After a significantly better second half at the Vitality stadium from Andoni Iraola's side, Liverpool mustered to a 1-0 win over Bournemouth thanks to a 57th minute goal from Alexander Isak and another impressive showing from Jeremy Jacquet. It was Dutchman Cody Gakpo that really seemed to take the match by the scruff of the neck and he created the chance for Isak's fourth Premier League goal of the season.
The win handed Andoni Iraola's men their second clean sheet of the season and a much-needed boost heading into the international break for a team that still has too many heavy hitters underperforming as of yet. Florian Wirtz looked out of sync with the rest of the attack, Bradley Barcola was kept relatively quiet, and Isak didn't really seem to come to life until his goal in the second half.
Likewise, Alexis Mac Allister seemed to play far better in the second half than he did in the first as he's had a handful of positive moments ever since he made remarks about wanting a new contract.
Quality In Defense
For anything Liverpool's lacked in attack so far this season, there have been positive signs in their defense. Both Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jacquet have been bright for the Reds after joining the club in the summer, especially considering most of the weight of expectation has been heaped on the attacking players Liverpool brought in.
Quite arguably, Jacquet has been Liverpool's most consistent performer all season thus far and he put forth another solid, well-rounded shift at the Vitality stadium. In the 1-0 win, the French defender made three successful tackles, two key clearances, two interceptions.
On the offensive side of the ball, he contributed with 59 successful passes, boasting a passing accuracy of 88% (via WhoScored). While those statistics don't exactly light the world on fire, it's indicative of yet another sound performance from a defender that's been a stalwart in Iraola's backline so far this season.
Jacquet also earned the Player of the Match award the Bournemouth win:
Drawing Comparisons To Arsenal Duo
With his performances so far for Liverpool and his standout displays for Rennes in Ligue 1, Jacquet has drawn comparisons to the Arsenal duo of William Saliba and Gabriel.
"His playing style draws comparisons to Arsenal pair William Saliba and Gabriel, as he is aggressive, proactive, and unafraid to push high up the pitch to challenge attackers. He consistently records high tackle and interception numbers per 90 minutes, reflecting his defensive intensity and anticipation," The Standard had written back in February after Liverpool signed the defender in the January transfer window for the summer move.
While he's his own type of defender alongside Virgil van Dijk, the comparisons to the Gunners pairing make sense, though Mikel Arteta has had to make do with a combination of Ezri Konsa and Cristhian Mosquera alongside Gabriel this season due to Saliba's injury.
Liverpool Fans Have Their Say On Jacquet
It's safe to say that Liverpool fans have taken notice of Jacquet so far, too. The majority of them have had nothing but positive things to say about their new defender that's seemingly shown no signs of adapting to life in the Premier League having come from Ligue 1.
One fan was full of praise for his performance against Bournemouth: "Jacquet is absolutely class."
Another made a bold claim: "Is it too early to say Jacquet might be our best signing since [Mohamed' Salah?"
One supporter thinks he's already rivalling the likes of Saliba and Gabriel: "Jacquet is a joke of a player. Just walked in and became the league's best centre back after barely kicking a ball for six months."
All things considered, it is especially impressive that Jacquet has come into the Liverpool side and looked as solid as he has considering the 21-year-old was out with a shoulder injury most of the second half of last season for Rennes. He signed for the Merseyside outfit shortly before sustaining the shoulder issue but has not looked a player that had a considerable spell on the sidelines through injury.
