Liverpool headed into the international break with three points in the bag after grinding out a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Alexander Isak's second-half strike proved enough to separate the two sides, with Cody Gakpo once again playing a key role in the decisive moment.
The match marked Andoni Iraola's first return to Bournemouth since swapping the Cherries for Anfield in the summer, and while his side were far from their best, they showed the resilience needed to come away with all three points.
From standout individual displays to encouraging squad developments, here are five things we learned from the match.
Cody Gakpo And Alexander Isak's Connection Is Growing Stronger
This match provided further evidence that Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak are developing a promising partnership in Liverpool's attack. Gakpo's determined run down the right flank and dangerous ball into the box created the opening, with Bournemouth unable to clear their lines before Isak reacted quickest to tuck home the game's only goal.
The assist means Gakpo has now provided five of Isak's eight Liverpool goals, highlighting the growing understanding between the pair. Despite spending much of the afternoon operating on the right-wing rather than his preferred position on the left, Gakpo still found ways to combine effectively with Liverpool's Swedish number nine and played a key role in the winner.
One of the biggest issues for Isak at times last season was a lack of quality service into him. However, Gakpo is already demonstrating an impressive understanding with the striker, regularly providing the support and service needed to get the best out of Isak. As that relationship continues to develop, Liverpool have another exciting attacking partnership to build around this season.
Florian Wirtz Is Still Searching For Consistency
It was a disappointing afternoon for Florian Wirtz, who was substituted in the 71st minute after struggling to make a meaningful impact on the game.
The German midfielder found it difficult to get into a rhythm, giving the ball away too often and failing to produce the quality in possession that Liverpool needed in the final third.
What made the performance more frustrating was the fact that Wirtz had been left out of the squad for Tuesday's victory over Tottenham Hotspur in order to rest him ahead of this fixture. With eight days between appearances, there was hope that he would return refreshed and ready to influence proceedings, but that never really materialised.
While he showed signs of improvement after the break, Wirtz's first-half display was particularly underwhelming and ultimately played a major part in Andoni Iraola's decision to replace him.
There is little doubt that Wirtz has the talent to become a key player for Liverpool. He has already shown flashes of his quality this season, but performances like this serve as a reminder that he is still searching for the consistency required of a player expected to drive Liverpool's attack on a weekly basis.
Liverpool's Defence Is Building A Solid Foundation
Liverpool produced another disciplined defensive display at the Vitality Stadium, earning a third consecutive Premier League clean sheet in the process.
Going into the season, there were genuine concerns about how many goals Liverpool would concede. The Reds shipped four goals across their opening two league matches, leading many supporters to fear the Reds would need to rely heavily on their attacking firepower to pick up results.
However, the picture has changed significantly over the last three league games. Liverpool have now recorded three straight Premier League clean sheets for the first time since the opening stages of their 2024/25 title-winning season, underlining the progress being made at the back under Iraola.
A major factor behind that improvement has been the introduction of Ronald Araujo at right-back. The Uruguayan has added an extra level of defensive security to Liverpool's back line, helping the Reds become far more difficult to break down.
Jeremy Jacquet Continues To Raise His Level
Jeremy Jacquet produced what was a man-of-the-match performance against Bournemouth. Without the French defender, Liverpool may well have conceded once or twice, with Jacquet making a number of crucial interventions throughout the game.
What makes his form even more impressive is that he hasn't played competitive football since suffering a shoulder injury in February. Despite that lengthy absence, Jacquet has returned looking like a player who has been a mainstay in Liverpool's defence for years.
His defensive awareness, composure in possession and ability to play line-breaking passes have quickly made him one of the Reds' most important players. Time and again against Bournemouth, he stepped in to stop dangerous attacks while also helping Liverpool build from the back.
Based on his performances so far this season, Jacquet looks like a significant upgrade on the version of Ibrahima Konaté Liverpool supporters saw last campaign.
Liverpool's Youngsters Proved They Can Be Trusted
Following their impressive performances against Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas once again showed why they can be relied upon when called upon by Andoni Iraola.
Both youngsters were introduced from the bench as Liverpool looked to see out a narrow 1-0 lead, and both played their part in helping the Reds get over the line. Rather than looking out of place, Nyoni and Koumas looked comfortable with the responsibility placed on their shoulders.
Nyoni's impact came largely through his work off the ball. The midfielder was quick to close down space, won important tackles and helped break up Bournemouth attacks during a tense final period of the match. Koumas, meanwhile, replaced a tiring Alexander Isak and provided fresh energy in the forward line, pressing aggressively and winning several valuable fouls that allowed Liverpool to move up the pitch and relieve pressure.
Perhaps most encouraging was the fact that Iraola was willing to trust both youngsters. Protecting a one-goal lead away from home is not an easy environment for young players, but Nyoni and Koumas handled the challenge impressively.
That could prove crucial as the campaign progresses. With fixtures set to come thick and fast during the winter months, Liverpool will need contributions from throughout the squad, and Nyoni and Koumas are already showing they can play an important role when opportunities arise.
