Liverpool went from the sublime to the ridiculous, as they somehow found a way to lose a game it looked like they were going to win handsomely. After leading 2-0 and 3-1 at Bournemouth, they capitulated in embarrassing fashion, conceding four second-half goals to a team that struggles to find the net.
Positives
There's nothing positive to take from this game. As good as the first half was, it counts for nothing in the end. This was a terrible, humbling defeat that could prove costly in May.
Negatives
Liverpool supporters had hoped this kind of spineless collapse was a thing of the past, but the second-half performance absolutely reeked of complacency. The players took their foot off the gas and allowed Eddie Howe's side to get back into it; once the momentum swung Bournemouth's way, Liverpool were unable to reverse it. In the end, the Reds got exactly what they deserved.
Manager rating out of 10
Jurgen Klopp, 5 -- There were some warning signs at the end of the first half that Liverpool had begun to ease off, but whatever Klopp said to them at the interval made little difference: They came out flat, and their trademark high intensity play was nowhere to be seen. Injuries meant Klopp had few options to change things from the bench, but perhaps it wouldn't have hurt to throw Ben Woodburn on late in the game.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Loris Karius, 5 -- Made two very good saves but should have done much better on two of the Bournemouth goals, particularly the stoppage time winner. Still has a lot of convincing to do not only to prove his long-term worth, but even to show he's a better option than Simon Mignolet.
DF Nathaniel Clyne, 7 -- Brilliant in the first half, all right in the second. Got forward and delivered some dangerous crosses while defensively holding his own. The four goals conceded had little to do with him.
DF Lucas Leiva, 6 -- The Brazilian retained his place from midweek due to an injury to Joel Matip and he was one of Liverpool's top performers in the first half. Had a far less comfortable time of it after the break, however, particularly when Bournemouth introduced Benik Afobe and went more direct.
DF Dejan Lovren, 4 -- Steady enough in the first half, nervy in the second. His mistake led to the penalty that first got Bournemouth back into the game and he never looked at ease after that, losing several duels with the Bournemouth forwards.
DF James Milner, 7 -- Outstanding for most of the game but conceded a cheap penalty which marred what would otherwise have been a man of the match display.
MF Jordan Henderson, 7 -- The skipper controlled the first half with a brilliant exhibition in how to play the midfield anchor role. His passing was superb and his relentless energy helped make it virtually impossible for Bournemouth to get out of their own half. It all changed in the second half, not specifically just because of Henderson but as with the rest of his teammates, he was unable to exert the same influence he had before the break.
MF Emre Can, 8 -- Created the first goal for Sadio Mané with a nice ball over the top and scored the third himself with a crisp first time shot into the top corner from the edge of the box. Bournemouth found much more space after the break though and that is something all of Liverpool's midfield and forwards are responsible for.
MF Georginio Wijnaldum, 7 -- As with most of the Liverpool team, Wijnaldum was outstanding in the first half and some of his touches were sublime. Showed great energy throughout and rarely wasted a pass.
FW Sadio Mane, 6 -- He's not been at his best in recent weeks but always seems to do something even when it's not going well for him. Opened the scoring with a deft finish, and also claimed an assist on the third goal when he rolled the ball to Can to fire home. Had to be replaced after picking up a knock; Klopp will be hoping it's nothing serious.
FW Divock Origi, 6 -- Missed an absolute sitter at 0-0 before producing a brilliant finish to put the Reds 2-0 up and seemingly on their way to a comfortable victory. Faded in the second half but still went close to making it 4-3 with a shot on the turn that went narrowly over. That miss would prove costly: Bournemouth won it minutes later.
FW Roberto Firmino, 5 -- The Brazilian worked tirelessly throughout and was neat and tidy in possession, but he was unable to make any impact in the final third. The injury to Philippe Coutinho means he's been moved out to the left and while he can do a job there he's clearly more effective through the middle.
Substitutes
FW Adam Lallana, 6 -- Replaced the injured Mane and took his spot on the right wing. Showed some nice touches but generally made little impact other than one shot from distance that went a couple of yards wide.