Bournemouth 0-2 Liverpool - the fans' verdictpublished at 10:42 GMT 2 February
10:42 GMT 2 February
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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Bournemouth and Liverpool.
Here are some of your comments:
Bournemouth fans
Sam: Bournemouth just fell short in the final third during this game. The Kluivert miss summed it all up really. It wasn't the electric game we were all expecting, but the boys can be proud of the performance they put in.
Charles: A great game. The Cherries battled but didn't get the breaks they deserved. The penalty was soft and Salah's finish was quality. The usual intensity was there, but the depth of substitutes was not.
Paul: The Cherries really gave it a proper go but were up against the very best the Premier League could offer in Liverpool. Let's all be honest here, we are not quite there yet but we will be eventually - unless we do the normal Bournemouth thing and sell our top players when the money is right. Well done to all the players, though.
Siva: Bournemouth are bound for Europe, no doubt about that. They play with pace, strength and clear direction. They gave Liverpool a run and if the crossbar and posts were a couple of centimetres longer, they would have drawn this game. Well played, Bournemouth - take Europe by storm.
Liverpool fans
Fraser: I cannot stress how big a win this is. We were up against a good Bournemouth side, who beat Arsenal and Manchester City at home and scored nine goals in their past two games. To go there, win and keep a clean sheet is massive for us. Salah once again showing why he is critical to our team. Alisson demonstrating why he is one of the best - if not the best - goalkeepers in the world. Our defence was rock solid. A good win for the Reds. Onwards.
Carl: The Reds played well, as did Bournemouth. But, to be honest, I thought we were a tad lucky to come away with the win.
Yusuf: That was a Liverpool display that proved why they are the main contenders for the league this year. They showed great maturity, particularly in the patches where Bournemouth were dominant. It was great to see the backline getting a clean sheet against tough opposition. It was a magnificent second goal from Salah!
Ian: I was expecting a much tougher game, but Liverpool controlled the majority of it. Szoboszlai was poor and should have been replaced. Alexander-Arnold had another questionable performance. But, apart from that, I'm sure Arne Slot would be quite happy with how it played out.
Adeniyi: How come nobody is talking about a quadruple?
Bournemouth 0-2 Liverpool: Positives for Cherries despite end of unbeaten runpublished at 21:15 GMT 1 February
21:15 GMT 1 February
Michael Emons BBC Sport journalist at Vitality Stadium
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Image caption,
Bournemouth are seventh in the Premier League, one point adrift of the top four
For the first time in 12 Premier League matches, Bournemouth suffered a defeat.
But Andoni Iraola's side can be proud of their efforts as they gave league leaders Liverpool a real scare, with only a brilliant second goal from Mohamed Salah (after he scored a first-half penalty) finally seeing them off.
The Cherries hit the post twice, forced Reds goalkeeper Alisson into a number of fine saves and had a potential goal narrowly ruled out for offside.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot was full of praise for Bournemouth, saying: "Only a few [opponents] have been as tough as this.
"This team [Bournemouth] has done so well in picking up these points against so many good teams and it's not by luck. They are intense, they have quality and it was always going to be very hard."
Bournemouth remain seventh, but are only one point behind fourth-placed Manchester City with the Vitality Stadium faithful dreaming of qualifying for Europe for the first time in the club's 125-year history.
If the team can reproduce this effort and level of performance then it will not be long before they go on another unbeaten run and rekindle those hopes of securing continental competition next season.
'Small things didn't go for us'published at 18:57 GMT 1 February
18:57 GMT 1 February
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Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to Sky Sports following the home defeat: "It is disappointing when you lose a game. Small things didn't go for us. We have given ourselves a chance, but it hasn't been enough.
"In key moments, you can score and make the difference but we have not scored and, in the end, against teams like Liverpool you need to punish them whenever you have the chance. The way the players performed, everyone can see it has been a high-level game.
"We have a week to prepare for the game against Everton in the FA Cup. Everton have been doing well so it is a difficult draw for us."
Bournemouth 0-2 Liverpool: Key statspublished at 17:29 GMT 1 February
17:29 GMT 1 February
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Bournemouth suffered their first Premier League defeat since November against Brighton, ending their 11-game unbeaten run in the competition (W7 D4).
The Cherries have only lost two league games by two or more goals this season, both of which have been against Liverpool (3-0 in September and 2-0 this afternoon).
Bournemouth have hit the woodwork 16 times in the Premier League this season - including twice against Liverpool - the outright most of any side.
Sutton's predictions: Bournemouth v Liverpoolpublished at 11:20 GMT 1 February
11:20 GMT 1 February
Liverpool had the luxury of resting players for their final Champions League group game, Wednesday's defeat at PSV Eindhoven, and still finish top of the table.
There are some who will question whether that is in the spirit of the competition, but if you were Reds boss Arne Slot then what would you do?
