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With the Netherlands international suspended for this game, Slot paired Dominik Szoboszlai with Alexis Mac Allister in midfield behind a front four of Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Gakpo and Salah.

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The problem with that selection was quickly apparent with Szoboszlai spending more time attacking than defending, leaving Mac Allister to patrol the defensive area on his own.



-- Ogden

Ekitike enjoys dream debut, but teething problems clearWhile his fellow new arrivals had middling performances, Hugo Ekitike tallied a goal and an assist in his debut. Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Much of the noise surrounding Liverpool this summer has revolved around their pursuit of wantaway Newcastle striker Isak.

But, on his Premier League debut, Ekitike showed he has no intention of being anyone's understudy this season -- no matter what business Liverpool do between now and the end of the window.

The 22-year-old -- who signed for an initial £69 million from Eintracht Frankfurt last month -- got his Anfield career off to a dream start by netting the opening goal against Bournemouth, and it was no less than his all-action first-half display deserved.

Just like in the FA Community Shield last week, the Frenchman made himself a nuisance to the opposition defenders and showed an impressive understanding with his new teammates.

After a busy summer in the transfer market, Liverpool are the first reigning champions to name as many as four players in their opening-day starting XI who are making their Premier League debuts for the club (Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz).

-- Lindop

VAR saves Senesi from opening-night red card

Marcos Senesi can claim the dubious distinction of being at the center of the first VAR controversy of the 2025-26 with the Bournemouth defender avoiding a red card despite appearing to deny Ekitike a clear run at goal with a deliberate handball.

With the game just 13 minutes old, Senesi stopped a Liverpool through ball with his hand, just as Ekitike looked set to break forward and run straight towards Djordje Petrovic in the Bournemouth goal.

Because VAR deemed Ekitike -- who was just inside the Bournemouth half -- to be too far away from goal for him to have a clear chance of scoring
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