Recap

Bournemouth Stun Liverpool with Dramatic Last-Gasp Victory

AFC Bournemouth pulled off one of the shocks of the Premier League season, defeating Liverpool 3-2 with a stunning winner from Amine Adli in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time at the Vitality Stadium.

The result ended Liverpool’s 13-match unbeaten run across all competitions and dealt a blow to their title defense, leaving them fourth in the table with 36 points from 23 games, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal. Bournemouth, meanwhile, climbed to 13th place with 30 points from 23 matches, now 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

Match Unfolds in Thrilling Fashion

The game kicked off on January 24, 2026, with Liverpool starting strongly, enjoying around 80% possession in the opening 30 minutes of the second half but struggling to create clear chances. Bournemouth, however, struck first against the run of play in the 26th minute. Marcos Senesi’s searching long pass was misjudged by Virgil van Dijk, whose lazy clearance fell to Alex Scott on the right. Scott cut the ball back for Evanilson to drill home his fifth goal of the season and give the Cherries the lead.

Van Dijk was again at fault seven minutes later in the 33rd minute. The Dutch defender played Álex Jiménez onside, allowing the Spaniard to race onto James Hill’s precise pass down the right flank. Jiménez finished clinically from an angle, doubling Bournemouth’s advantage to 2-0.

Liverpool responded just before half-time in the 45th minute. Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a pinpoint corner, and Van Dijk rose highest at the near post to head in his side’s second goal from a set-piece this season – only their second such strike in the league campaign. Bournemouth had conceded more corners than any team except West Ham (9), highlighting a vulnerability exploited here.

The second half saw Liverpool push forward, with Arne Slot bringing on Andy Robertson at half-time for Milos Kerkez, who had been at fault for Jiménez’s goal during his time at Bournemouth. Substitutes Hugo Ekitike and Curtis Jones also entered the fray later.

Ryan Gravenberch came close in the 66th minute, firing just wide from the edge of the box as Liverpool dominated possession but registered no shots on target until late. The equalizer arrived in the 80th minute after substitute Rio Ngumoha was fouled outside the box. Mohamed Salah laid off the free-kick, and Szoboszlai lashed a superb effort into the bottom right corner – his second pinpoint free-kick in a week.

The drama peaked in stoppage time. Joe Gomez collided with goalkeeper Alisson Becker, forcing the center-back off injured. Inexplicably, it took Liverpool seven minutes to substitute Wataru Endo, leaving them effectively down to 10 men. Bournemouth capitalized with a long throw-in. James Hill played a ball through to Jiménez on the right, but it was Adli who bundled home from close range with the final kick of the game in the 90+5th minute.

Standout Performers Light Up Vitality Stadium

Amine Adli emerged as the hero for Bournemouth, scoring the dramatic winner with a left-footed shot from the right side of the six-yard box. His opportunistic finish after a scramble sealed a memorable night and ended Liverpool’s unbeaten streak in 2026.

Evanilson was clinical upfront, netting the opener and nearly adding a third late on when he squandered a golden chance after getting in behind. His fifth goal of the season underscored Bournemouth’s threat on the counter.

Álex Jiménez shone with his goal and involvement in the build-up, racing onto Hill’s pass for the second while being narrowly onside. The young Spaniard troubled Liverpool’s defense throughout.

For Liverpool, Dominik Szoboszlai was the standout, providing the corner for Van Dijk’s header and curling in the equalizer with a stunning free-kick. His set-piece prowess kept the Reds in the contest.

Virgil van Dijk had a mixed night, atoning for his first-half errors with a goal but ultimately shouldering blame for the opener and enduring a tough evening overall. Post-match, he took full responsibility for the early concession.

Bournemouth captain Adam Smith started in place of the injured Marcus Tavernier, anchoring the defense that frustrated Liverpool’s attack. Alex Scott’s assist for the first goal was pivotal.

Key Statistics Paint Picture of Chaos

Opta data reveals a tale of efficiency over dominance. Liverpool controlled possession but lacked cutting edge until Szoboszlai’s intervention. Bournemouth’s clinical finishing – three goals from fewer chances – proved decisive.

Team	Possession	Shots on Target	Goals	Corners
Bournemouth	~20% (early 2H)	3	3	Unknown
Liverpool	~80% (early 2H)	2 (pre-equalizer)	2	Multiple (key goals)

Goal timeline: Evanilson (26′), Jiménez (33′), Van Dijk (45′), Szoboszlai (80′), Adli (90+5′). Substitutions included Robertson for Kerkez (HT), Gakpo for Ekitike (pre-match change noted), and others around 59′, 67′, 74′, 85′, 90+3′.

Bournemouth’s ninth corner conceded this season highlights set-piece woes, while Liverpool’s delay in substituting Endo amid injury chaos was \”amateurish,\” per observers.

Tactical Analysis: Bournemouth’s Resilience Trumps Liverpool’s Pressure

Arne Slot’s Liverpool arrived on a 13-match unbeaten run but winless in four league games in 2026, following a 3-0 Champions League win over Marseille. They began ascendant in rain-soaked Dorset but were picked off by Bournemouth’s counters.

Cherries boss capitalized on Liverpool’s defensive lapses, particularly Van Dijk’s misjudgments and the late Gomez-Alisson collision. Panic defending at the death, compounded by the sub delay, handed Bournemouth the win.

Liverpool’s toothless attack – no shots on target for much of the second half despite dominance – exposed frailties. Slot’s side halved the deficit via set-pieces but couldn’t sustain momentum. Post-match, Slot blamed his team, citing wind, fixtures, and injuries.

Bournemouth’s long-ball strategy, exemplified by Senesi’s pass and Hill’s through-balls, exploited Liverpool’s high line. Their ability to hold firm under pressure, then strike late, moves them up the table and boosts survival hopes.

Implications for Title Race and Relegation Battle

This defeat leaves Liverpool’s top-four spot \”perilous,\” with Manchester United (35 pts from 22) and Chelsea (34 pts from 22) able to overtake them on Sunday. They face Newcastle next, who could leapfrog them beforehand.

Aston Villa lead the chasing pack on 43 points from 22. For Bournemouth (7-9-7 record), the win provides breathing room, 10 points above danger.

The match, witnessed via highlights on Sky Sports and NBC, will be remembered for its twists – from Van Dijk’s redemption goal to Adli’s scramble. Liverpool’s unbeaten run ends abruptly, while Bournemouth revel in a famous scalp.

Post-Match Reactions Echo the Drama

Van Dijk accepted responsibility for the opener. Slot lamented self-inflicted wounds amid external factors. Observers called the sub delay \”astonishedly amateurish.\” Bournemouth’s late twist rubber-stamped a night of pure Premier League theater.