Liverpool kicked off their Premier League title defence in dramatic fashion on Friday night, clinching a 4-2 victory over Bournemouth with two late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah at Anfield.
On an emotional evening marked by tributes to the late Diogo Jota, the defending champions twice surrendered the lead before rallying in the final minutes. Antoine Semenyo had dragged the visitors back into the contest with a stunning brace, but Chiesa’s 89th-minute strike and a stoppage-time goal from Salah ensured all three points remained on Merseyside.
Anfield Pays Tribute to Diogo Jota
The match was overshadowed by the recent passing of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who tragically died alongside his brother André Silva in a car accident last month, just days after marrying Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children.
A moving tribute before kick-off saw Anfield fall silent, with supporters holding a giant mosaic featuring the initials and shirt numbers of both Jota and Silva against the Portuguese flag. A banner draped across The Kop read:
"Rute, Dinis, Duarte, Mafalda – Anfield will always be your home. You'll Never Walk Alone."
Salah, visibly emotional after the match, paid tribute with a gesture mirroring one of Jota’s signature celebrations after netting the final goal.
Fast-Paced Opener Features VAR Controversy and Racial Abuse Incident
The opening match of the season wasn’t without controversy. Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi escaped punishment despite a clear handball that denied Hugo Ekitike a scoring opportunity early on, with VAR surprisingly opting against intervention.
The game was temporarily halted in the first half after Semenyo reported an incident of racial abuse from the stands. A suspect was seen being escorted out by police at half-time.
Despite the interruptions, Liverpool seized control through summer signing Ekitike, who opened the scoring and later assisted Cody Gakpo for Liverpool’s second just after the break.
Semenyo Shines Amid Dark Moments
Bournemouth fought back bravely, with David Brooks setting up Semenyo to reduce the deficit before the Ghanaian produced a brilliant solo equaliser — bursting through Liverpool’s midfield from deep in his own half and finishing clinically to make it 2-2.
But Federico Chiesa, largely overlooked last season under Arne Slot, emerged as Liverpool’s surprise match-winner, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the 89th minute. Salah then put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time, marking his ninth straight goal in a Premier League season opener.
Liverpool's New Era Begins
Despite winning last season’s title with four games to spare, Liverpool’s squad has seen sweeping changes this summer with nearly £300 million spent. New arrivals including Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong all featured, as the club eyes further reinforcements — including a potential record-breaking move for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and a push for Palace captain Marc Guehi.
Friday's match provided a glimpse of both promise and vulnerability in Slot’s evolving side — potent in attack, but still exposed on the counter.
Yet, on a night when football was secondary to memory, Liverpool’s late win felt more like a tribute than a triumph.
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