Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola believes that Liverpool were award a “soft penalty” during Saturday’s Premier League clash at Anfield.
Dominik Szoboszlai was brought down in the box in the 35th minute, making the most of the contact made by Joe Rothwell’s dangling leg. Mo Salah failed to convert, but tapped home the rebound.
That goal gave the Reds the lead after going a goal down in the opening minutes of the game, and they went on to win 3-1 thanks to goals from Luiz Diaz and Diogo Jota.
“The penalty was too soft,” Iraola told Sky Sports. “The key was the third goal after they were playing with 10. We had chances to score a second but the third goal kept us out of the game.
“There was soft contact [for the penalty]. Overall it was a game where the ref had tough decisions. It was not an easy game, with some ‘orange’ cards, but he did quite good. In the end, there is contact but it is very, very soft.
“We had chances and could have scored more goals but you know at Anfield you are going to receive chances and concede. But the third goal was key.
“There are good things and things we need to improve. There were good performances, which is not always easy at Anfield. We need to keep improving.”
Bournemouth found the net inside the first two minutes of the game, but it was ruled offside. They didn’t have to wait long to find a legitimate goal, however, taking advantage of poor play from Liverpool to score through Semenyo.
Diaz levelled matters with a superb volley in the 27th minute, before Salah was handed the opportunity to give the hosts the lead when Dominik Szoboszlai was brought down in the box.
The Egyptian saw his initial effort saved by Neto, but tapped home the rebound. Jota capped off his impressive performance with a goal just minutes after MacAllister was given his marching orders.
