NOVPUBThe crisp December morning air carried the promise of another thrilling Premier League clash as the clock struck 5:30 AM at Liverpool's Melwood training ground.
The players, bundled in tracksuits and jackets, boarded the team bus with quiet anticipation. The early kick-off against Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium loomed, and though the hour was ungodly, the mood was electric.
Liverpool sat atop the Premier League table, unbeaten in 15 games, and the squad brimmed with belief.
Zachary Bemba, fresh from his Ballon d'Or triumph and rested after sitting out the Burnley match, was among the first to board.
His headphones rested lightly around his neck, but he wasn't listening to music—his thoughts were fixed on the game ahead. His mind visualized the pitch, the runs he would make, the passes he would deliver, and the goals he would score.
The bus soon departed Melwood under the still-dark sky, rolling through the quiet streets of Liverpool as the players settled in for the long journey to England's southern coast.
The journey to Bournemouth stretched for hours, cutting through England's wintry countryside as the first rays of sunlight illuminated frost-tipped fields.
Then, by 10:30 AM, the team arrived at the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel, perched above the coastline with stunning views of the English Channel.
The players quickly filed inside, greeted by staff who ushered them to a private dining room.
A light but energizing meal awaited—grilled chicken, whole grains, and an assortment of fruits and juices.
Zachary ate methodically, his mind already running through scenarios he had envisioned on the bus: threading passes through tight defensive lines, carving out space for a shot, or finishing with precision.
After the meal, the players were given an hour to rest and refresh. Zachary used the time to stretch and mentally center himself, visualizing the game's opening moments.
At precisely 11:45 AM, the team reconvened in the lobby. Their mood had shifted from relaxed banter to laser-focused determination.
Boarding the bus once more, they headed to the Vitality Stadium, where a growing crowd had already begun to fill the compact venue. Though its 11,000-seat capacity was modest compared to Anfield's grandeur, the energy was palpable. Home and away fans alike were in full voice, their chants creating an electric atmosphere.
As the Liverpool players stepped off the bus, the cheers of traveling supporters greeted them. Zachary offered a brief wave, acknowledging the fans before heading inside.
The dressing room buzzed with quiet energy as the players prepared. Klopp's tactical instructions came sharp and fast, his voice steady and emphatic.
"We play our way," Klopp said, pacing the room to end his talk. "High press, quick passes, and finish every chance. This isn't just about winning—it's about showing why we're top of the table."
The warm-up on the pitch was brisk and dynamic, with Klopp and his staff monitoring every movement.
Zachary's touches were crisp, his runs precise. He felt sharp, ready to channel the energy coursing through him.
The pre-match procedures passed one after the other, and as the clock ticked closer to 12:30 PM, the players lined up in the tunnel. Zachary's heart pounded in rhythm with the chants of the away fans, the roar growing louder as the teams stepped onto the pitch.
The opening whistle then sounded, signaling an immediate statement of intent from Liverpool. The Reds pressed high, their movements synchronized as they disrupted Bournemouth's attempts to settle into the game.
Zachary, playing in his attacking midfield role, orchestrated the tempo. Within minutes, his quick feet and sharp passing had already drawn fouls, forcing Bournemouth onto the back foot.
In the 11th minute, Liverpool won a free kick just outside the box after Sadio Mané was brought down while driving toward goal. The position was perfect for Zachary, who stepped forward as the designated taker.
The Vitality Stadium hushed momentarily as he placed the ball, his breath visible in the cool air. He took three measured steps back, his eyes scanning the wall and the keeper's position.
As the referee's whistle blew, Zachary struck the ball cleanly, curling it over the wall and into the top left corner. The net rippled, and the away section erupted in deafening cheers.
Zachary sprinted toward the corner flag, his fists clenched in triumph as his teammates enveloped him. Klopp, on the sideline, pumped his fists, shouting his approval.
Bournemouth then struggled to regain their footing as Liverpool's relentless press continued to suffocate their build-up.
Then, in the 25th minute, a lightning-quick counterattack began with Alisson Becker, who threw the ball out to Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right flank. The young full-back surged forward, his pace and control leaving defenders trailing, before delivering a low cross into the penalty area.
Salah, ever the predator, darted between two defenders and met the ball with a deft touch, guiding it past the outstretched keeper. The score was then 2-0, and the home fans groaned in frustration as Liverpool's traveling supporters celebrated wildly.
Halftime soon arrived with Liverpool firmly in control. Klopp's team talk was measured but motivating. "Stay hungry," he urged, finally ending his halftime pep talk. "Two goals are good, but we're not done. Keep pushing."
The second half then began with the same intensity that had defined the first.
In the 48th minute, Roberto Firmino unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box that the Bournemouth keeper could only parry.
Salah, anticipating the rebound, pounced with feline agility, slotting the ball into the net for his second goal of the day. The Egyptian's calm celebration reflected his clinical brilliance, and Liverpool now led 3-0.
