Liverpool vs Bournemouth. Premier League.
AnfieldAttendance53,292.
Thursday 6 April 2017 06:46, UK
Josh King scored a late equaliser as Bournemouth dented Liverpool's top-four challenge with a 2-2 draw at Anfield on Wednesday.
Benik Afobe put the Cherries ahead in the seventh minute when he capitalised on a slack backpass from Georginio Wijnaldum to finish past Simon Mignolet.
But Philippe Coutinho levelled before the break and Divock Origi headed the Reds in front in the 59th minute.
That looked like it would be enough for Jurgen Klopp's side until King finished in the 87th minute to earn the Cherries a point.
The draw is yet another setback for Liverpool this season against a team in the bottom half of the table, and leaves them third in the Premier League, two points ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
On a night when City were beaten by Chelsea, it was an opportunity for Liverpool to strengthen their place in the top four.
But, missing Sadio Mane through injury and with Joel Matip on the bench due to a back issue, they dropped points for the second time this season against the Cherries, who came from 3-1 down to win 4-3 in the reverse fixture.
Another shock looked on the cards as Afobe capitalised on a slack backpass from Wijnaldum to put the visitors ahead in the seventh minute.
Liverpool struggled to muster a response and their best opportunity to equalise came from a corner that was flicked on and volleyed wide at the back post by Origi.
Marc Pugh spurned a similar chance from a corner at the other end as he fired across goal on the volley from six yards out.
The hosts continued to lack a cutting edge and were almost caught out by a long ball over the top that King latched onto before firing a shot over the bar.
However, Coutinho levelled before half-time, collecting Roberto Firmino's pass in his stride and then keeping his balance to finish past Artur Boruc.
Liverpool upped the tempo after the break and went close when Nathaniel Clyne cut in from the right and saw a well-struck shot tipped onto the bar by Boruc.
They took the lead after 59 minutes as Wijnaldum turned cleverly in the box and put in a cross for Origi to head home from close range.
That looked like it would be enough for Liverpool as they appeared comfortable and kept Bournemouth pressed back inside their own half.
But the Reds' failure to extend their advantage proved costly as King fired in an equaliser with three minutes remaining after Harry Arter's shot fell to him 10 yards out.
Liverpool pressed for a late winner but Klavan headed the best chance at Boruc.
Player ratings
Liverpool: Mignolet (5), Clyne (6), Lovren (6), Klavan (5), Milner (6), Can (6), Lucas (6), Wijnaldum (7), Origi (7), Firmino (6), Coutinho (7).
Subs: Matip (5).
Bournemouth: Boruc (6), Adam Smith (5), Francis (6), Steve Cook (6), Daniels (5), Ibe (4), Arter (4), Wilshere (4), Pugh (5), King (7), Afobe (6).
Subs: Gradel (5), Fraser (5).
Man of the match: Divock Origi.
Sky customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports and get 12 months for just £18 per month. Upgrade now!
