Liverpool unleash Premier League warning with ruthless victory over Bournemouth

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Liverpool began their Premier League title defence with a performance that will be remembered as much for its raw emotion as for the footballing spectacle.

In a match that ebbed and flowed with drama, Arne Slot’s side defeated Bournemouth 4–2, overcoming a spirited fightback from the visitors and channelling their grief over the loss of Diogo Jota into a stirring display.

The build-up to the opener was unlike any other. This was Liverpool’s first competitive match since the tragic accident that claimed the lives of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in July.

The atmosphere outside Anfield hours before kick-off was a mix of celebration for the return of football and solemn remembrance for a player beloved by fans and teammates alike.

Scarves bearing Jota’s name were draped over the Shankly Gates, floral tributes lined the streets, and murals in the surrounding area had been freshly painted in his honour.

Inside the stadium, the pre-match silence was profound, only broken by the occasional sob and the rustle of scarves held high.

As the whistle blew to start the game, Liverpool’s players were still visibly moved, some with red eyes from tears shed moments before.

Arne Slot’s summer signing Hugo Ekitike wasted no time showing why Liverpool fought off competition to bring him from Paris Saint-Germain.

In the 37th minute, Dominik Szoboszlai threaded a perfectly weighted ball through Bournemouth’s high line, and Ekitike, with the calm of a seasoned striker, slotted beyond Neto to send the Kop roaring.

It was a moment that settled Liverpool’s early nerves and allowed them to play with more fluidity. The midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch dictated the tempo, suffocating Bournemouth’s attempts to counter.

Liverpool doubled their lead just four minutes into the restart. Ekitike, now brimming with confidence, turned provider, sliding a disguised pass to Cody Gakpo, who rounded the goalkeeper and finished from a tight angle.

At 2–0, Anfield expected the game to be killed off  but Bournemouth had other ideas. Their forward Antoine Semenyo pounced on a defensive lapse in the 64th minute, drilling a low shot past Alisson Becker to make it 2–1.

The goal rattled Liverpool, and before they could fully regroup, Semenyo struck again in the 76th minute, capitalising on a misplaced pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold to level the match.

The equaliser celebrations were marred by an ugly incident as Semenyo reported receiving racist abuse from a section of the crowd. Play was halted for several minutes while officials consulted with players and managers. The stadium announcer issued a stern warning, and both clubs condemned the behaviour immediately.

Sensing momentum slipping, Slot turned to his bench and introduced Federico Chiesa. The Italian’s impact was instant.

In the 88th minute, a loose ball broke kindly for him in the box, and he smashed it into the roof of the net, restoring Liverpool’s lead. The celebration was cathartic, Chiesa pointed to the sky in tribute to Jota.

In stoppage time, the night reached its emotional peak. Salah, who had carried the grief of losing a close teammate, latched onto a clever flick from Gakpo, weaved past two defenders, and slotted home Liverpool’s fourth.

He fell to his knees, tears streaming, and pointed upwards. It was more than just a goal; it was a farewell to a friend.

The strike also gave Salah a new Premier League record, scoring in nine consecutive season openers, surpassing the mark he had shared with Wayne Rooney.