Liverpool 1 Bournemouth 0 player ratings: Was Christian Benteke the star man at Anfield?

Belgian striker scored his first goal for the club

Vaishali Bhardwaj
Monday 17 August 2015 22:21 BST
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(Reuters)

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Christian Benteke scored his first goal for his new club to give Liverpool all three points against newly-promoted Bournemouth.

But the visitors will feel robbed after two major decisions went against them in the first half.

First they saw defender Tommy Elphick's header ruled out by referee Craig Dawson as the captain was judged to have fouled Liverpool centre-back Dejan Lovren - a decision that looked harsh.

Then for Benteke's goal the assistant referee failed to apply a new Premier League law that means a player is offside if he makes a movement towards the ball, even if he doesn't touch it.

Philippe Coutinho was yards offside when Jordan Henderson crossed and although the Brazilian missed it, Benteke was at the back post to finish.

Bournemouth played well and deserved a point, again going close with Matt Ritchie hitting the post.

Benteke also should have had a second late on when he shot into the ground and the ball cannoned back off the crossbar.

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