The Kopite View

Alexander Isak deservedly received the headlines for scoring the goal that gave Liverpool three points at Bournemouth.

The defence deserved plenty of credit for another clean sheet.

But there is one moment from Liverpool’s 1-0 victory at the Vitality Stadium that I don’t think has been talked about nearly enough.

Alisson Becker’s save from Evanilson.

Because without that save, Liverpool could quite easily have found themselves chasing the game.

That was a huge save

Liverpool were sluggish during the opening stages.

Bournemouth were energetic, aggressive and looked the more threatening side for periods of the first half.

Then came the moment when Alisson was called upon.

James Tavernier sent a dangerous ball across the Liverpool penalty area and Evanilson got the faintest of touches on it, redirecting the ball towards the near post.

It looked destined to sneak inside the post.

Then Alisson reacted.

And what a reaction it was.

He somehow got down quickly enough to turn the ball away and prevent Bournemouth from taking the lead. Sky Sports described it as a “big save”, while Alisson himself later explained that goalkeepers at big clubs sometimes have very little to do before suddenly being required to produce one decisive intervention.

That is Alisson.

The timing makes it even more important

This wasn’t a comfortable 3-0 Liverpool victory where Alisson could make a couple of routine saves and watch his team dominate.

Liverpool were struggling.

They weren’t creating enough.

They weren’t controlling the game particularly well.

And Bournemouth had found the best chance of the first half.

If Evanilson’s flick had gone in, Liverpool would have been chasing the game at a ground where they had already experienced difficult moments.

Instead, Alisson kept the score at 0-0.

And eventually Liverpool found their moment.

Cody Gakpo worked brilliantly down the right before the ball eventually fell to Isak, who made no mistake from close range.

Suddenly Liverpool were ahead.

And because Alisson had kept them in the game earlier, that one goal was enough.

This is what world-class goalkeepers do

We sometimes judge goalkeepers by how many saves they make.

That’s not always the best way to look at it.

A goalkeeper can have 10 relatively comfortable saves in a game and not necessarily make the difference.

Or he can make one extraordinary save at exactly the right moment.

That is what Alisson did at Bournemouth.

He didn’t have to make save after save.

He just had to be ready.

And when Bournemouth produced their best opportunity of the first half, he produced a world-class reaction.

Alisson himself summed it up perfectly after the game, saying that at big clubs you aren’t always going to have much to do, but you have to be ready to make the one save that can help the team.

That’s the job.

And he did it brilliantly.

Alisson is quietly having a massive influence

There has been plenty of discussion about Liverpool’s new-look defence.

Jeremy Jacquet has been excellent.

Virgil van Dijk continues to provide leadership.

Ronald Araújo is looking increasingly comfortable at right-back.

Milos Kerkez is settling in.

And Liverpool have now kept three consecutive Premier League clean sheets. (Opta Analyst)

But behind all of them is Alisson.

He’s the safety net.

The player Liverpool can rely on when something goes wrong.

And that is incredibly valuable when you’re still trying to develop a new system under Iraola.

The scary thing is that Liverpool weren’t even at their best

This is perhaps the most encouraging part.

Liverpool weren’t brilliant at Bournemouth.

They didn’t dominate possession.

They didn’t create chance after chance.

They didn’t blow Bournemouth away.

They simply found a way to win.

And Alisson was a huge reason they were still in the game when Liverpool needed to find that winning moment.

That’s something supporters should appreciate.

Great teams don’t win every game by playing brilliantly.

Sometimes they have to grind.

Sometimes they have to defend.

Sometimes the goalkeeper has to make a huge save.

Sometimes the striker gets one chance and takes it.

That is exactly what happened on Sunday.

And let’s not forget how important Alisson is

Liverpool have Giorgi Mamardashvili waiting in the wings and the Georgian has already shown that he can be an excellent goalkeeper.

But there is still nobody quite like Alisson.

At 33, he remains capable of producing moments like the one we saw against Bournemouth.

And with Liverpool trying to build something new under Iraola, having a goalkeeper who can potentially turn a goal into a save when everything else goes wrong is an enormous advantage.

There will be games this season where Liverpool dominate.

There will be games where Isak scores two or three.

There will be games where Wirtz runs the show and the attack finally clicks.

But there will also be afternoons like Bournemouth.

Difficult.

Scrappy.

Unconvincing.

And ultimately won by the smallest of margins.

That’s when you need Alisson Becker.

The headlines quite rightly belonged to Isak.

But that victory might never have been possible without the brilliant Brazilian making that save first.

Liverpool didn’t just have a match-winner at one end on Sunday. They had one at the other end too.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool supporters now have three more dates to put in the diary.

