Liverpool’s 15-game unbeaten run came an end at the Vitality Stadium as Bournemouth ran out 4-3 winners in a thrilling encounter.

Goals from Sadio Mane and Divock Origi saw the Reds to a comfortable 2-0 lead after a dominant first half display.

A Callum Wilson penalty handed the home side a lifeline before Emre Can restored Liverpool’s lead to 3-1 and what looked like victory.

However, two goals inside two minutes from Ryan Fraser and Steve Cook, and then a 93rd minute winner from defender Nathan Ake saw Eddie Howe’s side claim all three points and their first ever win over a top four side.

It denied Jurgen Klopp’s side the chance to move back up to second in the Premier League table and left them four points behind leaders Chelsea.

Here are the key talking points from the South Coast…

Defence will frustrate Klopp

 

With 18 goals now conceded in 14 games, Liverpool’s defence continues to be the worst of the current top four.

After going completely untested in the first half they somehow contrived to throw this game away with a disastrous defensive display in the second half that will have Klopp tearing his hair out.

The German was visibly angry on the touchline and will be seriously questioning the manner in which his defence collapsed after Callum Wilson’s penalty.

It was a shocking performance and the Liverpool manager will be gravely concerned by the manner in which his players capitulated once they were put under pressure.

An even bigger issue may be the Reds lack of options at centre back. With Joel Matip out, Lucas Leiva was handed a place alongside Dejan Lovren but failed to impress.

Liverpool may need to look for defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window lest long-term injuries hit either Lovren or Matip.

Karius still yet to impress

 

Much was made when Loris Karius was brought in to replace Simon Mignolet in the summer transfer window.

After missing out at the beginning of the campaign he is now firmly the number one but he is yet to prove it is a deserved position.

This game will have done little to convince that he is the long-term answer to Anfield’s goalkeeping issues.

Questions can be raised about Ryan Fraser’s goal, which the German failed to get close to, while his fumble in the dying minutes handed Nathan Ake the chance to bag the winner.

It is a big problem and while the defence continues to come under scrutiny, so must Karius.

Firmino can’t replace Coutinho

 

Finding a replacement for Philippe Coutinho on the left hand side of Liverpool’s attack was always going to be difficult for Jurgen Klopp.

Roberto Firmino was handed the job in this game but the forward failed to prove a suitable stand-in.

He played a peripheral role and was kept quiet by full back Adam Smith while his fellow forwards got themselves on the score sheet.

It was a disappointing display and evoked memories of his struggles playing on the right wing earlier in his Liverpool career.

They would be wise to explore other ways to replace their star man during his absence over the busy Christmas period.

Reds take Route One to success

 

Liverpool have earned rave reviews for their style under Klopp, with their pressing and attacking prowess taking the headlines.

What is rarely discussed however is their ability to change things up. His players are not afraid to go long and it proved effective for them in parts of this game.

Both Sadio Mane’s opener and Divock Origi’s second came after sumptuous long balls from Emre Can and Jordan Henderson split open the Cherries’ defence.

The footballing purists often look down their noses on long balls but they can be effective when used right and Liverpool’s ability to adapt deserves more recognition than it deserves.