Liverpool's first goal underlined why Bournemouth are struggling

The simple fact is that Bournemouth are not defending well when they are preparing to defend free kicks. It doesn't matter that the ball starts off in the other half. The Cherries have to be alert to movement and giving too much space to players. There were times before the first goal against Liverpool, where Liverpool's players were getting a good five yards of space before they received the ball. The Cherries are simply not switched on for 90 minutes.

Freebetshub.com

The first Liverpool goal was all the more sickening, as it was another ball launched from the opposition half. Whether it is Aké and Cook or in this case Simpson and Mepham, the centre-backs have to read the flight of the high ball and respond accordingly. But letting the ball bounce and land in the stride of the opposition is going to put the team in trouble. Once again, the long ball just wasn't defended and I can't believe that the team didn't practise how to defend against these tactics in the week.

Advertisement

Coastal Garden Buildings

It was almost like the whole goal was in slow motion. As soon as Henderson hit the pass, Mepham realised he had got the wrong side, and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain had stolen in and jumped on the chance to give Liverpool the lead. It was simple route one, just like the goals that Spurs scored against Bournemouth and they have failed to deal with the high ball again.

Advertisement

Eddie Had a Dream is on sale now!

Some of the defending has to come from the front players too. If they don't close down the opposition defenders they'll have time to hit the long balls. Some will also look at Ramsdale's starting position and whether he could have been further advanced when the pass from Henderson was made. The whole problem with the goal was that Bournemouth were reacting and not anticipating, and if you are behind in your thought process to the European Champions' it won't be long before they undo you as Bournemouth found to their cost.

Chimes to Camera: Crystal Palace 1 v 0 AFCB - with a special appearance by Guy Fawkes behind me!