Liverpool weren’t brilliant.
They weren’t even particularly good for large parts of the afternoon.
But they did something that matters enormously in football — they won.
Alexander Isak’s second-half goal gave Liverpool a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, sending Andoni Iraola’s side into the international break with another three points.
There are still plenty of questions surrounding this Liverpool team, particularly in attack.
But the win has changed the mood.
After three draws in their opening four Premier League games, another dropped two points would have made the start to the season feel increasingly disappointing.
Instead, Liverpool now have another victory on the board.
Here are five things I took from the win.
1. The defence is looking much more solid
This is probably the biggest positive for me.
Liverpool have looked considerably more secure defensively in recent matches.
Against Bournemouth, the back four of Ronald Araújo, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez stood up well, while Alisson produced another important save when Evanilson threatened in the first half.
Liverpool have now kept another clean sheet, and there is beginning to be a feeling that Iraola is getting a much more reliable defensive structure into his team.
Jacquet in particular continues to impress.
The young centre-back looks increasingly comfortable alongside Van Dijk and is showing why Liverpool have such high hopes for him.
And Araújo continues to look like an excellent addition.
His defensive strength gives Liverpool something they have been missing, while his ability to cover the right side also allows the full-backs more freedom.
There is still work to do, but Liverpool look much harder to break down.
2. There is still no real cohesion in attack
This is the big concern.
Liverpool have too much attacking quality to look as disjointed as they did at times today.
Wirtz, Gakpo, Isak and Barcola are all hugely talented players.
But we’re still waiting to see them consistently click as an attacking unit.
There are moments when Liverpool look dangerous, but there are also long spells when the forwards seem disconnected from one another.
Against Bournemouth, Liverpool struggled to create clear chances and were fortunate that Isak made the most of the opportunity that eventually came his way.
The talent is obvious.
The understanding isn’t there yet.
And that is something Iraola needs to work on during the weeks ahead.
3. Jacquet and Araújo continue to impress
I’ve mentioned them separately, but these two deserve special attention.
Jacquet looks like he belongs.
For a young defender coming into a new Liverpool team, his performances have been extremely encouraging.
He doesn’t look overwhelmed.
He doesn’t look like someone simply trying to survive.
He looks comfortable.
And playing alongside Van Dijk is clearly helping, but Jacquet deserves enormous credit for the way he has handled himself.
Then there is Araújo.
He has quickly become one of the more interesting players in this Liverpool team.
His defensive ability gives Liverpool balance and, importantly, he looks increasingly settled at right-back.
There is a growing argument that Liverpool’s defence could become one of the strongest parts of Iraola’s team.
That would be a huge positive.
4. Wirtz is still struggling
This is becoming impossible to ignore.
Florian Wirtz is an exceptional footballer.
Nobody should be questioning his ability.
But right now, he is struggling to have the influence Liverpool expected when they signed him.
Against Bournemouth, he was again unable to impose himself on the game for long periods.
He was involved in the build-up to Isak’s goal, but overall this was another quiet afternoon from the German. Reports have also highlighted his lack of attacking output so far this season.
And I don’t think Liverpool supporters should panic.
New league.
New manager.
New teammates.
Different tactical demands.
It takes time.
But equally, Liverpool need more from Wirtz.
He was signed to be one of the creative focal points of this team.
At some point, we need to start seeing that player.
5. This win turns a poor start into a decent one
This might be the biggest takeaway of all.
Before today, Liverpool had one league victory from their opening four games and three draws.
It was starting to feel like a poor beginning to the Iraola era.
Now?
Liverpool have nine points from five games and remain unbeaten.
That’s a completely different conversation.
It’s not a brilliant start.
There are still plenty of things that need improving.
But it’s certainly not a disaster.
Liverpool have beaten Ipswich and Bournemouth, drawn with Nottingham Forest and Fulham, and taken a point from another difficult game.
They’ve also beaten Atlético Madrid in the Champions League and Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.
There is plenty to build on.
And perhaps most importantly, Iraola now has some breathing room.
The international break comes at a good time
Liverpool can now head into the international break with nine points on the board, a growing defensive solidity and another clean sheet.
The attack still needs work.
Wirtz needs to find his rhythm.
The front three need to develop greater understanding.
And Liverpool need to become much better at controlling games.
But that’s what this season is about.
Building.
Iraola is still learning his players and the players are still learning Iraola.
Today’s performance wasn’t one to remember.
But the result absolutely was.
A month ago, Liverpool supporters might have looked at nine points from five games and felt disappointed.
After three draws in four, however, this win has changed the feeling completely.
It’s now a decent start rather than a poor one.
And if Liverpool can use the international break to improve the attacking side of their game, there is plenty of reason to believe this team can get better from here.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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