Liverpool F.C.'s defensive solidity is now their foundation, delivering a third straight Premier League clean sheet in a 1-0 win at Bournemouth. The result, secured by Alexander Isak's 57th-minute strike, extends an unbeaten start under manager Andoni Iraola and marks the first time the club has kept three consecutive league shutouts since September 2024.

Alisson was called into action early to deny Evanilson, a moment that proved vital as Liverpool initially struggled for control. The team improved markedly after the interval, with Iraola stating they deserved the victory. "The more times they play together, the more solid the defensive line becomes," the manager said, highlighting the growing understanding between Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo and Milos Kerkez.

Defensive foundations firm

That cohesion is showing in the numbers. Across the three clean-sheet victories, Liverpool did not concede more than 0.76 expected goals in any single match. This defensive tightening has been central to Iraola's historic beginning; he is the first Liverpool manager to remain unbeaten in his first five league games since Joe Fagan in 1983. The team is now unbeaten in all competitions this season, a run that includes wins in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

Key to this has been the immediate impact of 21-year-old defender Jeremy Jacquet. The £60m signing from Rennes has started every Premier League game and his performances have earned a first call-up to the France squad under Zinedine Zidane. While the costly front three continue to deliver-Isak leads the team with three goals this season-the defensive unit's reliability is the new story.

Season context

Liverpool currently sit sixth in the Premier League with nine points from five games, a record of two wins and three draws. They are six points behind leaders Manchester City, whom they host next at Anfield. This solid platform, built from the back, provides a base for the attacking talent to flourish, as seen in the recent 3-1 win over Tottenham where Cody Gakpo was particularly impressive.

The next challenge is the most significant yet: a home clash with Manchester City on 11 October 2026. That match will test Liverpool's defensive resolve against the league's top attack, with the full standings showing the gap Iraola's side aims to close. After his post-match news conference, the manager spent time talking about San Sebastian with local journalists, a brief moment of reflection before the focus turns fully to the champions.

First reported at BBC Sport Football

Jamie Carragher criticised Florian Wirtz's performance in the 1-0 win at Bournemouth. The pundit said, "That was one of the poorest I've ever seen him in a Liverpool shirt." Manager Andoni Iraola offered a different view, stating Wirtz improved in the second half and helped the team. Germany manager Jurgen Klopp, who will work with Wirtz during the international break, urged for patience, saying the team must be satisfied with performances even without goals or assists. Liverpool, sixth with nine points, next face leaders Manchester City.

Jamie Carragher has proposed two potential transfer reunions for manager Andoni Iraola. The pundit suggested on Sky Sports that Liverpool could target Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Rayan, players who thrived under Iraola. "I think he's a wonderful player," Carragher said of Scott. Liverpool, sixth with nine points, have scored seven goals this season. Alan Shearer also sent a message to Bradley Barcola, predicting the £123m signing will become a fan favourite. "In terms of excitement and getting people off their seat, he'll do that in abundance," Shearer said.