Christian Benteke sees off plucky Bournemouth

With adjustments made to the offside rule at the start of every season, it's hardly rocket science to predict that there would be at least one occasion in which the officials get it wrong. Christian Benteke put in a tremendous shift as his side collect all three points at Anfield. 

Bournemouth thought they had made a magical start when Tommy Elphick had headed them in front only for the referee to blow for a foul on Dejan Lovren. The south coast side had made the brighter start and looked as if they wanted to take the game to Liverpool. Callum Wilson had the beating of Lovren on several occasions but this tailed off towards the end of the half.

Front men Wilson and King persisted all night and were keen to stamp their mark on the game as where Gradel and Ritchie down the flanks. Bournemouth were getting men down the flanks to great effect and this seemed their most likely way to scoring a goal. 

Eventually Liverpool began to get a foothold in the game Phillipe Coutinho starting to get on the ball and dictate the play. Dropping into pockets of space, Bournemouth found it hard to get close to the Brazilian and he started to create chances. Liverpool were using their alternative route to Benteke well with the Belgian winning 7 out of his 9 aerial duels in the first half.

The deadlock was broken through the new man who pounced on a cross from Jordan Henderson to score his first goal for Liverpool. While the goal may have been awarded under controversial circumstances, it will be a great weight lifted from the Belgian's shoulders. Henderson went close minutes later, with a dipping shot from 30 yards that grazed the cross bar. As the first half progressed, Liverpool began to dominate more and more as Bournemouth dropped deeper and invite more pressure and were in need of a lucky break to boost their confidence. Coutinho had a glorious chance to double the home sides lead but he scuffed his shot wide. Bournemouth were unfortunate to be a goal down. 

At the start of the second half, Bournemouth had to be the first side to strike and, similar to the first half, they started the most lively. Not getting many shots on target in the first half, Howe had instructed his side to shoot more in an attempt to test Simon Mignolet in nets who had very little to do. Bournemouth continued to push for an equaliser and Matt Richie's half chance on the hour mark smashed the upright. A goal would give the visitors the confidence and switch the momentum. Bournemouth were creating chances through the middle with the midfielders overlapping.

70 minutes saw the introduction of Roberto Firmino to raucous applause as he made his Anfield debut. While Liverpool were somewhat comfortable, a second goal was required to drain Howe's men mentally. They had an excellent chance to do so on the counter when Benteke broke the line and found Coutinho but his poor first touch enabled Charlie Daniels to get the block in. 

Benteke caused problems for the Bournemouth centre back pairing all night long and nearly doubled his tally in the dying embers with his close range shot cannoning off bar. The Belgian's hold up play was exemplary and he could hardly have started his home debut in better fashion.

Eddie Howe can take many positives from tonight and look to build on them as they look to secure their Premier League status for next season. It was a professional, but not flashy performance from The Reds. Christian Benteke's performance is a major plus, but there are improvements needed to be made in defence.