Bournemouth stuns Liverpool with manic 3-goal comeback in second half

Liverpool's title challenge suffered an unexpected setback as the Reds squandered a 3-1 lead to lose 4-3 at Bournemouth on an astonishing day the south coast club will never forget.

Jurgen Klopp's side missed out on a chance to go second in the Premier League and instead remains four points behind leader Chelsea after an incredible meltdown in the last 14 minutes at Dean Court.

It was also a day when the romance and passion of English football was at its very best.

Bournemouth, playing in the fourth tier of English football as recently as six years ago, had never beaten Liverpool in nine previous meetings in all competitions dating back to 1927; in fact you have to rewind to 1968 to even find a draw.

But after excellent goals from Sadio Mane, Divock Origi and Emre Can appeared to put Klopp's team in control, Bournemouth produced a stunning, high octane comeback culminating in a stoppage-time winner for Nathan Ake.

It was all inspired by a match-winning performance from 22-year-old substitute Ryan Fraser, who only came on because of an injury to teammate Junior Stanislas in the second half with his team trailing 2-0.

The Scottish winger won a penalty with his first touch, scored Bournemouth's second at 3-1 and set up the equaliser for Steve Cook as the game was turned on its head.

Liverpool fans might have feared their club's challenge to win a first league title in 27 years could be derailed by news that star man Philippe Coutinho will be missing for up to six weeks with an ankle injury suffered against Sunderland eight days ago.

But instead it was the defence, with Lucas Leiva used as an emergency centre-back because of an injury to Joel Matip, that proved the problem and highlighted weaknesses in Klopp's squad.

Klopp has spoken recently about the need to add players in January, particularly since Coutinho's injury, and it may be at the back where he needs most help.