On days like this, title challenges are prone to being blown off course. With the wind blowing in all directions, the rain dropping at an oblique angle, and a storm on the horizon, Liverpool would have no trouble finding reasons if they wanted them.The fact that Bournemouth had a strong squad, the reduced roster, and the absence of numerous important players all contributed to Jurgen Klopp’s team’s difficulties in the first 45 minutes of play.At the end, four goals made it seem easier than it was; in the first half, they had to persevere through trying times and maintain composure, but in the second half, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota each scored two goals to help them pull away.Nunez loves Dorset like crazy. Back in November, during a night when Storm Ciaran pummeled the south coast, the Uruguayan international struck an incredible goal to win a Carabao Cup match at Vitality Stadium.Here, with Storm Isha approaching, Nune scored the vital first and fourth goals to help his team pull five points clear of Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Diogo Jota scored twice as Liverpool ran riot on the south coast to defeat Bournemouth 4-0

Darwin Nunez (left) also scored a brace as Liverpool stretched their lead to five points

It was a bruising evening for Bournemouth, but they know they have winnable games ahead

Liverpool look the biggest threat to Manchester City retaining their Premier League crown

Nunez set Liverpool on their way by slotting in, firing back at home fans who had taunted him

At the end, to applause from the away end, Klopp pumped his fists in celebration, showing no signs of hiding his satisfaction. Nothing pleases managers more than when morality exams are passed.

Liverpool will then return to the cup competitions, playing an FA Cup match at home against Norwich on Sunday and the second leg of a Carabao Cup semi-final at Fulham on Wednesday.

With seven victories in their previous nine games heading into the match, Bournemouth got out to a strong start, applying pressure to the visitors and drawing several corners.

Even though Andoni Iraola’s squad scored again right before the break, Liverpool had the upper hand overall because to Alexis Mac Allister’s brilliant play in midfield.

The challenge was breaking through to open up definite opportunities. Midway through the first half, Mac Allister fizzed one attempt wide from 25 yards out, then Nunez and Diaz cut in from the sides and tried speculative shots from similar distances, but Neto made easy stops.

The main talking point of the first half was Justin Kluivert’s high tackle on Diaz. It didn’t seem particularly out of place in the middle of a tough match, but Diaz stayed down, rolled around, and shook his fingers until the game came to an end.

As expected, it appeared even worse in slow motion, but Kluivert managed to get away with it without drawing a card. Recalling Curtis Jones’s red card for a similar challenge in the first half at Tottenham in September, Klopp could not help but speak up in the fourth official Graham Scott’s ear.

On that particular day, Liverpool was down to nine men as Jota was also sent off, and they were defeated. They have only lost once so far this Premier League season.

Klopp hardly has the luxury of losing any more players. At this point, no team is free from injuries and absences due to foreign duty. Iraola is entitled to the same. Despite this, Liverpool is without two of their most important players: Trent Alexander-Arnold (hamstring injury) and Mo Salah (away at the Africa Cup of Nations).

On his Premier League debut, Conor Bradley made an impression as the right defender. After the break, as the visitors played with more purpose, Bradley played more daringly than he had in the first half.

It was all smiles for Jurgen Klopp as everything seemed to go right for his side on Sunday

There was fury in the Liverpool camp in the first half following a nasty challenge on Luis Diaz

Klopp sought an explanation after Justin Kluivert avoided being sent off by the match officials

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola had his own gripes during the match as his side faltered