AFC Bournemouth's slump in form continued on Sunday, as they lost 2-1 against Liverpool.
This definitely had an end-of-season feel to it at The Vitality this afternoon, with neither side really at their maximum.
Both were sloppy and misplacing passes in the opening exchanges, but it was Liverpool who created the first chance of the game.
Striker Daniel Sturridge latching onto to a weak back pass from Andrew Surman, but saw his half-volley was well saved by ‘keeper Artur Boruc.
The first chance of the game for Bournemouth came after 16 minutes when Steve Cook just couldn’t quite direct a Simon Francis cross into the top corner.
Liverpool came close twice in the 24th minute when Sheyi Ojo and Connor Randall both had shots well blocked by defender Steve Cook.
The Reds then started to assert themselves on the game - with Daniel Sturridge again testing Artur Boruc in the Bournemouth goal. But although chances were being created, nothing was clear cut.
Double wammy
The game did eventually spring into life in the 40th minute when Roberto Firmino gave Liverpool the lead. A neat back-heel from Sturridge led to Boruc having to parry his effort but only into the path of the Brazilian, who tucked it home from two yards initiative
And it wasn’t long until Liverpool extended their lead - just on the stroke of half-time. Sturridge met Jordon Ibe's with a glancing header, with 'keeper Boruc rooted to the spot.
Jurgen Klopp’s men came out firing on all cylinders in the second half, and could have quite easily put the game to bed on two separate occasions.
Roberto Firmino blazed wide after Boruc had fumbled a corner, and then that man Sturridge again chipping the Bournemouth ‘keeper but seeing his effort clip the post.
The ineffective Max Gradel was replaced by Marc Pugh on 59 minutes as Eddie Howe looked for a way back into the game.
Saving grace
Pugh was then immediately involved, with his trickery on the left wing nearly leading to an opening for the cherries.
Bournemouth had a penalty appeal waved away on 61 minutes after the ball flicked up onto Kolo Toure’s arm with Lewis Grabban driving into the box, but nothing was given.
The tide started to turn in favour of the cherries with 25 minutes to go as Josh King gave the Liverpool defenders something to think about with a blistering turn of pace, but could only test ‘keeper Ward.
Callum Wilson came on for The Cherries with 13 minutes left on the clock for his first home appearance after a lengthy lay-off, the former Coventry man receiving a rapturous reception.
Goalscorer Sturridge then came close late on but failed to test Artur Boruc, the number 15 firing over on both occasions after good work inside the area.
Josh King did pull one back for Bournemouth in injury time. A lofted ball forward by Surman was neatly taken down on his chest and the striker rifled a half-volley into the back of the net.