The Premier League has confirmed further fixture changes for November, with three Liverpool matches moved for live television coverage.

And there are some big games among them.

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool

Liverpool’s trip to Crystal Palace has been moved to Sunday, November 8, with a 2pm kick-off, and the match will be shown live on Sky Sports.

The fixture was originally scheduled for Saturday, November 7.

It means Liverpool will now head to Selhurst Park on the Sunday as part of another busy period of the season.

Palace away is never an easy afternoon for any team, and it will be another important test for Andoni Iraola’s side.

Liverpool vs Manchester United

Then comes one of the biggest fixtures in English football.

Liverpool’s home meeting with Manchester United has been moved to Sunday, November 22, with a 4:30pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports.

The match was originally scheduled for Saturday, November 21.

There is something about Liverpool against Manchester United under the lights at Anfield that always makes this fixture feel different.

By November, we’ll also have a much clearer idea of how Iraola’s Liverpool are developing.

It could be a fascinating encounter.

Everton vs Liverpool

And just seven days later, Liverpool face their neighbours.

The Merseyside derby at Everton has been moved to Sunday, November 29, with a 12pm kick-off, and will be shown live on TNT Sports.

That’s an early start for the travelling Liverpool supporters, but there is no question that the atmosphere will be intense.

Derby games don’t need much explaining.

They tend to have their own rules.

Three big fixtures in November

So Liverpool supporters can now pencil in:

Sunday, November 8 – Crystal Palace (A), 2pm – Sky Sports

Sunday, November 22 – Manchester United (H), 4:30pm – Sky Sports

Sunday, November 29 – Everton (A), 12pm – TNT Sports

The Premier League’s original fixture list had all three matches scheduled for Saturdays, so these changes give supporters plenty of time to rearrange travel and plans.

And from Liverpool’s perspective, November is beginning to look like another fascinating month.

Palace away.

Manchester United at Anfield.

Everton away.

Three completely different challenges.

By then, Iraola’s side should have had plenty more time together, and Liverpool supporters will be hoping the team is beginning to show exactly what this new era can become.

For now, three more Liverpool dates have been confirmed — and there are some very big games to look forward to.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool’s unbeaten start has given Andoni Iraola plenty of encouragement, but the real test of his squad could be about to begin.

The international break arrives at a useful time for Liverpool, particularly with a number of players carrying knocks and others still working their way towards full fitness.

But once the players return from international duty, the fixtures are going to come thick and fast.

And this is where Liverpool’s squad depth is going to be severely tested.

It starts with Manchester City

Liverpool return from the international break with one of the biggest fixtures imaginable.

Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, October 11.

The Premier League has confirmed the game will kick off at 4:30pm, before Liverpool then travel to LASK just three days later in the Champions League.

That’s the problem.

There is barely any time to recover.

Liverpool will go from a huge Premier League game against City straight into European competition, before another Premier League fixture at Brentford on October 17.

Then it gets even tougher.

Seven games in three weeks?

Liverpool face LASK on October 14, Brentford on October 17, Villarreal at Anfield on October 20 and Brighton on October 24.

Then comes another midweek Carabao Cup fixture in the week beginning October 26, before Arsenal visit Anfield on October 31.

The exact Carabao Cup date is still to be confirmed, but Liverpool are already scheduled to face Chelsea in the fourth round after beating Tottenham 3-1.

So Liverpool could potentially be looking at seven matches in just 21 days.

Manchester City.

LASK.

Brentford.

Villarreal.

Brighton.

Chelsea.

Arsenal.

That’s an enormous run of football.

And it is exactly why having a deep squad matters.

Iraola will have to rotate

There is simply no way Liverpool can expect the same XI to play every minute of that run.

Iraola will need to trust his squad.

That could mean opportunities for players such as Ryan Gravenberch, Trey Nyoni, Conor Bradley when available, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike when he returns, plus the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas.

The Champions League schedule alone means Liverpool have to be prepared for regular rotation.

Liverpool’s eight league-phase fixtures have already been confirmed, with LASK followed by Villarreal in October.

And then there is the Premier League.

This is where squad depth stops being a nice luxury and becomes essential.

Injuries could make the difference

Liverpool already know they cannot afford to lose too many players.

Conor Bradley is among those currently dealing with an injury, while the club’s latest official injury update also listed other absentees.

The good news is that Liverpool have players who can fill different positions.

Araújo has shown he can provide an alternative at right-back.

Gomez offers defensive versatility.

Tsimikas can come in at left-back.

Mac Allister can change the midfield.

Nyoni is beginning to look increasingly comfortable when given opportunities.

And then there is the attacking depth.

