Isak strikes as Liverpool beat Bournemouth on Iraola's return

Liverpool earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium after Alexander Isak's goal in the 57th minute. The result extended the Reds' unbeaten start in the Premier League and made Andoni Iraola's return to his former club a winning one.

• Alexander Isak scored his fourth goal of the season, already topping his total from the entire previous league campaign.
• Andoni Iraola returned to the Vitality Stadium and beat his old club for the first time since leaving.
• Cody Gakpo created the winning goal with a powerful run down the right before setting up Isak.
• Bournemouth remain without a Premier League win this season after another frustrating afternoon.

Isak settles a tight contest after Gakpo's driving run

The decisive moment came just before the hour. Cody Gakpo muscled his way down the right and delivered a cross aimed at Florian Wirtz. The German could not connect cleanly under pressure, but Isak was lurking nearby and swept the ball home to break a stubborn deadlock.

The Sweden international now has four goals in his first five league matches, a return that already exceeds his entire Premier League output from last season. His composure in a crowded penalty area proved the difference in a match that had offered little by way of clear chances.

Emotional return for Iraola at the Vitality Stadium

The occasion carried personal weight for Andoni Iraola. The Basque coach spent three seasons in charge of Bournemouth and led the club to a first European qualification in his final campaign there. He was warmly received by the home crowd before kick-off and shared an embrace with his German successor, Marco Rose.

Liverpool had two extra days of rest compared with their hosts, who had opened their European campaign with a win away to Real Sociedad in San Sebastian on Thursday night. Iraola made three changes from his side's previous league outing, with Gakpo, Milos Kerkez and Alexis Mac Allister coming in for Ryan Gravenberch, Victor Munoz and Kostas Tsimikas.

Bournemouth were forced into one alteration. Ryan Christie started in place of Justin Kluivert, who had picked up a knock in Spain, as Rose revealed before the match.

Alisson keeps Liverpool level during Bournemouth pressure

Bournemouth had their moments, particularly through Evanilson. Marcus Tavernier broke down the left and picked out the Brazilian striker, who tried a clever flick toward the near post. Alisson Becker was alert to the danger and got down quickly to deny his compatriot with a strong low hand.

Shortly after the half-hour mark, a deflected effort from Bradley Barcola gave Djordje Petrovic something to do, with the Serbian saving with his leg. Dominik Szoboszlai then sent a free-kick wide from a promising position as the first half ended with the scoreline level and clear-cut chances at a premium.

Liverpool manage the game after taking the lead

Once ahead, Liverpool controlled large spells and forced Bournemouth to chase the game. Tyler Adams made an important interception to spare his side after a misplaced pass almost opened the door, while Ryan Christie poked a cross wide at the other end.

Evanilson tried his luck again with just over 20 minutes remaining, but Alisson dealt with the effort comfortably after coming out to punch away Alex Scott's free-kick. Bournemouth could not find a breakthrough from their late set-pieces and remain in search of a first Premier League victory this season.

Frequently asked questions about Bournemouth vs Liverpool