be the side to have the first real chance in the second half; after a loose pass from Wirtz, the home side intercepted it and ran at Liverpool. Rayan received the ball and played it across the box from the right wing, but an on-running Ryan Christie couldn't direct it goalward.

But the German playmaker would make up for it just minutes later: after Cody Gakpo danced down the right wing and fired a cross into Wirtz. He flicked it to an unmarked Alexander Isak, who smashed it in from close range and gave LFC a 1-0 lead.

And this goal opened the game up, with Bournemouth forced to push for an equaliser. The closest they came was an Evanilson shot from inside the box, which was comfortably caught by Alisson in goal.

Andoni Iraola would respond with a couple of substitutes, with Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz being withdrawn for Victor Munoz and Trey Nyoni, as the Spanish coach looked to solidify his midfield, while also adding some fresh legs in the frontline.

The latter of those in Nyoni was superb, making crucial tackles and playing a big role in Bournemouth not gaining any late momentum.

The game would be controlled by Liverpool, with Bournemouth looking blunt in attack, allowing the Reds to see out a narrow 1-0 win as Iraola secured three points against his former side.