Gakpo, Isak, Wirtz, Barcola and Chiesa give Iraola several different combinations, even if not every player is currently at peak fitness.

That flexibility could prove absolutely crucial.

This is where we find out about the new Liverpool

One of the things I have liked about Iraola’s Liverpool so far is that he hasn’t been afraid to make changes.

The Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham was the perfect example.

Liverpool rotated heavily and still came away with a 3-1 victory, with Mac Allister, Gakpo and Szoboszlai getting the goals.

That was exactly the sort of performance Liverpool will need repeatedly over the next few months.

Because the objective cannot simply be to have 11 excellent players.

Liverpool need 16, 17, 18 players capable of contributing when called upon.

And they are about to find out whether they have them.

The midfield could be particularly important

This is probably the area I will be watching most closely.

Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Gravenberch have all been used in different combinations, while Nyoni is pushing for more opportunities.

With three games potentially arriving in the space of seven days, Iraola will have to manage those minutes carefully.

It also gives him an opportunity to discover which combinations genuinely work.

Perhaps a player who isn’t currently first choice suddenly becomes extremely important.

Perhaps Nyoni forces his way further into the picture.

Perhaps Gravenberch finds his best role.

Perhaps Mac Allister becomes the player Iraola simply cannot afford to leave out of the biggest games.

That’s one of the benefits of fixture congestion.

It forces managers to learn about their squads.

Liverpool cannot afford to panic

The temptation when injuries arrive and fixtures pile up is to look at the negatives.

But Liverpool have deliberately built a squad capable of competing across multiple competitions.

Now is the time for that investment to pay off.

Iraola doesn’t need every player to be perfect.

He needs them to contribute.

A 20-minute cameo from Nyoni.

A solid performance from Gomez.

A goal from Gakpo.

A big save from Mamardashvili if Alisson needs a rest.

A strong defensive display from Tsimikas.

Those moments could become enormously important.

This is where the season starts to get serious

Liverpool have made a promising start under Iraola, but we should be careful about drawing too many conclusions from the opening weeks.

The schedule after the international break will tell us much more.

Manchester City, LASK, Brentford, Villarreal, Brighton, Chelsea and Arsenal.

That is a brutal sequence of fixtures.

And it comes with Champions League football, a domestic cup tie and players returning from international duty.

Iraola’s biggest challenge won’t simply be finding his best Liverpool XI.

It will be keeping his entire squad fresh, motivated and ready to contribute.

If Liverpool can navigate this period without their season being derailed by injuries or fatigue, it could provide a huge platform for the months ahead.

Because the next few weeks aren’t just going to test Liverpool’s best players.

They are going to test the depth of the entire squad.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool may already be looking towards the January transfer window.

According to a fresh report from CaughtOffside, Liverpool have held initial talks with Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara over a potential January move, with the Senegal international emerging as a serious option for Andoni Iraola’s midfield.

And given what we have seen from Liverpool’s midfield during the opening weeks of the season, it is hardly surprising that the club could be considering another addition.

The Reds have plenty of talented midfielders.

What they perhaps don’t have enough of is balance.

Camara could be exactly what Liverpool are missing

Camara is only 22 but has already established himself as an important player for Monaco and Senegal.

He offers energy, defensive work, ball-winning ability and the ability to carry the ball forward — qualities that could potentially give Iraola another dimension in midfield.

That is particularly interesting for Liverpool.

Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch are all talented players, but Liverpool have sometimes struggled to control games and protect the defence when the midfield becomes stretched.

Camara could potentially provide a different profile.

Rather than simply adding another technically gifted midfielder, Liverpool would be looking at a player who can bring energy, aggression and defensive security while still being comfortable in possession.

And that could be hugely important for Iraola.

Liverpool’s interest appears to be genuine

This isn’t the first time Camara has been linked with Liverpool.

The Reds have reportedly been monitoring the midfielder for some time, while Liverpool themselves previously acknowledged reports of strong interest in Camara during the summer.

Camara also came extremely close to joining Chelsea before Monaco pulled out of the deal late in the summer window.

Reports at the time suggested the proposed Chelsea transfer was worth around £47 million, while more recent reports have suggested Monaco could now value him closer to £60 million.

That brings another interesting element into the story.

Monaco don’t want to sell cheaply

CaughtOffside’s latest report claims Monaco would prefer to keep Camara until next summer because they believe his value could rise significantly as the season progresses and more clubs become interested.

That makes perfect sense from Monaco’s perspective.

If Camara continues performing at his current level, the competition for his signature could become considerably stronger by the end of the season.

Liverpool therefore have a decision to make.

Do they move early and potentially pay a significant fee in January, or wait until the summer and risk having even more clubs competing for him?

