Liverpool Begin Title Defence with Dramatic Win Over Bournemouth | OneFootball

Liverpool Survive Bournemouth Scare in Premier League Opener

Liverpool began their Premier League title defence with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield, but it was a night steeped in emotion and edged with vulnerability. The evening began with tributes to Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who tragically lost their lives in July. A minute’s silence before kick-off was followed by applause in the 20th minute, a heartfelt nod to the shirt number Jota wore during his Anfield career.

Ekitike Leads Early Charge

Arne Slot wasted little time in showcasing his summer investment, handing Premier League debuts to Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz. It was Ekitike, a £70 million arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt, who stood out as the most influential. Eight minutes before half-time, the French forward coolly slotted home to break Bournemouth’s resistance.

Just four minutes into the second half, Ekitike turned provider, setting up Cody Gakpo to double Liverpool’s lead. At that point, the champions appeared to be heading for a comfortable evening, dictating the pace and probing for further openings.

Photo @LFC on X

Semenyo Inspires Bournemouth Fightback

The match was punctuated in the first half by an incident that required referee Anthony Taylor to halt play, after Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo reported racial abuse from a member of the crowd. Semenyo’s response was to lead by example on the pitch.

He halved the deficit in the 64th minute with a close-range finish, then struck again 14 minutes from time to complete a swift counterattack, drawing Bournemouth level and silencing the home crowd. The visitors, reshaped after a summer of high-profile departures including Kerkez to Liverpool, Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid and Illia Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain, looked poised to take a point from the champions.

Chiesa and Salah Deliver Late Relief

Anfield demanded a response and got one in the closing moments. Federico Chiesa found space in the box to steer home two minutes from the end. Mohamed Salah, a constant presence in Liverpool’s attack, added a fourth to seal the win in front of the Kop.

Photo @LFC on X

Slot’s side celebrated the three points, but the manner of the victory highlighted areas needing attention. The absence of the suspended Ryan Gravenberch left a gap in midfield, while Bournemouth’s wide play exposed defensive frailties.

Bournemouth Take Heart from Performance

Despite the defeat, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola will take encouragement from his side’s performance. His summer recruits, Adrien Truffert and Bafode Diakite, slotted in well, and discussions to bring in Scotland forward Ben Doak from Liverpool underline the club’s ambition.

The Cherries showed the resilience and attacking intent that defined their display, even pressing for a winner before Liverpool’s late flurry. Semenyo’s brace, combined with his dignified handling of the abuse incident, made him the standout performer for the visitors.

Liverpool will be satisfied with the win but will recognise that sharper organisation and midfield control will be needed if they are to sustain their grip on the Premier League crown.