Liverpool needed two late goals from Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa to secure a dramatic 4-2 victory over Bournemouth in their Premier League opener at an emotional Anfield.
Before kick-off, the champions paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota and Andre Silva brothers who tragically died in a car accident in July with a minute’s silence and mosaic displays from the crowd.
The Reds began brightly but Bournemouth carved out the better early chances through Antoine Semenyo and Marcus Tavernier. The deadlock was broken in the 37th minute when Hugo Ekitike capitalised on a fortunate ricochet off Marcos Senesi, slotting past Djordje Petrovic.
Ekitike then turned provider after the break, laying the ball off for Cody Gakpo, who weaved past challenges before firing a low strike into the corner for 2–0.
Bournemouth refused to fold, hitting back through Semenyo, who first finished off a flowing move down the left before levelling with a superb solo effort on 76 minutes.
Manager Arne Slot introduced Chiesa late on, and the Italian made an instant impact, smashing home a volley in the 88th minute. Salah then sealed the win deep into stoppage time with a dazzling run and finish from the left.
Liverpool now turn their attention to a potentially fiery clash away to Newcastle next Monday amid the ongoing transfer saga involving Alexander Isak. Bournemouth will look to bounce back when they host Wolves next Saturday.
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