There is no guarantee Monaco will sell in January either.

But the fact that Liverpool are reportedly already holding discussions with the player’s representatives suggests this is a name worth keeping a very close eye on.

Could this be Iraola’s midfield signing?

For me, this is where the Camara story gets particularly interesting.

Liverpool don’t necessarily need another midfielder just for the sake of having another body.

They need someone who can change the balance of the midfield.

If Iraola wants Liverpool to press aggressively, recover possession quickly and attack with intensity, having a midfielder capable of covering ground, winning duels and driving forward could be extremely valuable.

And at 22, Camara also fits the profile of a player who could potentially develop into an important part of Liverpool’s midfield for years.

Of course, a January move would be complicated.

Monaco have already shown that they are prepared to reject significant offers if they believe keeping the player is more beneficial.

Liverpool would also have to decide whether the fee represents good value.

But this is exactly the sort of situation where getting involved early could matter.

January could become very interesting

Liverpool have started the season unbeaten in the Premier League, but there have been obvious questions about midfield control.

That doesn’t mean Iraola’s current midfielders aren’t good enough.

It simply means the manager is still working out the best combination.

And if Liverpool’s midfield continues to look unbalanced over the next few months, the pressure to strengthen could increase.

Lamine Camara could be the answer Liverpool are already investigating.

For now, it is only reported initial talks rather than an agreement, and Monaco clearly have their own plans for the midfielder.

But with Liverpool reportedly interested, Camara having already been close to a Premier League move and Monaco potentially facing growing interest in his services, this could become one of the stories to watch as January approaches.

Liverpool may not be waiting until January to start planning their next midfield move. They could already be laying the groundwork for it.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There is something incredibly exciting about Alexander Isak right now.

Liverpool may not have found their rhythm going forward yet. Florian Wirtz is still trying to find his best position and influence games consistently, Bradley Barcola is still adapting, Cody Gakpo is finding his feet in a new attacking setup and the team as a whole is still learning exactly how Andoni Iraola wants them to play.

And yet Alexander Isak has four Premier League goals in five games.

Just imagine what happens when Liverpool’s attack actually clicks.

Isak’s latest goal came at Bournemouth on Sunday, as Liverpool ground out a 1-0 victory at the Vitality Stadium. It was not a vintage attacking performance from the Reds — Liverpool managed only six efforts on goal — but Isak was there when the opportunity presented itself.

That is what you pay a world-class striker for.

Isak is already delivering

There was a lot of pressure on Isak when he arrived at Liverpool.

The fee was enormous, expectations were huge and his first season was disrupted by injury. But there were always flashes of the striker Liverpool believed they were buying.

Now we’re starting to see them far more regularly.

Four league goals in five games is an excellent return, particularly when you consider that Liverpool’s attacking play is still very much a work in progress.

In fact, Isak has already surpassed the three Premier League goals he managed last season, and he has done it in just five appearances.

That’s the really encouraging part.

He’s scoring before Liverpool are even playing at their best.

And Gakpo is becoming a huge part of it

One of the most interesting developments has been the relationship between Isak and Cody Gakpo.

Gakpo has repeatedly been involved in Isak’s goals this season, and at Bournemouth he was again instrumental.

The Dutchman produced a brilliant run down the right, beating defenders before delivering into the box. The ball eventually fell kindly for Isak, who made no mistake with the finish.

That’s something Liverpool supporters should be excited about.

Because if Gakpo, Isak, Wirtz and Barcola can eventually develop a genuine understanding, Liverpool suddenly have an attack capable of causing serious problems.

And there is still more to come.

What happens when Wirtz finds his feet?

This is probably the biggest question.

Wirtz hasn’t yet shown anything close to his best form consistently, and his latest performance against Bournemouth was another quiet one.

But that’s exactly why Isak’s start is so encouraging.

Liverpool are getting goals from their £125m striker while one of their biggest attacking weapons is still searching for his rhythm.

If Wirtz suddenly starts finding pockets of space, carrying the ball through midfield and creating chances for the forwards, Isak should be one of the biggest beneficiaries.

Imagine Wirtz receiving the ball between the lines and slipping Isak through.

Imagine Barcola attacking defenders on one side while Gakpo does the same on the other.

Imagine Mac Allister finding those forwards with quicker passes from midfield.

That’s the Liverpool attack supporters have been waiting to see.

Isak could be frightening

And this is where I think Liverpool supporters should be genuinely excited.

We’re looking at a striker who has scored four times in five league games without the team around him being fully settled yet.

Iraola himself pointed out after the Bournemouth game that Isak will benefit when Liverpool spend more time playing in the opposition half and creating meaningful possession around the box.

That’s the key.

