English Premier League (EPL) title holders, Liverpool struck twice late on as they opened the defence of the title with a dramatic victory over Bournemouth on an emotional night at Anfield.
Prior to the opener, tributes were paid to Diogo Jota, deceased Liverpool forward, and his brother Andre Silva, who died in a car crash in July, with a minute’s silence observed before kick-off. There was also applause in the 20th minute the game. Diogo Jota, the Liverpool adorned Liverpool’s number 20 jersey during his playing days at the club.
Arne Slot, Liverpool head coach, gave first Premier League starts to four of his summer recruits, and it was Hugo Ekitike – a £70m signing from Eintracht Frankfurt – who broke Bournemouth’s stubborn resistance with a composed finish eight minutes before the break.
And when Ekitike turned provider to set up Cody Gakpo for a second four minutes after the break, Liverpool looked on course for a comfortable victory.
The meeting was stopped in the first half by referee Anthony Taylor when Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo reported that he had been racially abused by a member of the crowd.
Antoine Semenyo, showing great character and resolve, put Bournemouth back in contention when he pulled a goal back from close range after 64 minutes before crowning a swift break with the equaliser 14 minutes from time.
The Cherries looked set to snatch a point until the unlikely figure of Federico Chiesa steered home his first Premier League goal for Liverpool two minutes from time, with Mohamed Salah wrapping up the win with a low finish in front of The Kop.
