In another massively disappointing result at Anfield, Divock Origi did just about enough to deserve the man of the match award in an otherwise uninspiring overall Liverpool performance.
The young forward was finally given his chance after the injury to Sadio Mané, and so a home tie with Bournemouth was seemingly the perfect opportunity to really make a name for himself at Anfield.
He did however miss some vital opportunities at crucial stages of the game, and evidently requires work on specific areas in order to improve his overall performance, although it is a definite positive that the chances are indeed there.
His awareness moving forward was key, with some fine touches adding to an impressive display. The Belgian was also required to run the channels all evening, with some important hold up play as his team-mates assembled an attack.
Origi’s moment finally arrived in the 59th minute when, after good work by Georginio Wijnaldum, he held his line and slotted his towering header past Artur Boruc.
The striker was often the out ball for the home side as Bournemouth gathered momentum towards the end of the match, and it was once again the instability in defence that overshadowed any impressive forward play.
Origi then played a much lesser role as the game spiralled out of Liverpool’s favour when Jurgen Klopp adopted a more defensive approach with the arrival of Joel Matip; however, the forward made his presence known by winning several important aerial battles.
Philippe Coutinho also impressed yet again and scored a fine goal in the process, but Origi filled Mané’s boots well and deserved his second goal in as many games.
With Mané more than likely out for the rest of the season, the Belgian now has a huge opportunity to kick-start his Liverpool career; however Daniel Sturridge will undoubtedly be eyeing for a similar role as the club look for that crucial out-and-out striker that has proved so popular down the years.
Worrying signs now prevail for the Reds, who haven’t won a Premier League game this season without Mané, drawing two and losing two.
The only positive for the Anfield side is that his replacement, Origi, now has ten goals in all competitions this season, just three behind Mané at the top on 13.
The Belgian must continue his goal-scoring form in the away trip to mid-table Stoke on Saturday, while first-class performances are a minimum in other tough tests this month. Origi now looks set to have a starting role as the season reaches a climax, with challenges against West Brom and Crystal Palace next on the agenda for the forward and his team.