Liverpool need to get Isak closer to goal more often.

They need to give him more service.

They need to create more chances.

Because if they do, I don’t think we’ve seen anything close to the best of him yet.

The Bournemouth goal was a perfect example of why.

He didn’t need five chances.

He didn’t need a spectacular piece of individual brilliance.

The opportunity arrived and Isak finished it.

That’s what top strikers do.

The frightening thought for Liverpool’s opponents

Liverpool have already shown this season that they can win games without playing particularly well.

That’s an important development under Iraola.

The defence is becoming more reliable, Alisson is making big saves and Liverpool have now kept three consecutive Premier League clean sheets.

But the next step has to be getting the attack firing.

And if Iraola can achieve that while Isak continues scoring at this rate, Liverpool could become a very different proposition.

Because right now, we’re judging this attack while it’s still being assembled.

Wirtz is still adapting.

Barcola is still adapting.

Gakpo is finding another level.

Isak is getting sharper.

And Iraola is still working out exactly how all these attacking pieces fit together.

Four goals in five games is already impressive.

So just imagine Alexander Isak when Liverpool finally get everything clicking around him.

That could be when things get really exciting.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Jamie Carragher is entitled to his opinion.

Of course he is.

He is a Liverpool legend, he played more than 700 games for the club and his experience means his views will always carry plenty of weight.

But I can’t be the only Liverpool supporter who is starting to think:

Enough already.

Because it feels like every time Liverpool have a poor performance, Carragher is ready with another criticism of the players.

And after Sunday’s 1-0 win over Bournemouth, it was Florian Wirtz who found himself firmly in the firing line.

Wirtz again

Carragher criticised Wirtz heavily during the Bournemouth game and afterwards went even further, saying it was one of the German’s poorest performances in a Liverpool shirt and that he wouldn’t have him in his team for the next match against Manchester City.

That’s his opinion.

But this is where I think many Liverpool supporters are becoming frustrated.

Wirtz is struggling. Nobody is pretending otherwise.

But does constantly hammering him actually help?

The lad is 23.

He’s playing in a new league, under a new manager, in a team that is still trying to find its best midfield structure and attacking combinations.

And despite his difficult afternoon at Bournemouth, he was involved in the build-up to Alexander Isak’s winning goal.

Even Iraola defended Wirtz after the game, pointing to his contribution and saying he helped Liverpool in the second half.

So there are clearly different interpretations of what we’re watching.

It isn’t just Wirtz

And this is why I think the frustration goes beyond one particular player.

Carragher has repeatedly questioned Liverpool’s midfield, the summer transfer business, the team’s structure and the performances of several players.

Earlier this season, he described Liverpool’s midfield set-up as something that “can’t work” and questioned where Wirtz fits into Iraola’s system. He also suggested Liverpool’s previous summer transfer window could ultimately prove disastrous if the players didn’t improve.

Those are strong opinions.

And there’s nothing wrong with analysis being critical.

But supporters can become tired when the conversation around their club becomes overwhelmingly negative.

Especially when there are positives that deserve recognition.

Liverpool are actually unbeaten

This is the bit that gets lost sometimes.

Liverpool aren’t playing brilliantly.

The attack still isn’t clicking.

The midfield has problems.

Wirtz needs to improve.

All of that is fair.

But Liverpool are unbeaten under Iraola in the Premier League.

They have just won away at Bournemouth.

They have produced three consecutive league clean sheets.

The defence is becoming more solid.

Alisson is back to his best.

Jacquet is emerging as a really exciting young defender.

Araújo is settling in.

And there are signs that Iraola is slowly working out what his team should look like.

This isn’t a finished Liverpool team.

It’s a team in transition.

Give Iraola time

This is the part that frustrates me most about the constant criticism.

Iraola has only just arrived.

He needs to learn about his players.

The players need to learn about him.

They need to understand his system, his demands and each other’s movements.

Iraola himself has spoken about finding the right balance and combinations so that Liverpool’s players can perform closer to their potential.

That doesn’t happen overnight.

And perhaps that’s why the constant player-by-player criticism feels a little premature.

If Wirtz is still struggling six months from now, then absolutely, let’s have the conversation.

If the midfield remains dysfunctional, let’s analyse it.

If the attack hasn’t improved, question it.

But five league games into a new manager’s reign?

I’m not ready to write anybody off.

Carragher doesn’t have to protect Liverpool

And to be fair, I don’t want Carragher to become someone who blindly defends Liverpool.

That’s not his job.

He is a pundit.

If Liverpool are poor, say they’re poor.

If a player is underperforming, say so.

Liverpool supporters don’t need everything sugar-coated.

