For the third time this season, Eddie Howe has not been able to get a result against the Red of Merseyside as his team continued their winless history against Liverpool on Sunday.
After the euphoria of the last minute winner from Dejan Lovren, Jurgen Klopp made a strange decision to make 10 changes to the side with Roberto Firmino the only player who kept his place from the game against Dortmund few days ago.
However, his selection was justified at the final whistle as his team held onto their advantage after a late scare from Joshua King in stoppage time.
The complete back four for Liverpool was shuffled with Lucas and Toure paired at the center of the defense for the visitors. Brad Smith and Connor Randall occupied the flanks at the back and did a relatively decent job.
The only real outlet for the home side was on the break when Smith on the left flank left space in-behind. Lucas found it difficult to deal with the strength and pace of the Bournemouth striker but the home side failed to register even a single shot on target in the first half.
However, at the other end, Ojo and Ibe, the wingers chosen by Klopp were excellent.
Both the youngsters were full of energy, never forgetting their defensive duties but pouncing on any space down the flanks of the Cherries defense.
After putting a lot of pressure on the home side, Liverpool finally broke through with less than 5 minutes to go to the break as the star striker Daniel Sturridge and winger Jordan Ibe combined inside the penalty box.
A clever pass from Ibe matched by an exquisite back-heel from Sturridge brought out a brilliant save from Boruc only for Firmino to pass into an empty net and give his side the lead.
And deep into stoppage time before the end of first half, the English pair once again were involved for the visitors.
Ibe, who was bought down 50 yards away from the goal, sent in a decent ball from the resulting free-kick. The Cherries were all over the place as Sturridge rose without being challenged to head home Liverpool’s second.
The second half saw Howe ring in a few changes as he bought on Grabban and Pugh who induced some life into the home side. Bournemouth created some chances which saw Danny Ward for Liverpool on debut make some smart saves to keep his side’s 2-goal cushion intact.
Meanwhile, Sturridge at the other end hit the frame of the goal on more than one occasion and it looked like the game was all set and done until a simple long ball from the back saw Liverpool hurrying.
Lucas lost his man too easily while, Sakho, who made a valiant attempt to block could not stop the Bournemouth striker from thumping home from the edge of the box.
Though he could not keep a clean sheet, Ward was more than decent in his first appearance along with Kevin Stewart who was also superb in the mid-field.
This victory takes Liverpool to the 7th place in the table while Eddie Howe’s side are not really effected by the loss.
Liverpool will walk into the Merseyside derby this Wednesday at Anfield.