5 Things we learnt as Liverpool dominate Bournemouth to go top of the league

As we continue to progress through the hectic festive period, Klopp's Liverpool faced a long trip to the south coast to face Eddie Howe's Bournemouth in the early kick off on Saturday. Bournemouth ended their 4 game losing streak with a lucky 2-1 win over Huddersfield and Liverpool continued their unbeaten run with a 3-1 comeback win over Burnley last time out. Liverpool dominated the game at the Vitality and ran out 4-0 winners. Here are 5 things we learnt from Liverpool's emphatic victory.

#5 James Milner can play anywhere and will continue to do so

AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool FC - Premier League

Milner played out of his usual position on Saturday, being deployed as a right back. This was due to Gomez getting injured in the win v Burnley and Klopp wanting to rest Arnold for the critical Champions League game on Tuesday night v Napoli.

He was rather comfortable in this position and looked as though he had played it for years. The 32 year old wasn't faced with playing in the position and wasn't really troubled by Junior Stanislas on the wing. Milner has played as a full back before under Klopp but on the opposite flank. This was before the signing of current left back Andy Robertson.

Being able to play in every position isn't usually regarded as a good thing as players would normally want to occupy one position rather than be a utility player. Milner isn't exactly a utility player in Klopp's side as he predominantly plays as a central midfielder, but when he is called upon to play another position the Yorkshireman makes the position his own and looks a natural wherever he plays.

This emphatic victory against Bournemouth was Milner's 500th appearance in the Premier League. This meant he became the 13th player ever since the league started to achieve this milestone. Mo Salah gave up his man of the match award to give it to Milner as a celebration for his long and successful career.

#4 Bournemouth score spectacular own goals

Steve Cook helped Liverpool in the 4-0 victory after turning in the 3rd past Begovic into his own net. Bournemouth's resident centre back put the ball into his net, accidentally, with a fancy flick after Andy Robertson fizzed in a cross from the left flank.

This isn't the first time this season that a spectacular own goal this season has helped Bournemouth's oponents to victory. Just 2 weeks ago, the same thing happened but against fellow top six opponents Arsenal.

Summer signing, Jefferson Lerma, accidentally thrashed the ball into his own net past Begovic to put Arsenal 1-0 up. The Colombian tried to intercept a pass but instead by lunging in fired it into his own net from long range. This goal helped Arsenal win the game 2-1 after Aubameyang scored the winner.

This will be something that Howe will want to eradicate for the future because it could cost them vital points in games like it did against Arsenal

#3 Joel Matip is a good backup to call upon

Burnley FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League

Liverpool are having some injury problems at the back after Joe Gomez's leg fracture he sustained against Burnley and, Dejan Lovren currently being out with a concussion. This means that Klopp's only fit first team centre backs are Joel Matip and Virgil Van Dijk.

Matip is never normally a starter at the club and is regarded by fans as the club's fourth choice centre back. Even though he's regarded as 4th choice his performances against Burnley and Bournemouth didn't look like someone who was regarded as such.

He has been solid in these two games and has been in previous games. His aerial presence has been excellent and hasn't looked shaky with the ball at his feet like he has done in years gone by. The Cameroon international was also excellent defensively and was rarely beaten.

Also whilst it isn't what is expected of him Matip has also looked excellent when going forward. He's already scored this season, from a corner, against Southampton and he looks great when stepping out of defence into midfield looking to start attacks.

Playing with Van Dijk will help, but his quality looks to have improved since he arrived and looks an excellent 4th choice centre back for Liverpool to rely on.

#2 Liverpool are real contenders to City's crown

Liverpool's victory put them on top of the Premier League for a few hours at least as City played Chelsea in a later fixture. City lost 2-0 at Stamford Bridge which left Liverpool fans overjoyed as they now sit on top after 16 games.

Lots of pundits and journalists in the media have dismissed the fact that there is a title race saying, they just can't see City not winning the league because of their quality. Even though this is being talked about City aren't even top of the league and Liverpool have been within touching distance whilst they were on top.

Liverpool's front three are still scoring goals and this is the stage where last season they kicked on and blew teams away. This is contributing to their unbeaten run but also it's down to their new improved defence. Alisson and Van Dijk's signings looked to have revolutionised Klopp's defence with them only conceding 6 goals and managing 10 clean sheets in the league thus far.

City's quality is obvious with the way that they won the league last year, and the ability that they possess within their squad. Yet anyone who says Liverpool don't have a chance should reconsider as they have looked like competent challengers so far.

#1 Mohamed Salah is the worst one season wonder ever

Salah had a terrific season last year breaking the 38 game goals scored total, scoring 32 goals. After a slow start this season, rival fans brandished the Egyptian as another one season wonder.

He has now seemed to silence his critics, after scoring 7 goals before this game and finding himself high on the goalscoring charts. Salah silenced his critics even further this weekend after netting an impressive hat-trick against Bournemouth.

This 3 goal haul against the Cherries sees him leap to the top of the goal scoring charts where he is now tied with Arsenal's Aubameyang. Salah now has 12 goals in total in all competitions after scoring a brace against Red Star in the Champions League. He also has 4 assists in the league.

Anyone who has 12 goals and 4 assists at this stage of the season is usually regarded to be having a good season. His good season so far has shown he's definitely not a one season wonder.

Edited by Pratyay Ghosh