Isak scores winner as Liverpool beat Bournemouth 1-0

Cody Gakpo drove down the right and crossed. The ball took a slight nick off Florian Wirtz on its way to Isak, who finished for his fourth goal of the season. By the Independent's count, he has already scored more Premier League goals in five matches than in his entire previous top-flight campaign.

The first half belonged mostly to the hosts, and Sky Sports reported that Jamie Carragher criticised Liverpool's display on co-commentary. Bournemouth's best chance came from Evanilson, whose near-post flick from Marcus Tavernier's cross was palmed away by Alisson from behind him. At the other end, Bradley Barcola was denied by Djordje Petrovic's legs, Dominik Szoboszlai's free-kick from 25 yards drifted wide, and Wirtz fired over from close range. An earlier Szoboszlai free-kick, in the 10th minute, ended up in the stands.

Iraola spent three seasons at Bournemouth and took them into Europe for the first time last season. He was greeted warmly before kick-off and hugged his successor, Marco Rose.

Rose had to change his side. Ryan Christie replaced Justin Kluivert, who had picked up a knock in Spain when Bournemouth beat Real Sociedad on Thursday. Liverpool had two more days of rest. Iraola made three changes from their last league game, bringing in Gakpo, Milos Kerkez and Alexis Mac Allister.

It was Liverpool's third successive league clean sheet and their second league win of the season. They go into the international break in sixth place. Bournemouth are still without a league win under Rose and sit 17th, level on points with Coventry.

If Liverpool keep the defensive record while Isak keeps scoring, the modest league position may soon stop reflecting the team. For Bournemouth, a run of European fixtures on top of a winless league start may become a problem for Rose, especially if Kluivert's knock keeps him out.