Alexander Isak's early-season Premier League hot streak continued as he secured a 1-0 win for Liverpool over Bournemouth on Andoni Iraola's return to Vitality Stadium.

The game took time to spark into life, with both sides looking to avoid a fourth draw apiece, and it was Isak who proved the difference, turning in a blocked cross in the 57th minute.

Evanilson had forced a fine early stop out of Alisson Becker, but after going behind in the second half, Bournemouth struggled to find a way back in as their winless start to the Premier League continued.

Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up to a 10th-minute free-kick, looking to bend his curling strike into the top-left corner, but he missed his target by inches.

Alisson was then called into action at the other end, getting down sharply to tip Evanilson's improvised backheel flick away from the bottom corner, cutting short celebrations from those behind the goal who thought it had snuck in.

Bradley Barcola came close to a first Liverpool goal as the Reds upped the pressure before the break. The Frenchman cut inside from the left and his low curler took a deflection, but a diving Djordje Petrovic kept it out with his legs.

Szoboszlai got another chance from a free-kick before the break, with this one bouncing narrowly wide before Isak ballooned a long-range effort high and wide.

Ryan Christie was Bournemouth's driving force in the second half, starting a move on halfway and continuing his run into the box after a one-two with Rayan, but he could only bundle wide under pressure.

Liverpool took the clear-cut opportunity that fell their way, though, as Cody Gakpo danced his way past challenges on the right wing. Florian Wirtz – under pressure from James Hill – missed it, but the block looped kindly for Isak to turn in just before the hour.

Bournemouth then had James Hill to thank for denying Isak a second. The striker was played in by Gakpo, but the defender flung himself in front of the resulting shot.

The hosts could not make the most of that reprieve despite late pressure, with Liverpool holding firm until the full-time whistle.

Iraola gets more joy back on familiar ground

Bournemouth enjoyed a historic win over Real Sociedad in their first-ever European game in midweek, and Marco Rose once again showed his faith in his players.

Despite Liverpool having two extra days' preparation – following an EFL Cup third-round win over Tottenham – the open contest many were expecting was actually a slow burn at the Vitality.

Isak was the game-changer as he continued his hot streak. In five games (four goals) this season, he has already surpassed his Premier League goal tally for the entirety of last season in the competition (three goals in 14 appearances).

But Gakpo's influence should also be noted, especially given how close he came to leaving Anfield over the summer. 

He had two shots, but it was his creativity that proved particularly important as he created a joint-team-high three chances (level with Wirtz), while he also won nine of his 16 duels.

And there were more positives at the back for Liverpool, who kept a third straight clean sheet in the top-flight, with this their longest run without conceding since a run of four between May and September 2024.

As for Bournemouth, they head into the international break without a league win under Rose. Only under Iraola in 2023-24 have they endured a longer winless start to a Premier League season (first nine).