Match Report: Late Goals Earn Liverpool Emotional Premier League Victory Over Bournemouth | OneFootball

Liverpool Edge Bournemouth in Emotional Premier League Opener

Liverpool began the defence of their Premier League crown with a stirring late surge to secure victory over Bournemouth on a night when football’s focus extended beyond the pitch. Anfield carried a sombre weight before kick-off, the home crowd united in paying tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who both tragically lost their lives in a car accident in July. The minute’s silence before the match was impeccably observed, followed by applause in the 20th minute, marking Jota’s former shirt number.

New Faces Shine in Early Stages

Arne Slot’s first Premier League line-up of the new season showcased four summer signings, underlining the Dutchman’s intent to refresh his title-winning squad. Among them, Hugo Ekitike justified his £70 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt with the breakthrough goal eight minutes before half-time, showing the composure that made him such a sought-after addition.

Photo @LFC on X

Ekitike’s impact continued after the restart, delivering a precise pass for Cody Gakpo to double the advantage just four minutes into the second half. At that stage, Liverpool appeared in full control, dictating the tempo and probing for a third.

Resilience and Resolve from Bournemouth

The match took an unexpected turn when referee Anthony Taylor halted play in the first half after Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo reported racial abuse from the stands. The incident cast a shadow, yet Semenyo’s response on the pitch was a testament to his mental strength.

Just after the hour mark, Semenyo capitalised on a loose ball in the Liverpool box to halve the deficit, sparking fresh belief in the visitors. Fourteen minutes from time, he finished a rapid counterattack to level the score, his brace igniting hopes of an unlikely point for the Cherries.

Late Drama Seals the Points

With the game balanced and Anfield tense, an unlikely hero emerged. Federico Chiesa, yet to open his Premier League account since arriving at Liverpool, struck two minutes from the end to restore the lead. The Italian’s finish carried both precision and relief, settling nerves across the stadium.

Photo @LFC on X

There was still time for Mohamed Salah to add a fourth, slotting calmly in front of the Kop to ensure the champions began their campaign with three points. The scoreboard may have suggested comfort, but this was a contest that tested Liverpool’s depth, character, and emotional resolve from start to finish.