Tribute to Diogo Jota at Anfield
Liverpool opened their Premier League title defence with a 4-2 victory against Bournemouth at Anfield. The night carried heavy emotion following the tragic death of Diogo Jota last month. Supporters sang Jota’s name and unveiled banners in his honour. Both sets of fans observed a minute’s silence for Jota and his brother André Silva who died in a car crash in July. The club confirmed plans to retire Jota’s No. 20 shirt and install permanent tributes. Mohamed Salah appeared tearful as he applauded the Kop singing Jota’s song after the final whistle.
Anfield’s tribute to Diogo Jota
Ekitike Scores Dream Debut Goal
New signing Hugo Ekitike made an immediate impact. The 22-year-old struck in the 37th minute with a composed finish. His goal capped a strong first-half display where he tested Bournemouth defenders with pace and movement. Ekitike signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69 million last month. He also paid tribute to Jota with a “20” gesture after scoring. “Obviously I think it was a good performance, I could do better,” he said. “But the most important thing was winning, the mentality we showed. Obviously we wanted to win tonight for the people who came and for Diogo.”
Ekitike scores and assists on his Debut
Gakpo Doubles Liverpool Lead
Cody Gakpo added Liverpool’s second early in the second half. The Dutch forward finished from close range in the 49th minute. At that stage the champions looked in complete control. The Kop roared Liverpool on as they pressed for a third.
Semenyo Strikes Twice for Bournemouth
The visitors rallied through Antoine Semenyo who delivered two goals in 12 minutes. He first scored after 64 minutes before striking again in the 76th. His equaliser stunned Anfield and briefly raised hopes of a Bournemouth shock. His display underlined rising transfer interest. Newcastle and other clubs continue to monitor him closely. He scored 13 goals last season and remains central to Bournemouth’s plans. However, his recent form could test the club’s resolve before the transfer window closes.
Antoine Semenyo delivered two goals in 12 minutes
Chiesa Becomes the Hero
Federico Chiesa came off the bench and struck the crucial third goal. The Italian finished with an 88th-minute volley after Djordje Petrovic parried Salah’s cross. His strike restored calm inside Anfield after Semenyo’s double. The forward had been linked with a summer exit after limited minutes last season. But his late intervention may reshape his future under Arne Slot. Manager Slot praised Chiesa after the game. “Fantastic,” Slot said. “He came in in the end because we needed a goal. For him then to score in such a moment is special. It’s even more special because the fans have supported him.”
Chiesa’s volley sparks Liverpool’s comeback story
Salah Wraps Up the Points
Salah sealed victory in the 94th minute with a low drive. His goal moved him into joint-fourth on the all-time Premier League scoring list with 187, level with Andy Cole. Salah dedicated his strike to Jota by mimicking the late forward’s shark celebration. He then headed toward the Kop to applaud fans singing Jota’s name.
Slot Faces Midfield Selection Challenges
Arne Slot experimented with midfield selection in this opener. He partnered Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister behind four attackers. Szoboszlai pushed forward regularly which left Mac Allister protecting the defence alone. The absence of Ryan Gravenberch through suspension exposed the imbalance. Restoring Gravenberch may offer defensive stability but could limit attacking output. Liverpool maintain interest in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, which would further add firepower without resolving midfield concerns.
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VAR Controversy in Early Minutes
An early incident highlighted the return of VAR controversy. Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi stopped a through ball with his hand after 13 minutes. Ekitike seemed clear through on goal. Referee Anthony Taylor awarded Bournemouth the free kick. VAR ruled that Ekitike was too far from goal to consider it a scoring chance. Senesi therefore avoided a potential red card.
Racism Halted Play
The match briefly stopped after Semenyo reported racist abuse from the stands during the first half. Bournemouth captain Adam Smith expressed dismay. “It’s totally unacceptable,” Smith said. “Kind of in shock to be honest that it happened. In this day and age it shouldn’t be happening. I don’t know how Ant’s played on to be honest and come up with those goals … Something has to be done. We’ll support him in there and hopefully he’ll be ok.”
Champions Begin with Mixed Signs
Liverpool registered their first victory of the season but showcased both resolve and vulnerabilities. The team fielded four debutants in their starting XI for the first time as reigning champions. Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong all started. None completed the match as adjustments continue. The champions showed attacking promise but midfield frailty. Bournemouth troubled them repeatedly through Semenyo’s runs. Slot must balance firepower with structure as elite opposition lies ahead.
