Liverpool defeated Bournemouth at Anfield to claim their first victory of the 2022–23 Premier League season, extending their unbeaten home record against the Cherries.
Alexis Mac Allister, a summer addition for the Reds, was sent off for a foul on Ryan Christie on the edge of the Bournemouth box by referee Thomas Bramall in a contest full of amateurish errors and questionable calls from the officials.
The Argentinian reacted with incredulity when he saw Bramall – who was taking charge of a Premier League giant for the first time in his career in just his ninth top-flight game – produce the red card and manager Jurgen Klopp was similarly disbelieving, suggesting the incident was “lacking everything for a red card”.
A successful appeal would yet see former Brighton star Mac Allister reprieved, but here are the games he is expected to miss should Liverpool’s protestations go unheard.
Liverpool opened their campaign with a draw at Chelsea and face another trip to a Champions League qualification rival when they visit Newcastle at the end of August.
The Magpies produced arguably the best performance of the opening weekend when they overwhelmed Aston Villa to win 5-1 at St James’ Park, with Alexander Isak scoring twice alongside efforts from Sandro Tonali, Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes.
However, they were beaten by reigning champions Manchester City 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium in their most recent outing, showing there is still weakness for Klopp and Liverpool to target without Mac Allister.
The Reds will be back at home in early September when they host Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, whose previously mentioned defeat at Newcastle was the poorest start made by any Premier League team.
Centre-backs Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres and Diego Carlos all saw strikes sail past Emiliano Martinez in an uncharacteristically shaky performance from the Villans, who qualified for the Europa Conference League last season thanks in part to a strong defensive core.
Liverpool have the attacking weapons to exploit such defending if the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz are allowed the time and space to waltz around Anfield.
September’s international break means Mac Allister’s ban is expected to drift into the middle of that month, when the Reds travel to Wolves.
New Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil has picked up two defeats of contrasting nature – denied a penalty in stoppage time at Manchester United before being trounced at home by Brighton – since replacing Julen Lopetegui but did beat Klopp as Bournemouth boss last season.
Liverpool’s clinical display against the Cherries showed they have the ruthless edge needed to win regularly, but Wolves created chance after chance in defeat to Brighton and could easily have reduced the 4-1 scoreline with some more thoughtful defending.
