Arne Slot says Liverpool were lucky to come away from Bournemouth with a 2-0 win in the Premier League.
Mo Salah scored in either half to hand the Reds their third successive win in the top flight, but the Cherries created numerous chances during the game, only to be denied by Alisson Becker in net, the woodwork and the offside flag.
“It was the game we expected,” Slot told Sky Sports. “They are so intense, they keep running and keep fighting every second.
“I said before the game, we were 3-0 up at Anfield at half-time and they kept going. We had to play at the top of our abilities and needed luck to win this game.”
Arne Slot admits Liverpool ‘needed luck’ to beat Bournemouth
He added: “I meant they hit the bar or the post two times and they were constantly truing to force things. They had other chances as well and I don’t think we actually controlled the game. It was an open and even game which everyone has here, because all the teams struggle here.
“It’s a very good team and a very good manager. It was difficult for us as well and was good for us to score two goals.”
Salah’s first-half penalty was the 300th goal of his European club career, but his second-half strike was a typically wonderful finish from the Egyptian winger.
“The second goal was the difference between the two teams,” Slot said. “It wasn’t an easy or a simple chance, the way Salah scores is so calm.