THERE were no title challenging jitters for Liverpool on Saturday as they saw off Bournemouth with ease at Anfield. 

An early goal from Sadio Mane sent them on their way, one which Cherries manager Eddie Howe described as “a huge moment in the match, half a yard offside, a huge turning point.”

Replays showed that the Senegalese was level with the last defender as James Milner’s cross came his way, and he headed past Artur Boruc to net his 11th of the season.

This did not look like a Liverpool side who are carrying a weight of expectation on their shoulders. They played with a freedom which led to some entertaining play and was reflected in their goals.

Naby Keita played a part in all three. His expert control as Bournemouth cleared a corner led to the first as it was he who sent the ball wide to Milner. 

Ten minutes later he was winning the ball in midfield during the build-up to the second goal. It fell to Andy Robertson and his lofted pass over the top was plucked out of the air by the first touch of Georginio Wijnaldum who lobbed over Artur Boruc with his second.

Keita looked more like the player the club had worked so hard to sign from RB Leipzig, and he instigated the third with an inch perfect through-ball to Roberto Firmino with the outside of his boot. Firmino then joined in the fun, backheeling to Mohamed Salah who finished comfortably in front of the Kop.

“We played a really, really good game,” said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. 

“Counter-pressing-wise it the best for a while. Creative with power and speed, offering runs even if we don’t get the ball. 

“All the goals were brilliant it was a really really good game and a deserved three points.”