Liverpool kicked off their 2025-26 Premier League title defense with a pulsating 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield, overcoming a resilient Cherries side thanks to late heroics from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by tributes, controversy, and a dramatic finale that sent the Kop into raptures.
Mo Salah in tears at the end of the match as the fans cheer Diogo Jota's chant. 😢💔
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) August 15, 2025
Such an emotional opening day for Liverpool at Anfield. pic.twitter.com/keB986ztQ5
Match Overview
Arne Slot’s side started the season with high expectations, and the atmosphere at Anfield was electric, fueled by heartfelt tributes to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who were honored with a pre-match mosaic and a minute’s silence following their tragic loss in a car crash in July. The Reds responded with a performance that blended brilliance with moments of vulnerability, ultimately securing the three points in a six-goal thriller.
First Half: Ekitike Breaks the Deadlock
Liverpool began brightly, with new signing Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah posing constant threats. Ekitike, making his Premier League debut, was unfortunate not to win a penalty when Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi appeared to handle the ball deliberately as the last man, only for VAR to controversially wave away the appeals. The game was briefly halted around the 30-minute mark when Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo reported racist abuse from a home supporter, an incident that cast a shadow over the evening and is under investigation.
Antoine Semenyo was subject to racist abuse from a Liverpool fan whilst taking a throw-in.
— PureFootball (@PureFootball_co) August 15, 2025
That's why the game was paused by Anthony Taylor at Anfield.
Absolutely disgusting 🤬 pic.twitter.com/QHaoeDyS9F
The Reds took the lead in the 37th minute when Ekitike capitalized on a fortunate bounce, finding himself one-on-one with Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. The Frenchman showed composure to slot home, giving Liverpool a 1-0 lead at the break. The goal was assisted by Alexis Mac Allister, who started in place of Curtis Jones in Slot’s only change from the Community Shield lineup.
Half-Time: Liverpool 1-0 Bournemouth
Second Half: Goals Galore and Late Drama
Liverpool doubled their advantage just four minutes into the second half. Ekitike was again at the heart of the move, making a clever run before laying the ball off to Cody Gakpo. The Dutchman, paying tribute to Jota with his celebration, dummied twice before firing past Petrovic to make it 2-0. The Kop erupted, sensing a comfortable evening ahead.
However, Bournemouth had other ideas. Manager Andoni Iraola’s side exploited a Liverpool turnover on the hour mark, with David Brooks finding space down the right. His delivery allowed Semenyo to pull one back in the 64th minute, making it 2-1. Slot responded with a double substitution, withdrawing Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez—both on debut—for Wataru Endo and Andy Robertson.
The Cherries sensed an opportunity and equalized in the 77th minute through Semenyo again, who powered through the middle and blasted a shot past Alisson from the edge of the box. Anfield fell silent as Bournemouth’s comeback threatened to spoil the opening night.
With the game hanging in the balance, Slot turned to his bench. Federico Chiesa, introduced in the 82nd minute, proved to be the game-changer. In the 88th minute, the Italian winger latched onto a loose ball and unleashed a stunning volley to restore Liverpool’s lead at 3-2. The strike sparked wild celebrations and shifted the momentum back to the hosts.
The drama wasn’t over. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Mohamed Salah chased down a loose ball, cut onto his right foot, and curled a precise shot into the bottom corner to seal the 4-2 victory. The Egyptian King’s goal ensured Liverpool started their campaign with a statement win.
Full-Time: Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth
Key Moments
- 37’: Hugo Ekitike opens the scoring with a cool finish after a lucky bounce, assisted by Alexis Mac Allister.
- 49’: Cody Gakpo doubles Liverpool’s lead with a clever finish, paying tribute to Diogo Jota.
- 64’: Antoine Semenyo pulls one back for Bournemouth, capitalizing on a turnover.
- 77’: Semenyo equalizes with a powerful strike from distance, stunning Anfield.
- 88’: Federico Chiesa’s sensational volley restores Liverpool’s lead.
- 90+4’: Mohamed Salah seals the win with a clinical right-footed finish.
Player Performances
- Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool): Named TIA Man of the Match, the debutant striker was a constant menace, scoring the opener and assisting Gakpo’s goal. His movement and composure signal a bright future.
- Federico Chiesa (Liverpool): The substitute’s stunning volley was the turning point, proving his quality and earning him hero status.
- Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth): A brace showcased his talent, though his evening was marred by the reported racist abuse.
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): Despite missing a chance on a counter, the Egyptian delivered when it mattered most with a stoppage-time goal.
Team News and Tactical Notes
Arne Slot’s decision to start Mac Allister over Jones paid dividends, with the Argentine’s assist proving crucial. However, the substitutions of Frimpong and Kerkez for Endo and Robertson raised eyebrows, as the defensive reshuffle left Liverpool briefly exposed. The switch to a 4-2-4 setup after further changes, with Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai as dual No. 10s, added attacking impetus but highlighted defensive frailties that Slot may need to address.
Bournemouth, missing key players like Justin Kluivert, Ryan Christie, and Lewis Cook, relied heavily on Semenyo’s pace and Brooks’ creativity. Their ability to exploit turnovers will give Slot food for thought ahead of Liverpool’s next match.
Controversies
The match was overshadowed by two significant incidents:
- A controversial VAR decision denied Liverpool a penalty when Senesi appeared to handle the ball, prompting frustration from fans and pundits alike.
- The game’s stoppage due to Semenyo’s report of racist abuse was a sobering moment, with Liverpool FC and the authorities expected to investigate thoroughly.
What’s Next?
Liverpool’s title defense is off to a winning start, but the defensive lapses exposed by Bournemouth suggest work is needed. The Reds face Newcastle away on August 25, a stern test against a side likely to challenge for European places. Bournemouth, meanwhile, will look to regroup after a spirited performance, with their next fixture against Leicester on August 16.
Lineups
Liverpool: Alisson; Frimpong (Endo 60’), Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez (Robertson 60’); Mac Allister (Jones 72’), Szoboszlai, Wirtz (Chiesa 82’); Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike (Gomez 72’).
Subs not used: Mamardashvili, Elliott, Nyoni, Ngumoha.
Bournemouth: Petrovic; Smith, Diakité, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Brooks, Tavernier, Semenyo; Evanilson.
Subs not used: Dennis, Araujo, Hill, Soler, Billing, Winterburn, Traore, Kroupi, Rees-Dottin.
Referee: Anthony Taylor
TIA Man of the Match: Hugo Ekitike
