The 25-year-old forward has had to wait patiently for his chance under Arne Slot but came up big to help inspire a 3-0 win over the Cherries

Liverpool marched to the top of the Premier League table as two goals from Luis Diaz and one stunning curled effort from Darwin Nunez saw the Reds defeat Bournemouth 3-0 on Saturday.

After surviving an early onslaught from the visitors that saw VAR chalk off an Antoine Semenyo goal for a marginal offside, the hosts finally came alive. It was Diaz who did the job of settling a nervous Anfield, incisively scoring two goals inside a couple of minutes.

Enter Nunez. Out of the picture up to now under Arne Slot, the Uruguayan finally got his chance from the start and boy did he take it. The 25-year-old emphatically making it 3-0 after 37 minutes as he curled an unstoppable shot into the far corner after combining well with Mohamed Salah.

With the damage done in the first half, Liverpool concentrated on preserving their clean sheet to ensure they bagged the three points that takes them to the summit, if only for 24 hours.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Anfield…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Caoimhin Kelleher (8/10):

Big responsibility on his shoulders as he stepped in for the injured Alisson but he certainly didn't let the side down, making one big save to deny Semenyo when it was still 0-0 and then reacting quickly to prevent Alexander-Arnold scoring an own goal.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10):

Given license to get forward in the first half especially and was at his creative best as he found Diaz for the second goal. Gave away possession 21 times – more than anyone else on the pitch – but that won't concern him too much.

Ibrahima Konate (7/10):

Turned into prime Andrea Pirlo as his lofted ball over the top set Diaz free for the opener. Bournemouth's attack gave him plenty to think about over the 90 but he'll take the clean sheet and assist.

Virgil van Dijk (7/10):

Imperious in the air and made a couple of important interceptions as Bournemouth tried to find a way back into the game. Impressively completed all 45 of his attempted passes.

Andrew Robertson (6/10):

Not at his swashbuckling attacking best but was given a tough assignment up against the lively Semenyo and knew he couldn't gallop forward at will. He'll be pleased with the win and clean sheet.

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Ryan Gravenberch (6/10):

Struggled to contain Bournemouth's dangerous counter-attacks in the first half but improved in the second 45. Sloppy with his final pass at times but his driving runs forward consistently gave Liverpool forward momentum.

Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):

Spots passes that few others can see and it's that vision that saw him link up effectively with Salah on more than one occasion.

Dominik Szoboszlai (5/10):

Not his day. Blazed one presentable chance over the bar in the first half and the game bypassed him somewhat. Eventually taken off on the hour mark.

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Mohamed Salah (7/10):

It didn't quite happen for him in front of goal but he looked typically menacing whenever he received the ball on the right-hand side. Created a game-high six chances for his team-mates, including the assist for Nunez's belter.

Darwin Nunez (8/10):

Given the nod in attack – his first start of the season – and repaid his manager's faith with a stunning goal to put Liverpool 3-0 up. Withdrawn after 71 minutes but on this evidence, he'll get more chances to impress Slot.

Luis Diaz (9/10):

The man of the moment. Just when the nerves began to creep in around Anfield, Diaz showed supreme composure to net two quickfire goals and essentially put the game to bed. Denied his hat-trick as Slot decided to give him a rest after 71 minutes.

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Curtis Jones (6/10):

Added a calmness in possession when he came on after 60 minutes although probably should've scored when well-placed in the box.

Federico Chiesa (6/10):

Almost made an immediate impact with a half volley from distance that was saved by Kepa before he struck the post, only to be flagged for offside.

Cody Gakpo (6/10):

Put one on a plate for Jones only for the midfielder to fire wide via a deflection.

Arne Slot (8/10):

After the disappointment of losing at home to Nottingham Forest he'll be both relieved and delighted to follow it up with back-to-back wins. After a sloppy start his team got the job done, with his decision to bring in Nunez proving inspired.