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Federico Chiesa sparked jubilant scenes on the Kop(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

An emotional Federico Chiesa felt his crucial late goal in Liverpool's opening night win over Bournemouth was meant to be - because he had Diogo Jota by his side.

On an Anfield evening which began with tributes to Jota and his brother Andre Silva, Chiesa came off the bench to score his first Premier League goal at the Kop end just as it looked as though the Reds had thrown away two points against the Cherries, who came from two goals down to level matters thanks to a brilliant brace from Antoine Semenyo.

But the Italian - who has been tipped by many to leave Anfield this summer after making just 14 appearances last season - then fired home a volley in the 88th minute, before Mo Salah wrapped up the 4-2 win in added time.

“Above all, at Anfield it seems like in the second half when you attack towards the Kop, it feels like the ball wants to go inside the net," said Chiesa, who remains a fan favourite with Reds supporters despite his lack of action, with his song regularly sung on the Kop.

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“And today, I want to think that we had also the help of Diogo and his brother up there.”

Chiesa added that the memory of Jota will inspire the reigning champions as they bid to defend their crown.

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“It was really emotional today and after I scored, my thoughts went to Diogo, to Andre, to his family who were here today.

It was really emotional.

The goal was for him," he added.

Liverpool fans paid tribute to Jota and Andre Silva at Anfield(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“In my mind, I think that Diogo was somewhere in here helping me to score this goal.

I’d like to think like that.

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