But there is a difference between constructive criticism and relentlessly focusing on what’s wrong.

And perhaps that’s where some supporters are beginning to feel the balance has gone.

Because Liverpool aren’t perfect right now.

Far from it.

But they aren’t a disaster either.

Let the players respond

Personally, I’d rather see what happens next.

Give Wirtz a run of games.

Give Isak time to develop his understanding with Gakpo and Barcola.

Let Iraola find his best midfield.

Let Jacquet continue developing.

Let the defence build confidence.

And then judge them.

Football changes incredibly quickly.

A player who is being criticised today can produce a brilliant performance next weekend and suddenly the entire conversation changes.

We’ve already seen it with Liverpool players before.

Players can find form. Systems can click. Managers can change things.

And that’s exactly why I’m not ready to join the growing chorus of negativity around this Liverpool team.

Carragher is entitled to criticise.

But Liverpool supporters are equally entitled to say:

“We know they’re not perfect. Now give them a chance to improve.”

Because if Iraola gets this team clicking, I suspect we’ll be hearing a very different conversation around these players.

And I’d rather wait for that than write them off now.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There is no getting away from it.

Liverpool still have midfield problems.

The balance isn’t quite right. The roles aren’t completely clear and there are still questions about who Andoni Iraola’s best combination is in the centre of the pitch.

But there is something else that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Liverpool’s defence is standing strong.

And that could prove absolutely crucial as this new team continues to develop.

The 1-0 victory over Bournemouth wasn’t pretty. Liverpool struggled to control the game for long periods and the attacking play remains a work in progress.

But once again, when the midfield wasn’t functioning perfectly and the forwards weren’t creating enough, the defence stood up.

And that is a massive positive.

Three clean sheets in a row

Liverpool have now kept three consecutive Premier League clean sheets, and that is a huge improvement in itself.

Against Bournemouth, they had to withstand pressure, particularly early in the game.

Alisson produced an outstanding save to deny Evanilson, while Jeremy Jacquet once again looked incredibly composed at the heart of the defence.

Then there was Ronald Araújo.

The Barcelona loanee continues to grow into his role at right-back, giving Liverpool physicality, aggression and another player who looks comfortable defending one-on-one.

Alongside them, Virgil van Dijk continues to provide the experience.

Suddenly, there is a defensive platform.

And that matters.

Jacquet is becoming a huge part of this team

I don’t want to get carried away because Jeremy Jacquet is still only 21.

But what we’re seeing from him is extremely encouraging.

He was voted Liverpool’s Player of the Match against Bournemouth after another impressive performance and another clean sheet.

He looks aggressive.

He looks quick.

He is comfortable stepping forward to meet attackers.

And, perhaps most importantly, he doesn’t look frightened by the responsibility.

For a young defender coming into a new league, that is remarkable.

The partnership with Van Dijk is also beginning to look increasingly natural.

If Jacquet continues developing at this rate, Liverpool may have found a long-term centre-back to build around.

Alisson is doing what Alisson does

And behind that defence is arguably the most important player of all.

Alisson Becker.

Against Bournemouth, Liverpool needed him and he delivered again.

The Brazilian’s early save kept the score level when Liverpool were struggling to get into the game.

This follows important saves in previous games against Ipswich and Atlético Madrid.

That’s what separates great goalkeepers from everybody else.

You don’t necessarily notice them when everything is going well.

But when the team needs them?

They make the save.

Alisson is giving Liverpool the security that allows the players in front of him to make mistakes without immediately being punished.

The midfield is the next big job for Iraola

And this is where I think the international break comes at a good time.

Iraola has already shown that he can make Liverpool difficult to beat.

Now he needs to work out how to make them control matches.

The midfield is still the area where Liverpool look least settled.

Mac Allister has looked increasingly important, but the combinations around him still don’t feel completely convincing.

Szoboszlai has had good moments, but there are games where Liverpool lose control in the middle.

Gravenberch’s role remains unclear.

And then there is Trey Nyoni.

His introduction against Bournemouth was interesting because he immediately gave Liverpool energy and discipline in front of the defence. He was preferred to Gravenberch from the bench and helped Liverpool see the game out.

Could Iraola be preparing to make a big midfield change?

I wouldn’t be surprised.

Liverpool don’t need to fix everything at once

This is where patience is needed.

Liverpool don’t yet look like the finished product.

The attack isn’t clicking consistently.

The midfield still needs work.

Wirtz is struggling for influence.

But look at the other side of the argument.

Liverpool are unbeaten.

They have now won at Bournemouth.

They have three consecutive Premier League clean sheets.

Jacquet is looking like a serious player.

Araújo is adapting.

Van Dijk remains a leader.

