Liverpool 4–2 Bournemouth – Anfield’s emotional, chaotic, and historic opening night
The Premier League returned with a game that had everything — goals, controversy, emotion, and history — as Liverpool began their title defence with a dramatic 4–2 victory over Bournemouth.
The night was steeped in sentiment, with the club and supporters paying tribute to Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in July alongside his brother André Silva. A minute’s silence, black armbands, and a fan-led “Jota 20” mosaic set a poignant tone, with Jota’s wife, Rute, and their children receiving a 20th-minute ovation.
First-half drama – Ekitike’s dream debut & racist abuse stoppage
The opening period was briefly halted in the 28th minute after Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo reported racist abuse from a Liverpool fan in a wheelchair. Referee Anthony Taylor suspended play for two minutes to confer with both managers and captains. Liverpool condemned the incident, and under the Premier League’s new anti-racism rules, the alleged offender faces a lifetime stadium ban and possible prosecution.
Just minutes later, new signing Hugo Ekitike announced himself in style. Latching onto a pass from Alexis Mac Allister, the 23-year-old dribbled through Milos Kerkez, Marcos Senesi, and Illia Zabarnyi before slotting past Djordje Petrovic. His celebration — holding up a “Jota 20” shirt — brought Anfield to its feet.
Second-half fightback – and controversy
Cody Gakpo doubled the lead after half-time, finishing a slick move from an Ekitike assist, but Bournemouth roared back. Semenyo struck twice in quick succession to stun the champions and level the game at 2–2.
Then came the flashpoint. In the 63rd minute, Mohamed Salah’s goal-bound shot was blocked by Kerkez’s outstretched arm. Replays showed an unnatural position, but VAR official Paul Tierney upheld Taylor’s decision of no penalty, citing “accidental” contact. The call sparked fury from the Kop and pundits alike — Jamie Carragher blasted it as “a blatant penalty and red card.”
Late heroics – Chiesa & Salah seal it
With time running out, substitute Federico Chiesa pounced on a poor Bournemouth clearance in the 88th minute, smashing home a volley to restore Liverpool’s lead. Then, deep into stoppage time, it was Salah’s moment.
The Egyptian embarked on a breathtaking solo run, weaving past Senesi, Zabarnyi, and Adrien Truffert before firing low beyond Petrovic. It was his 177th Premier League goal, tying Frank Lampard as the league’s joint-fifth all-time scorer. Salah celebrated by lifting a “Jota 20” shirt, capping an unforgettable night.
A win that means more than three points
Liverpool’s season opens with three points, but the evening’s legacy will be more than the scoreline. Ekitike’s dazzling debut, Chiesa’s clutch strike, Salah’s record-equalling run, and the club’s united tribute to Jota created a mix of joy, remembrance, and resilience.
As one fan wrote on X:
“Salah’s record, Ekitike’s magic, Chiesa’s winner, and Jota’s memory — Anfield was electric tonight.”
Liverpool have made their intentions clear: the chase for a record 21st English title is on, with the spirit of Diogo Jota carried every step of the way.
