Mohamed Salah became the first African to score 30 goals in a Premier League season after scoring in Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday at Anfield, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

Liverpool came into the game full of confidence after securing their progression into the Champions League semi-finals with a victory over Manchester City. Bournemouth, on the other hand, look to be clear of relegation but would still be determined as ever under Eddie Howe.

Liverpool started the game with real intent and it took them only seven minutes to break the deadlock. Jordan Henderson’s cross found Sadio Mane in the box unmarked. The Senegalese international’s header was saved by Asmir Begovic, but the keeper could do nothing about the rebound as Mane picked himself up to tap home.

It was all Liverpool as the Cherries were simply looking to stay in the game. Salah was looking in the mood as he went close on a couple of occasions and looked hungry for yet another landmark goal.

Jurgen Klopp’s men were 1-0 up at half-time and would certainly be in search for more goals in the second stanza.

The tempo in the second half didn’t quite match that of the first. Liverpool were holding on to possession and not driving forward with the same intent. But star man Salah then stepped up to make the difference. Trent Alexander-Arnold whipped in an inch-perfect cross which found the Egyptian, who managed to lob his header over Begovic. In the process, he became the first African player to score 30 goals in a Premier League season.

Klopp’s team then added another just before the end. After a flowing move, the ball was played to Roberto Firmino, who placed his shot into the bottom corner.

The final score stands 3-0 and any suggestions that Liverpool would take their foot off the gas in the Premier League were firmly squashed.

Photo: Anthony Devlin/Backpagepix