Andoni Iraola takes more positives than negatives into the international break as Alexander Isak finally shows his sharpness in hard-fought 1-0 victory... but there is still plenty to fix, writes LEWIS STEELE

Andoni Iraola toasted to a happy homecoming – and then prepared to jet off on his holidays knowing his work-in-progress Liverpool side are heading in the right direction, slowly but surely.

It would be wrong to say the Reds’ victory at Iraola’s old stomping ground Bournemouth was thoroughly deserved or even convincing but as the new boss takes stock over the international break, he will have more positives than negatives to evaluate.

Match-winner Alexander Isak is finally showing the sharpness and attacking efficiency the Anfield top brass thought they were paying £125million for a year or so ago, while other new signings are settling and previous sub-par performers look back to their best.

It was Isak’s second-half strike that helped Liverpool on their way to their second league victory of the new era and ensured the three-week break from Premier League can be enjoyed knowing they are still unbeaten.

This was not the perfect afternoon by any stretch and the result probably glosses over the fact that, like last Saturday’s goalless draw with Fulham, Iraola’s side did demonstrate several frailties and areas to improve.

But given the limited pre-season owing to the World Cup and late returns to camp, the new boss is needing to learn on the job and righting the wrongs of last season is akin to fixing a plane while it is airborne.

Match-winner Alexander Isak is finally showing the sharpness and attacking efficiency the Anfield top brass thought they were paying £125million for a year or so ago

It was Isak’s second-half strike that helped Liverpool on their way to their second league victory of the new era and ensured the three-week break from Premier League can be enjoyed

The win, therefore, makes the three-week break between this fixture and a home clash against league leaders Manchester City all the more relaxing for Iraola and Co.

This was a banana skin for Liverpool, who at times were sluggish and the front four – especially Florian Wirtz and new signing Bradley Barcola – flattered to deceive. But they came through unscathed and Bournemouth, perhaps in a European hangover, never severely threatened.

This game was not a pinch-me moment in the same way that midweek trip to San Sebastian – and win in Europe over Real Sociedad – was for the Cherries fans but it still was a day to remember as Iraola, the man who took them to the continental stage, returned.

Telling a Bournemouth supporter that their manager would one day be poached by Liverpool might have prompted the same disbelief as informing them they would be playing in European competition, and Iraola deserves acclaim for their journey as much as anyone.

The Basque boss created a monster down here on the south coast, one that had lost just two matches in 2026 – to Arsenal and Manchester City – before this match. And it was those energetic, resilient traits that plagued his new team in the first half.

Just like in Iraola’s three years here, Bournemouth strangled their opposition and allowed them barely a second of peace on the ball. They were dangerous going the other way and Liverpool looked vulnerable in the opening stages.

Iraola created a monster down here on the south coast, one that had lost just two matches in 2026 – to Arsenal and Manchester City – before this match

Iraola’s return to his old stomping ground was an apt opportunity to make a true evaluation of his new team and how much they had improved so far this season

Evanilson had the best chance when a zapping one-touch team move culminated in Marcus Tavernier squaring for his Brazilian striker, who unleashed an audacious flick only to be denied by a smart, reflex stop by compatriot Alisson.

Iraola’s return to his old digs was an apt opportunity to make a true evaluation of his new team and how much they had improved so far this season. In the early stages, however, they put in the sort of performance we became accustomed to last year.

Like Arne Slot’s second season, Liverpool were lacking in ideas going forward and appeared to be lethargic, lacking the verve and intensity Iraola craves. If not for some canny defending by the imperious new boy Jeremy Jacquet, they might have fallen behind.

Indeed, Bournemouth’s energy and impetus belied the fact they had played in the Basque country less than 72 hours earlier. All the excitement Liverpool showed in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday – with ten chances and a few academy kids starring – was gone.

Saying that, Alisson was never severely threatened other than Evanilson’s early chance. Ryan Christie had two chances at the start of the second half but fluffed his lines on both counts, unable to wrap his boot round one to find the correct angle, then pulling another wide.

Marco Rose might have felt the happier manager for the majority of the first hour but his team never capitalised on the lethargic mood of his predecessor’s team. Soon, Rose’s Cherries were punished as Isak opened the scoring after 57 minutes.

The goal came after fine work from Cody Gakpo on the left flank, the Dutchman eventually finding Isak who needed no second invitation to pull the trigger and put his side ahead, firing hard and low past Djordje Petrovic.

It was the sort of goal all forwards need. A quiet day at the office had preceded it but when the chance fell to Isak, he did not hesitate in taking it. The Swede could have had a couple more in the ten minutes that followed but was thwarted by strong defending.

Gakpo deserves praise, too, and has been Liverpool’s most-improved player year on year. The Dutchman has seven goal involvements in his first six games this season and is currently the first forward Iraola will sketch on to his team-sheets.

In the end, Liverpool held on for a well-fought victory and their fans could enjoy their day on the sunny south coast. The three-week break will feel all the sweeter for Iraola, too, who marked his return to Bournemouth with three points.