Anfield, spring sunshine and a Liverpool team flourishing on the back of progressing to the Champions League semi-finals – an early goal against Bournemouth never loomed as a surprise.
Sadio Mane was at hand to gift the Reds an early lead on Saturday to cap off the hosts’ dominant start to their latest obstacle on the path to a top four Premier League finish.
The forward was picked out expertly by Jordan Henderson after producing a clever run across his marker towards the centre of the penalty area.
Having seen his glanced header initially saved by Asmir Begovic, Mane pounced on the rebound to make certain of the opener at the second time of asking.
His goal arrived shortly after a superb early chance for Sadio Mane, who uncharacteristically directed the ball wide after running onto Trent Alexander-Arnold’s superb cross form the right-hand side.
Mane’s goal marked his 17th of the season to reaffirm his most productive campaign for the club yet.