Iraola Wins on Bournemouth Return as Isak Lifts Liverpool

Andoni Iraola marked his return to Bournemouth with a victory as Liverpool edged the Cherries 1–0 at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday. The former Bournemouth manager returned to his old club for the first time since taking charge of Liverpool, but it was his current side that claimed all three points after Alexander Isak scored the decisive goal. The match remained goalless for much of the afternoon, with Bournemouth creating some of the better chances in the opening half. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson produced an important save to deny Evanilson, while Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic also kept his side in the contest. Liverpool finally broke the deadlock in the 57th minute. Cody Gakpo's delivery from the right found Isak inside the penalty area, and the Swedish striker finished to give the visitors the lead. It was Isak's fourth Premier League goal of the season, already surpassing his league tally from the entirety of his first season at Liverpool. Bournemouth pushed for an equaliser but could not find a way past Alisson and the Liverpool defence. The victory extended Liverpool's unbeaten start to the season across all competitions to seven matches and moved them into the Premier League's top six heading into the international break. For Iraola, the result made his emotional return to Bournemouth a winning one, while his former club remained without a Premier League victory under manager Marco Rose. Source/Verification: Sky Sports, Reuters and The Guardian, reporting on Bournemouth 0–1 Liverpool on September 20, 2026.