The opening game of the 2025/26 Premier League season was an unforgettable evening at Anfield, as Liverpool began their title defence with a thrilling 4–2 win over Bournemouth. Not only was the match exciting on the technical front, it was also an opportunity for the entire club and fans to pay their respects to the late striker Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident with his brother André Silva in July.

In a solemn and emotional atmosphere, tens of thousands of fans sang Jota’s name in unison, hung banners of gratitude and participated in a minute of silence before the match. After the final whistle, Mohamed Salah could not hold back his tears as he turned to the Kop stands, where songs of farewell to his close teammate resounded. That mournful atmosphere made the victory of the “Red Brigade” even more special.

Match progress

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A good start for Liverpool

In the first half, Liverpool took the initiative and quickly made their advantage concrete. Hugo Ekitike, the expensive new signing from Eintracht Frankfurt, opened the scoring with a decisive shot. Then, Cody Gakpo doubled the gap, causing Anfield to explode in joy with a seemingly certain victory.

Bournemouth’s strong comeback

However, Bournemouth did not give up easily. Antoine Semenyo, the Ghanaian striker, showed his class by scoring two consecutive goals within 12 minutes, bringing the score back to the starting line at 2–2. In the following minutes, Anfield was filled with anxiety as coach Arne Slot’s team showed signs of losing control of the midfield.

Chiesa and Salah — Last Minute Heroes

With only minutes remaining, Federico Chiesa — who had been rumoured to be on the verge of leaving Anfield — shone with a classy volley in the 88th minute to put Liverpool 3–2 up. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Mohamed Salah sealed a 4–2 win, capping off a night full of drama and emotion.

Liverpool vs Bournemouth match statistics table

IndexLiverpoolBournemouthBall control62%38%Number of shots189Shot on target95Corner kick73foul1012Yellow card23

Federico Chiesa — From extra to hero

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When the summer transfer window saw rumours of Chiesa leaving Anfield due to lack of use, few expected the Italian to be the saviour in this crucial match. Just six minutes after coming on, he scored a crucial goal to help Liverpool wake up.

Chiesa played just 104 minutes of Premier League football last season since joining from Juventus for £12m. But he has won over fans with his passion and strong character. His goal against Bournemouth could be the turning point in his career as he regains the trust of his coaching staff and opens up new opportunities.

Hugo Ekitike — Dream start at Anfield

Amid rumours that Liverpool were interested in signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle, new signing Ekitike proved his worth right from his Premier League debut. He not only scored the opening goal but also contributed an assist, tormenting the Bournemouth defence with his aggressive play.

At 22, Ekitike has shown quick integration and great potential. If he continues to maintain this form, he can completely become a key factor in Liverpool’s attack this season, regardless of whether the club recruits another striker or not.

Midfield Problems — Tough Questions for Arne Slot

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Coach Arne Slot opted for the midfield pairing of Szoboszlai and Mac Allister in this match, with the attacking quartet of Ekitike, Wirtz, Gakpo and Salah. However, the imbalance was soon exposed as Szoboszlai often pushed forward, leaving Mac Allister alone in the defensive zone.

Liverpool’s lack of a solid defensive midfielder has left them open to Bournemouth on numerous occasions. If Ryan Gravenberch returns, Slot could help solve this problem to some extent. However, with their dominant attacking strategy, Liverpool still face the risk of being counter-attacked whenever they lose possession.

Antoine Semenyo — Bournemouth’s bright spearhead

Despite the defeat, Bournemouth can still hold their heads high thanks to Semenyo’s excellent performance. The 25-year-old scored two beautiful goals, causing Liverpool’s defense many troubles. With his speed, strength and cool finishing ability, he is expected to be a target for many big clubs in the transfer window.

Manchester United were interested in Semenyo but eventually opted for Benjamin Sesko. After Liverpool vs Bournemouth, there will certainly be more offers for Bournemouth, forcing the club to consider keeping this star.

VAR and controversial situations

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One of the highlights of the match came in the 13th minute, when Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi used his hand to block the ball to prevent Ekitike from getting through. Referee Anthony Taylor again awarded a penalty to Bournemouth instead of Liverpool, and VAR did not intervene on the grounds that the distance to goal was too far. This decision caused much controversy, as many experts believed that Senesi had prevented a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

Diogo Jota — Forever in the hearts of Anfield

It is difficult to describe the loss that Liverpool have suffered following the passing of Jota and his brother André Silva. During the Liverpool vs Bournemouth match, the red stands were transformed into a sea of people paying their respects. The club announced that Jota’s number 20 shirt would be retired and that they would be carrying out a number of tribute projects in the coming time.

Although he is no longer on the pitch, the fighting spirit and affection that Jota left behind will continue to inspire his teammates and fans. Anfield will always echo with his name whenever fans need a symbol of faith and the desire to win.

Looking forward

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A 4–2 win over Bournemouth gave Liverpool a strong start to their title defence. However, there is still work to be done, especially in midfield. A potent attack of Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike and possibly Isak in the future will be a formidable weapon, but tactical balance is key for the long haul.

For Bournemouth, the defeat was not too disappointing. Their resilient performance against the champions, especially Semenyo, showed that they are competitive and can cause a surprise in the 2025/26 season.

The Liverpool vs Bournemouth match was not only a tense match with 6 goals, but also an emotional event, where football transcended winning and losing to become a bond of love. For Liverpool, this was a meaningful start to the new season, while Bournemouth can be proud of what they showed.

The future still has many challenges, but one thing is certain: the memory of the Anfield night dedicated to Diogo Jota and the 4–2 victory will forever be imprinted in the history of the club and the hearts of the fans.

FAQ

Who scored the winning goal in the Liverpool vs Bournemouth match?

Federico Chiesa scored in the 88th minute and Mohamed Salah made it 4–2 in stoppage time, giving Liverpool the win.

How was Diogo Jota remembered in this match?

Fans sang Jota’s name, hung banners in tribute, held a minute’s silence and Liverpool also announced that his number 20 shirt would be retired.

Which rookie made the most impression in the Liverpool vs Bournemouth match?

Hugo Ekitike had an impressive debut, scoring the opening goal and providing an assist, proving his worth in the first match.