They are trying to win everything at the moment and they had earned the right to make those changes.
His players will be well rested for this game but I just have a feeling about Bournemouth at the moment.
The Cherries are depleted by injuries, and you cannot discount Mohamed Salah winning it for Liverpool the way he has done so many times before.
But Andoni Iraola's side have already beaten Arsenal and Manchester City here this season, as well as Forest and Newcastle, and they have taken as many points as Liverpool - 22 - in their past 10 matches.
My first thought was to go for a 2-2 draw but then I was reminded of the pledge I made last week to be braver and back Bournemouth more.
That helped me to be right about them beating Forest, so I don't really have much choice but to carry on being brave, do I?
'One of many examples where Hughes deserves a lot of credit' - Slotpublished at 19:00 GMT 31 January
19:00 GMT 31 January
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Former Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes "deserves a lot of credit" for bringing Justin Kluivert and Andoni Iraola to the Cherries, says Liverpool boss Arne Slot.
Hughes moved from a playing to a recruitment capacity with Bournemouth in 2013 and remained with them until joining Liverpool as sporting director at the end of last season.
He helped in their rise through the leagues, setting them up to be in a position to now be challenging for Europe as they sit seventh in the Premier League.
Slot is expecting a tough challenge when he takes his league leaders to Vitality stadium on Saturday.
"They have beaten so many strong teams and have a lot of quality.
"Richard as sporting director, he hired fantastic manager as well. He [Iraola] has a clear plan and the players work incredibly hard.
"They deserve to be where they are [in the table], if not maybe a bit higher than where they are."
One player who the Reds will be wary of on Saturday is winger Justin Kluivert, who has had a breakout season with the Cherries having scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 24 games.
"He is one of many examples where Richard [Hughes] deserves a lot of credit, but also the manager too after working with him," said Dutchman Slot.
"The team makes individuals better. You need quality and Richard brought that here.
"It is nice for us [from Netherlands] to see Justin doing so well because he left Holland nice and early.
"He was bit criticised for that because in Holland they tend to think you need extra years before going abroad, but he has shown success going abroad early and going to new clubs.
"To be only 24 and at this level already, he will be a big talent. With him against [Ryan] Gravenberch, it will be interesting match up tomorrow."
Bournemouth v Liverpool: Did you know?published at 16:22 GMT 31 January
16:22 GMT 31 January
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Bournemouth earned four points from their first four Premier League games against Liverpool (W1 D1 L2), but have since earned just three from their past 11 (W1 D0 L10).
The Cherries also scored more than twice as many goals in the first four (seven) than they have against the Reds in the last 11 (three).
However, Bournemouth (unbeaten in 11) and Liverpool (unbeaten in 18) account for two of the three longest ongoing unbeaten runs in the Premier League - Arsenal's 13 without defeat being the other.
Since 29 November, no side has won more Premier League points than the Cherries (25 – W7 D4 L0).
Iraola on Sinisterra return, 'best team' Liverpool and striker searchpublished at 15:13 GMT 31 January
15:13 GMT 31 January
Millie Sian BBC Sport journalist
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Liverpool (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
There are no new injury concerns in the squad. Luis Sinisterra could be back in contention, after recovering from a hamstring injury, but he needs to be "assessed again" and therefore it isn't certain he will be involved this weekend.
The Cherries are looking to extend their 11-game unbeaten run in the Premier League but he anticipates the fixture will be "the biggest challenge of the season" as Liverpool are also looking to continue their 18-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.
He added: "I think they have been the best team, not only in England but also in Europe this season. It is going to be very difficult for us, but it is a good challenge. I think we are in a good moment as we are also playing well. I don't know if we will have enough, but we will try."
There were some learnings to take from the 3-0 loss at Anfield earlier this season, with Iraola reflecting: "Their offensive power is very big. We lost our heads for a few minutes and conceded three goals. It shows that you cannot lose any concentration or focus against Liverpool. They are scoring and creating so many chances, so at the other end of the pitch we have to be very good."
Even though Bournemouth have only conceded seven goals at home this season, Iraola "really doesn't expect" to keep a clean sheet against Arne Slot's side. He added: "If we want to take a point, we will need goals and we will need to be clinical."
The Cherries are still on the hunt for another striker, with Iraola stating: "We are trying, but we continue in the same place. We are really thin. We want to sign a player that will improve and help us. We trust the players we already have long-term, but it's true that we need help in the meantime."
The club are happy with current strikers Evanilson and Enes Unal, so they are looking to bring in a striker on loan.
He replied "I don't know" when asked if supporters can expect to see a new face coming in before the transfer deadline but added: "If the situation appears, we are all for it. If it doesn't appear, we will continue fighting and being competitive."
After the loan departures of Philip Billing, Max Aarons and Mark Travers, the club aren't expecting any other players to leave on loan. Iraola joked: "Who knows, maybe we will have a crazy money offer for someone, like we have seen with other teams!"
