Liverpool are leading Bournemouth 1-0 at the break in their Premier League clash at Anfield, courtesy of Christian Benteke's strike.

The visitors had the ball in the back of the Reds' net after just five minutes played, but referee Craig Pawson disallowed the goal after claiming that Tommy Elphick, who headed home, had fouled Dejan Lovren in the build-up.

Liverpool continued to be under the cosh as Bournemouth pushed forward time and time again, Josh King connecting with a ball from a set piece on the quarter-hour mark and heading over the bar.

The home side slowly worked their way back into the game and came close in the 25th minute as Benteke snuffed out Matt Ritchie's miscued ball and fired over from 20 yards.

Just two minutes later Liverpool drew first blood, with Jordan Henderson's cross from the left wing flashing past Philippe Coutinho and into the path of Benteke, who duly poked the ball home from close range.

The Reds could have doubled their lead on the stroke of half time, but Coutinho dragged his left-footed effort wide of the Cherries post.