'A genius at work' - the media on Mo Salah's treble

The No.11 netted three excellent goals as Jürgen Klopp's charges took top spot in the Premier League by one point.

Here is what the media made of the display at Vitality Stadium…

James Pearce, Liverpool Echo

There was a genius at work on the south coast. Salah walked away with the matchball tucked under his arm and applause from both sets of supporters ringing in his ears. 'Liverpool top of the league,' crowed the ecstatic travelling Kop. They were put there courtesy of a stunning masterclass from their Egyptian King. The greatest start to a season in the Reds' illustrious history just hit new heights. Having battled and scrapped for precious wins over Everton and Burnley, they enjoyed a very different kind of triumph at the Vitality Stadium. This was Liverpool's most complete performance of the season so far. This was a booming statement of intent in the Premier League title race. The message sent to Manchester City was loud and clear: Liverpool are going nowhere. Klopp's side didn't just beat Bournemouth, they absolutely demolished them. The balance of the side was perfect. Defensively rock solid, creative and controlling in midfield and potent up top. Here was real quality mixed with a steely work ethic. There was perspiration and inspiration in equal measure. Hat-trick hero Salah was a joy to watch. The Cherries were tormented by his pace, grace, intelligence, serenity and lethal finishing touch. His show of class extended beyond the final whistle when he refused to accept the man of the match award and gave it to James Milner instead to mark the vice-captain's 500th Premier League appearance. It took Salah time to get up to speed this season after a torrid few months with the agony of the shoulder injury he suffered in the Champions League final and then the stresses and strains of the World Cup. But now the shackles have well and truly come off.

David Lynch, Evening Standard

Restored to the starting line-up after missing out at Burnley, Fabinho produced his most complete performance for Liverpool since a summer move from AS Monaco. The Brazilian was first to every loose ball, preventing Bournemouth building rhythm or occupying those dangerous pockets of space in front of the back four. He also used possession intelligently, showing a composure that the Reds can occasionally lack from their usual all-action midfield selections. It feels like it has been coming for a while, but Fabinho is surely ready to command a starting role in even the biggest of games now. Salah netted his eighth, ninth and 10th goals of the new Premier League season to put himself back in the hunt for a second consecutive golden boot. The Egyptian is now level with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the top of the standings, despite having endured - we were told - a slow start to the campaign. He is also ahead of Harry Kane (nine), Sergio Aguero (eight) and Eden Hazard (seven), players whose output this term hasn’t faced such scrutiny. Surely there can be no doubting Salah’s world-class credentials now.

Neil Jones, Goal.com

Salah was up to his old tricks at Bournemouth, his hat-trick firing Liverpool to a 4-0 win at the Vitality Stadium. As individual performances go, this was something special. It sent his side top of the league. He’s struggling apparently, Salah. Not happy, not at his best, sinking amid the ridiculous standards he set for himself last season. He scores important goals, too. Seven of Salah’s league strikes have been the first goal of the game. When Liverpool need him to open a contest up, he does it. A priceless asset for any side; for one chasing the Premier League, it could make all the difference. If his first goal was about instinct, his second and third were about sheer quality and single-mindedness. The old Salah, you could say. But it depends if you think he ever went away.

Ian Winrow, Independent

The task confronting Liverpool as they attempt to overhaul Manchester City may appear daunting, but with Salah in the side, anything seems possible. So often a game-changer last season, the Egyptian so far has struggled to match those outstanding levels. His hat-trick at the Vitality Stadium, however, offered clear evidence he is back to his best. Klopp and his players know there is little margin for error if they are to keep pace with Pep Guardiola’s City side. But handed the chance to go top ahead of City’s meeting with Chelsea, they took full advantage with a controlled display against Bournemouth that was illuminated by Salah’s brilliance.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.