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The 2025–26 Premier League season began with Liverpool hosting Bournemouth at Anfield in a tense opening match. Liverpool, the reigning champions, were playing their first league game since winning the title 82 days earlier amid an emotional backdrop following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in July. The Reds unveiled significant summer transfer activity featuring record signing Florian Wirtz among others such as Hugo Ekitiké, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Giorgi Mamardashvili as goalkeeper backup. However, Liverpool also experienced notable departures, including high-profile exits of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luís Diaz, Darwin Núñez, and Jarell Quansah seeking regular first-team spots.

Bournemouth arrived under manager Andoni Iraola, who had a successful 2024–25 season, but faced defensive challenges due to the loss of key centre-backs Illia Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen to PSG and Real Madrid, respectively. Despite this, Bournemouth retained attacking threats with players like Antoine Semenyo, Justin Kluivert, and Evanilson posing challenges for Liverpool’s defense.

The match itself was competitive, with Liverpool starting strongly but Bournemouth applying pressure, including early corners and a disallowed potential handball incident involving Bournemouth’s Senesi that caused dissent among Liverpool’s staff and commentators. Mohamed Salah went close for Liverpool, forcing saves from the Bournemouth goalkeeper, but neither side managed to score in a tightly contested game that ended 0-0, reflecting the nervy start for Liverpool’s title defense and Bournemouth’s resilience on the opening day.

The fixture highlighted Liverpool's revamped squad chemistry efforts amid transition and Bournemouth’s ambition to build on their progress despite defensive losses. The Premier League season opener thus set the stage for an intense campaign ahead for both clubs.

PP