And Alisson is producing the big saves.

That’s a pretty decent foundation.

The attacking football Iraola was hired for will hopefully come.

But before Liverpool become the high-octane, front-footed team supporters are expecting, perhaps Iraola’s first job was to make sure they stopped being easy to beat.

And right now, that part of the rebuild is going very well.

The midfield may still need fixing.

The attack certainly needs to click.

But if Liverpool can keep defending like this while Iraola works out the rest of his team, they have every chance of becoming a much more difficult side to play against.

The foundations are finally starting to look solid.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

There are certain players you simply appreciate more when they aren’t there.

For Liverpool supporters, Alisson Becker is one of them.

And after another outstanding performance in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, I think it is time we start talking about something very important.

Liverpool need to give Alisson a new contract.

Not next summer.

Not when his current deal is approaching its final few months.

Start the conversation now.

Because at 33 years of age, Alisson looks like he is back to his absolute best.

Another game-winning save

Liverpool weren’t at their best against Bournemouth.

The attacking play was frustrating at times, the Reds struggled to create consistently and Bournemouth caused problems in the opening stages.

But when Liverpool needed their goalkeeper, Alisson was there.

The Brazilian produced an excellent save from Evanilson’s near-post flick in the first half, preventing Bournemouth from taking the lead.

And that save is part of a pattern developing this season.

Think back to the victory over Ipswich.

Alisson was called upon when Liverpool needed him and helped secure another clean sheet as Iraola’s side claimed their first Premier League victory of the season.

Then came Atlético Madrid at Anfield.

Liverpool fell behind and Alisson had to produce a superb stop from Julián Alvarez’s dangerous effort shortly after Atlético had taken the lead.

And now Bournemouth.

Three difficult moments. Three occasions where Liverpool needed Alisson to stand up.

That is what the very best goalkeepers do.

He is giving Liverpool a platform

One of the most encouraging aspects of Iraola’s Liverpool so far has actually been the improvement in defensive solidity.

The Reds have now kept another clean sheet and are becoming increasingly capable of grinding out results when the football isn’t perfect.

Alisson is a huge part of that.

A goalkeeper can completely change the complexion of a match.

If your goalkeeper makes the save when the opposition gets through, suddenly your defenders have more confidence.

If your goalkeeper commands his box, distributes well and produces the spectacular when required, the entire team benefits.

And that is exactly what Liverpool are getting from Alisson again.

He isn’t just stopping shots. He’s giving this team belief.

For me, he is still the best in the Premier League

This is where I know some supporters will disagree.

That’s fine.

But for me, when Alisson is fit and playing at his best, there isn’t a goalkeeper in the Premier League I’d swap him for.

His shot-stopping is exceptional.

His one-on-one ability is exceptional.

His distribution is exceptional.

His composure under pressure is exceptional.

And there is something else that statistics can never fully capture.

He makes saves at the moments Liverpool need them most.

That’s been the story of his Liverpool career.

And we’re seeing it again.

He’s 33 – that’s young for a goalkeeper

There is sometimes a perception that 33 means a goalkeeper is approaching the end.

I don’t see it that way at all.

Goalkeepers can play at the highest level well into their thirties, and Alisson still looks capable of giving Liverpool several more seasons at the top.

Liverpool currently have him contracted until 2027 after the club exercised an extension option earlier this year.

That should not be viewed as the finish line.

It should be the opportunity to make sure there isn’t one.

Give him another three years.

Let him stay at Anfield until 2029 or 2030.

Yes, there have been injury concerns and there has been speculation about his future, including reported interest from Juventus.

But if Alisson is fit and performing like this, Liverpool should be doing everything possible to keep him.

Mamardashvili is not the reason to move Alisson on

Liverpool have Giorgi Mamardashvili waiting in the wings, and that is a fantastic position for the club to be in.

But having a talented goalkeeper ready to challenge for the position doesn’t mean you have to push your world-class goalkeeper out of the door.

Quite the opposite.

Make them compete.

Make Mamardashvili learn from one of the best goalkeepers of his generation.

Let Alisson continue to be the No.1 while the club manages the transition naturally whenever that day eventually arrives.

There is absolutely no reason to rush it.

Please, Liverpool – give him that three-year deal

Liverpool have spent huge money rebuilding this squad.

They have brought in exciting attacking talent.

They have invested in the future.

They are trying to build a new era under Andoni Iraola.

But sometimes the most important decisions are about keeping the players you already have.

Alisson is one of those players.

At 33, he is back making the saves that win football matches.

He made the difference against Ipswich.

He produced when Liverpool needed him against Atlético.

And against Bournemouth, he was there again.

The defence is beginning to look more reliable.

