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Liverpool score twice late on to win after Bournemouth fightback
Hugo Ekitike emerged as Liverpool’s key performer in a captivating match at Anfield, filled with emotion and thrilling moments, yet overshadowed by allegations of racist abuse.
Ekitike’s future place in the squad might be challenged, despite his recent £70m transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt, with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak still a potential target for Liverpool. However, Ekitike made a strong statement with an impressive individual performance, quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Liverpool’s 4-2 victory, secured with late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah, featured numerous sub-plots, not all positive. The final score only hints at the night’s chaotic events.
The evening began with heartfelt tributes to Diogo Jota, the Liverpool striker who tragically died in a car accident in July, along with his brother Andre Silva.
The Kop displayed banners honoring Jota, including one for his family that read: ‘Anfield will always be your home. You’ll Never Walk Alone,’ followed by a minute’s silence.
Jota was remembered with songs throughout the match, culminating in a minute of applause after 20 minutes for the beloved striker who wore the number 20 jersey.
The match showcased Liverpool’s ongoing transition, with four Premier League debutants, including Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, alongside full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.
The significant changes are highlighted by the fact that, excluding the inaugural 1992-93 season, Liverpool are the first reigning champions to field as many as four Premier League debutants in their opening-day starting lineup.
Ekitike stood out among the new quartet, posing a challenge to head coach Arne Slot regarding team adaptation if Liverpool pursues a bid closer to Newcastle’s £150m valuation of Isak.
Slot has rarely employed a strike partnership since joining Liverpool, making the combination of Ekitike and Isak a potential tactical shift.
While it might not entirely question the need for such a significant investment in another striker, it does present Slot with a strategic puzzle.
Liverpool score two late goals to win opener after Bournemouth fightback
‘Football family stood together’ – Semenyo
‘Diogo’s day’ – emotional Anfield tribute for Jota
Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike paid tribute to Diogo Jota after scoring on his Premier League debut
For now, Slot can celebrate Ekitike’s talent. Following his Community Shield goal against Crystal Palace, Ekitike delivered a dynamic performance, scoring the opening goal and assisting Cody Gakpo.
Ekitike could have scored a hat-trick, missing two clear headers, but his performance demonstrated his readiness for the Premier League, regardless of Liverpool’s future transfer activities.
His composed finish and intelligent link play contrasted sharply with the energetic style of the departed Darwin Nunez. Ekitike is only the second player to score and assist a goal on his Premier League debut for Liverpool, following Nunez against Fulham in August 2022.
Ekitike made a ’20’ gesture to honor Jota after scoring, while Salah replicated the Portuguese player’s shark celebration after securing the win.
While Ekitike shone, the defensive vulnerabilities that plagued Liverpool in pre-season and the Community Shield were once again exposed by Bournemouth’s strong play.
The absence of the suspended Ryan Gravenberch left significant gaps in Liverpool’s midfield, while the offensive positioning of new full-backs Frimpong and Kerkez created exploitable spaces on the flanks.
Bournemouth capitalized on Liverpool’s weakness with a fine equalizer from Antoine Semenyo, unnerving Anfield. It was a goal reflecting individual ambition but raised concerns for the reigning Premier League champions.
Salah lost possession near Bournemouth’s penalty area, allowing Semenyo to race unchallenged for 50 yards. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate watched as he calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner.
Bournemouth’s Semenyo celebrates after his second goal at Anfield – having earlier reported he had been racially abused by a member of the crowd
Slot has instilled a calm, methodical approach in Liverpool’s play, contrasting with Jurgen Klopp’s dynamic era. However, this match was a throwback, epitomized by the dramatic finish.
It also indicated the need to balance the contributions of last season’s title-winning players with the integration of £300m worth of new signings.
Unfortunately, the superb football was marred by alleged racist abuse directed at Semenyo in the first half. Referee Anthony Taylor stopped the game after it was reported.
Semenyo responded with a brilliant performance, nearly securing a point for Bournemouth. However, the incident highlighted the continued presence of racism, which was widely condemned.
Liverpool secured the win, but the close call suggests Slot may encounter challenges early in the season after last year’s dominant title run.
For Ekitike, however, it was the perfect beginning.
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