Alexander Isak delivers as Liverpool edge Bournemouth to continue recovery

Liverpool continued their recovery from a difficult start to the Premier League season with a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, secured by Alexander Isak’s second-half goal.

Andoni Iraola’s side controlled much of the possession at the Vitality Stadium and created opportunities through Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai before eventually finding the breakthrough after half-time.

Bournemouth, without the injured Justin Kluivert, remained competitive throughout but suffered their first home defeat of the season.

Liverpool dictated large periods of the opening half without finding a way past the Bournemouth defence.

Wirtz, Gakpo and Szoboszlai were all involved in promising situations, although the hosts also threatened at the other end and forced Alisson into action.

The decisive moment eventually arrived in the 57th minute.

Isak found the ball at his feet inside the attacking area and converted to give Liverpool the lead, providing Iraola’s team with the reward their possession had been threatening to produce.

Liverpool had opportunities to extend their advantage afterwards but were unable to put the game beyond Bournemouth.

That left Bournemouth with an opportunity to rescue something from the match.

The hosts pushed for an equaliser and Evanilson was among those to threaten, forcing Alisson into an important save as Liverpool attempted to protect their slender lead.

Iraola’s side ultimately held firm through the closing stages to secure all three points and another clean sheet.

The result takes Liverpool to nine points from their opening five Premier League matches, leaving them sixth after a challenging beginning to the campaign.

Bournemouth remain without a league victory and sit 17th with three points from five games.

For Liverpool, however, consecutive positive results are beginning to provide some momentum — and Isak proved the difference when they needed a decisive attacking moment.

Liverpool will look to build on their improving results and continue climbing the Premier League table after collecting nine points from five matches.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, remain searching for their first league victory and will need to turn competitive performances into points to move away from the bottom end of the table.