Bournemouth have finances to be 'competitive' with transferspublished at 12:38 GMT 30 January
12:38 GMT 30 January
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It is amazing how well Bournemouth are doing.
You look at their bench and they have got so many high numbers on the shirts because younger players are having to be brought into the frame.
The starting XI can still look very, very good, but an area where they have to really think about before the transfer window closes is that number-nine position. They are very light in players who play that nine in a more traditional way.
Yes, players like Dango Ouattara have done well and they still have attacking creativity, but at times teams do need a specialist.
Given all the work they have put in so far, they would be so disappointed if they run out of steam because they have left themselves light.
I am not saying they have to be desperate to bring someone in - and I do not think the board or Andoni Iraola will panic - but it feels like a great opportunity to be able to finish the season well. Being in Europe next season could almost change the future of the football club.
From my understanding, Bournemouth can compete on a financial and wages front with clubs in leagues around Europe and the world. Add in the fact they have one of the best young managers in the league and the team is competing to be in the top four, they could be Europe next season and they play high intensity, exciting football - the market is going to be open for them.
They will want to stay within their own budget, with regards to transfer fees and salaries, but Bournemouth are a lot more competitive than people realise. They have managed to find really good players along the way anyway and it is why they are in the position they are this season.
Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson
'Positive force' Ouatarra has 'done an incredible job'published at 08:34 GMT 30 January
08:34 GMT 30 January
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Former Bournemouth defender Joe Partington says Dango Ouatarra has done an "incredible job" as the Cherries' starting striker.
The 22-year-old scored a hat-trick against third-placed Nottingham Forest to help his side climb to seventh in the Premier League, just a point off the Champions League places.
"We were worrying about how Bournemouth are going to sustain themselves without a recognised number nine", Partington told the latest episode of BBC Radio Solent's Cherries: Unpicked podcast.
"Ouatarra has really shown everybody he is capable of playing at this level - and not only playing but being a positive force in a team we thought might struggle after Evanilson's injury and have to get a number nine.
"They have done the complete opposite, scoring almost double-figure goals in three games.
"Credit where credit's due. He's done an incredible job."
'Huijsen is the name on your lips if you are a top club in Europe'published at 17:32 GMT 29 January
17:32 GMT 29 January
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"Huijsen seems to be the name on everybody's lips if you're a top football club in Europe at the minute."
The words of former Cherries defender Joe Partington on Dean Huijsen - the 20-year-old central defender who was signed for just an initial £12.8m from Juventus last summer and has been one of the Premier League's breakout stars this season.
As our Bournemouth expert Mark Mitchener put it on this page earlier, Huijsen is "linked with a different European giant every day".
"That's a huge compliment and huge confirmation that Bournemouth's recruitment team are doing an amazing job," Partington told BBC Radio Solent's Cherries: Unpicked podcast.
"If his release clause doesn't come into play until the summer at least you know you've got four, five months left of him. If Bournemouth are in a position at the end of the season where they will play in Europe next year, then you would like to think he would want to stay unless a team came in and offered him a deal too good to turn down.
"He made the decision to come to Bournemouth as a 19-year-old and not wait for a bigger club even though people were saying very nice things about him so he wants to play. He's doing a very good job of it.
"I'd like to think the club can keep him but with some of the very best young players in the world it's very difficult to tell what will happen."
'Fans are living through Bournemouth's best period - enjoy the ride'published at 12:35 GMT 29 January
12:35 GMT 29 January
Mark Mitchener BBC Sport senior journalist
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If Bournemouth were somewhat flying under the radar as they picked off the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City during the autumn, their performances during the past fortnight have set off every early-warning system going.
Back-to back demolitions of Newcastle and Nottingham Forest - both labelled as title contenders - by a combined scoreline of 9-1 have put the Cherries front and centre among Premier League talking points.
First on Match Of The Day, first on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, spotlighted on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, and with dozens of articles and videos springing up to dissect their astonishing unbeaten run, Bournemouth are no longer a secret.
On the flip side, the increased spotlight on a club of Bournemouth's size means plenty of column inches predicting imminent break-up of the squad.
If the internet is to be believed, Andoni Iraola is favourite to take over at Tottenham, Milos Kerkez's friendship with fellow Hungary international Dominik Szoboszlai means the Cherries left-back is virtually signed and sealed as a Liverpool player already, while Dean Huijsen is linked with a different European giant nearly every day.
As ever, Cherries supporters should take such speculation with an enormous pinch of salt.
While the club may have to brace itself for a departure or two in the summer, the Dominic Solanke saga showed Bournemouth's firm determination to hold out for a sizeable fee rather than selling on the cheap.
Additionally, contingency planning will have replacements lined up - as evidenced by the signing of Evanilson less than a week after Solanke's sale.
For now, fans should recognise they are living through the best period in Bournemouth's history - and enjoy the ride.