Bournemouth's attempts to mount a comeback were thwarted by Liverpool's disciplined defense, with Virgil van Dijk and Alisson orchestrating from the back.
Then, in the 67th minute, the pressure proved too much for the hosts. Andy Robertson delivered a teasing cross into the six-yard box, and in a desperate attempt to clear, Bournemouth's Steve Cook inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net.
The own goal was met with groans from the home crowd and laughter from Liverpool's bench, but the Reds pressed on.
But that was not the last of Liverpool's brilliance as Salah soon completed his hat-trick in the 74th minute in spectacular fashion.
Fabinho split Bournemouth's defense with a perfectly weighted through ball, and Salah's pace carried him clear of his markers. As the keeper rushed out to meet him, Salah rounded him effortlessly and rolled the ball into the net. His celebration was understated but confident, reflecting a player at the peak of his powers.
Seeing Salah's brilliance lit a fire in Zachary. With Liverpool dominating, he pushed forward with renewed determination.
In the 82nd minute, Zachary received a pass from Jordan Henderson just outside the box. He feinted left, turned sharply to the right, and unleashed a thunderous strike that arrowed into the top corner.
The crowd gasped as the ball hit the back of the net, and Zachary celebrated with a simple leap as his teammates rushed to congratulate him.
The game's final moments then saw Liverpool continuing to dictate play. In the 89th minute, Zachary capped off a remarkable performance.
Picking up a loose ball in midfield, Zachary drove forward with unstoppable pace, weaving through Bournemouth's weary defense before slotting the ball past the keeper for his third goal of the day.
The scoreline now read 7-0, Liverpool's largest victory of the season and a statement to the rest of the league.
When the final whistle eventually blew, Liverpool's bench erupted in cheers, the players spilling onto the pitch to celebrate a performance that would resonate throughout the Premier League. The traveling fans were also in full voice, their chants echoing in the chilly December air.
On the pitch, Zachary Bemba stood among his teammates, sweat glistening on his brow as he soaked in the moment. Liverpool had delivered a stunning statement, their emphatic 7-0 victory further cementing their place at the top of the table.
As the players made their way toward the traveling supporters, Klopp clapped his hands furiously, urging his squad to show their gratitude.
The team lined up near the edge of the pitch, applauding the fans who had traveled so far to back them. On cue, the fans responded with deafening cheers, waving flags and scarves emblazoned with Liverpool's colors, their pride for the team palpable.
Once the team began heading back toward the tunnel, the media descended, cameras flashing and microphones at the ready. Zachary was quickly ushered to a pitch-side interview area where a reporter from Sky Sports awaited him, her expression a mix of admiration and eagerness.
"Zachary, congratulations on a fantastic performance—three goals, and what a team display! How are you feeling after such a dominant win?"
Zachary smiled, his breathing still heavy from the exertion. "Thank you. Honestly, it feels incredible. Days like this are why we work so hard—to put in a performance like that and to make the fans proud. But as usual, this wasn't just about me. The entire team was brilliant today. Every pass, every run, every tackle—we were in sync. Credit to everyone on the pitch, and of course, to the fans who supported us throughout."
The reporter nodded, leaning forward slightly. "Your third goal, that run from midfield and the composed finish—it's already being called one of the highlights of the season. Can you walk us through it?"
Zachary chuckled softly. "It was one of those moments where everything just clicked. I saw the ball loose in midfield, and I knew I had space to run into. Once I got past the first defender, it was about keeping my composure. When you're in that zone, you don't overthink—you just play. I'm glad it came off."
The questions shifted, with another reporter stepping in to probe about his recent accolade. "Zachary, this is your first Premier League game since winning the Ballon d'Or earlier this week. Do you feel that recognition brings added pressure or motivation to performances like today's?"
Zachary's expression grew thoughtful, his tone measured. "The Ballon d'Or is an incredible honor, and I'm grateful for all the people who helped me get there—my teammates, coaches, and the fans. But to me, it's not about pressure or even personal accolades. It's about continuing to perform for the team, giving everything I have in every match, and contributing to our goals. If anything, it motivates me to push even harder."
The reporter pressed further. "With your Ballon d'Or win and Liverpool's current form, some are calling you the key to ending Liverpool's long wait for the Premier League title. How do you handle expectations like that?"
Zachary met the question with a calm smile. "Expectations come with the territory when you play for a club like Liverpool. But we don't get ahead of ourselves. It's one game at a time. The Premier League is tough, and we have to keep working hard. That's the focus—staying consistent and giving everything we've got."
Not far away, Mohamed Salah was giving his own interview. The reporter smiled broadly as she addressed him. "Mo, a hat-trick today and an assist—another stunning performance. What's the secret to your success?"
Salah grinned, brushing off the praise with humility. "There's no secret. It's about teamwork. Everyone played their part today. We work for each other, and when the team plays well, it creates opportunities for all of us. I'm just happy to contribute.