Iraola is slowly building his foundations.

And behind it all is one of the best goalkeepers Liverpool have ever had.

So please, Liverpool. Give Alisson a new three-year contract.

Because if he continues playing like this, the last thing Liverpool should be thinking about is replacing him.

They should be thinking about how long they can keep him.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

When Andoni Iraola was appointed Liverpool manager, supporters knew exactly what they were getting.

A coach associated with front-footed, aggressive and attacking football, a high-intensity style and a willingness to take games to the opposition.

That was supposed to be the exciting part of the appointment.

But five Premier League games into his reign, something else is becoming increasingly obvious.

Iraola’s first priority has been making Liverpool difficult to beat.

And after Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, it is becoming increasingly difficult to argue that he isn’t succeeding.

Liverpool may not yet be playing the swashbuckling football many expected from Iraola, but they are developing something that could prove just as important: defensive resilience.

Liverpool are learning how to grind out results

There was nothing particularly spectacular about the victory at the Vitality Stadium.

Liverpool scored once, had to withstand periods of Bournemouth pressure and ultimately had to defend their lead.

But that is precisely why I found the result encouraging.

This was the sort of game Liverpool may have dropped points in previously.

Instead, Iraola’s side stayed organised, protected their goal and saw the game out.

Alisson once again produced an important save, while Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo continue to look increasingly comfortable in the defensive structure.

Bournemouth had opportunities, but Liverpool’s backline dealt with the pressure and restricted the hosts to limited clear chances after the interval.

Most importantly, it was Liverpool’s third consecutive clean sheet.

Iraola himself highlighted the solidity his defence is giving the team, while acknowledging that there are still areas that need improving.

That feels significant.

The attacking football can come later

Of course, nobody expects Liverpool supporters to be satisfied indefinitely with 1-0 wins and performances lacking attacking cohesion.

The quality is there.

Isak, Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai should be capable of producing considerably more than Liverpool have shown in some of these early games.

Against Bournemouth, Liverpool managed only six shots on target and once again struggled to make their attacking talent consistently click.

But perhaps we need to look at the bigger picture.

Iraola is building the foundations first.

It is much easier to turn a defensively reliable side into an attacking one than it is to build an entertaining attacking team that has no defensive security.

Liverpool are learning how to stay in games.

They’re learning how to win when they aren’t at their best.

And they’re learning how to protect a lead.

Those are valuable lessons for a team still adapting to a new manager and a different tactical approach.

The Wirtz situation is becoming interesting

Then there is Florian Wirtz.

This is becoming the biggest individual question surrounding Iraola’s Liverpool team.

The German was given another start against Bournemouth but struggled to impose himself for large periods.

Yet there was an interesting twist.

Wirtz was involved in the winning goal, with his touch under pressure helping the ball fall to Isak after Gakpo’s excellent work down the right.

And Iraola defended him afterwards, saying Wirtz helped Liverpool improve in the second half.

So I don’t think we’re anywhere near the point of writing him off.

But something may have to change.

Perhaps it is his position.

Perhaps it is the system around him.

Perhaps it is simply a case of giving him time to adjust to the Premier League and his new teammates.

But if Wirtz continues to struggle to influence matches, Iraola may eventually have to make a big call.

And that could mean changing how Liverpool use him rather than simply leaving him in the same role every week.

And then there is Trey Nyoni

Interestingly, another decision may already be presenting itself.

Trey Nyoni came on for Wirtz in the 71st minute at Bournemouth and once again looked comfortable in the midfield.

He helped Liverpool retain their defensive structure and offered energy and composure as the Reds looked to see the game out.

That follows his impressive involvement in the Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham.

Nyoni isn’t going to solve every problem overnight, and there is no need to put enormous pressure on a young player.

But Iraola has shown that he is willing to trust youth.

So could a bigger role be coming?

Could we eventually see Nyoni given a Premier League start while another midfielder drops out?

It is certainly a question worth asking.

Iraola is building Liverpool from the back

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the opening weeks of the Iraola era is that the manager hired for attacking football is currently making Liverpool’s defence his biggest success story.

And I’m absolutely fine with that.

The attacking football will hopefully come.

The combinations between Isak, Gakpo, Barcola and Wirtz will hopefully improve.

Wirtz will hopefully find his confidence and begin producing the performances Liverpool know he is capable of.

But first, Iraola appears determined to make Liverpool a team opponents hate playing against.

A team that doesn’t collapse when things aren’t going well.

A team that can win ugly.

And if Liverpool can add the attacking football to the defensive resilience we’re beginning to see, then Iraola could really start to mould this team into his own.

For now, the foundations are being laid.

And perhaps that is the most important part of the job.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

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)