Liverpool’s Premier League title defence began with a tense 4-2 victory over Bournemouth, as the visitors recovered from a two-goal deficit before late strikes sealed the Reds’ seventh straight home win against the Cherries.
The emotional pre-match rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone carried added poignancy following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. After a minute’s silence was impeccably observed, Arne Slot’s retooled champions — featuring four Premier League debutants — started at full throttle.
Mohamed Salah tested Đorđe Petrović with a trademark curling effort, before supplying a cross for Virgil van Dijk, whose header went narrowly over.
Controversy arrived just 12 minutes in when Marcos Senesi appeared to handle the ball as Hugo Ekitike broke through on goal, prompting visible frustration from Slot.
The Frenchman eventually got his reward in the 37th minute, capitalising on a fortunate deflection off Senesi to collect Alexis Mac Allister’s pass and slot past Petrović. He almost doubled his tally moments later, but Liverpool went into the break with just a slender advantage.
Five minutes into the second half, Ekitike turned provider, laying off for Cody Gakpo to drill home Liverpool’s second. With the champions in control, Petrović kept Bournemouth in the game by tipping Mac Allister’s long-range strike over the bar.
The visitors then struck back in style — Tyler Adams released David Brooks down the left, and his pinpoint cross found Antoine Semenyo, who halved the deficit.
Semenyo shocked Anfield again minutes later, surging through the heart of Liverpool’s defence before firing past Alisson to become the first visiting player to score a brace at the ground since 2022.
But Liverpool regained their composure, with Federico Chiesa pouncing on a loose ball in the box to restore the lead — his first Premier League goal — before Salah added a late fourth, marking his 10th goal on an opening day.
The result ensured a winning start for Slot’s reign, but also highlighted defensive concerns the champions will need to address in the weeks ahead.
EPL: Liverpool Survive Bournemouth Scare In 4-2 Thriller At Anfield
Leave a comment
