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And yet a manager who lamented, after taking Hugo Ekitike off in the Community Shield, that he did not have an understudy, conjured a dramatic victory courtesy of Anfield’s forgotten forward.

Read Richard Jolly’s report from Anfield:

Richard Jolly15 August 2025 22:40



Full-time: Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth

The key moment that saved Liverpool’s night:

Lawrence Ostlere15 August 2025 22:18

Match summary

Liverpool talisman Mo Salah and fellow forward Federico Chiesa struck late goals as the Premier League champions began the defence of their title by beating Bournemouth 4-2 in a thriller on the opening night of the season at Anfield on Friday.

On a bittersweet evening charged with emotion after the July death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, newcomer Hugo Ekitike bagged a goal on his debut to put the hosts ahead after 37 minutes and Cody Gakpo doubled the lead in the 49th.

But Antoine Semenyo, who was the target of racist abuse in the first half that led to a pause in the game, pulled one back for the visitors in the 64th minute and completed a double 12 minutes later to rock Liverpool and shock the home fans.

However, substitute Chiesa sent the Liverpool faithful away happy with an 88th-minute strike after goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic swatted away a ball into the box by Salah, who scored himself deep into added time to wrap up the three points.

Lawrence Ostlere15 August 2025 22:12

Full-time: Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth

Mohamed Salah wipes away tears as he stands in front of the Kop listening to chants for Diogo Jota.

Lawrence Ostlere15 August 2025 22:01

Full-time: Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth

“I think Liverpool might turn out to be the most entertaining team in the Premier League this season,” Jamie Carragher says on Sky Sports.

Liverpool are still a work in progress with all these new signings.”

Lawrence Ostlere15 August 2025 22:00

Full-time: Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth

A wild ride of a football match, and in the end Liverpool get their win.

Lawrence Ostlere15 August 2025 21:58

GOAL!

Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth (Salah, 90+4 min)

He gets his goal, of course he does.

Salah races on to a ball over the top of the Bournemouth defence, wriggles into the box and lets fly with his right foot, finding the far corner.

Lawrence Ostlere15 August 2025 21:56

Liverpool 3-2 Bournemouth

90+2 min: Liverpool’s Chiesa song is reverberating around Anfield.

Lawrence Ostlere15 August 2025 21:53

GOAL!

Liverpool 3-2 Bournemouth (Chiesa, 88 min)

Federico Chiesa has surely won it!

Lawrence Ostlere15 August 2025 21:50

Liverpool 2-2 Bournemouth

84 min: David Brooks is replaced by 20-year-old Ben Winterburn.

Lawrence Ostlere15 August 2025 21:45