AFCON 2025
Liverpool kicked off their Premier League title defense with a tense 4-2 victory over Bournemouth, who fought back from 2-0 down before conceding late.
The pre-match rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” carried extra emotion following the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, with a poignant minute’s silence observed.
Arne Slot’s refreshed title-winning squad, featuring four Premier League debutants, started with intensity. Mohamed Salah’s looping shot was saved by Đorđe Petrović, and he later set up Virgil van Dijk, whose header missed.
Controversy struck early when Marcos Senesi handballed, angering Slot, but Hugo Ekitike broke the deadlock in the 37th minute, capitalizing on Alexis Mac Allister’s pass and a lucky deflection to beat Petrović.
Ekitike assisted Cody Gakpo five minutes into the second half, who calmly scored. Bournemouth fought back with Antoine Semenyo netting twice, exposing Liverpool’s shaky defense.
However, Federico Chiesa scored his first Premier League goal from a defensive error, and Salah sealed a 4-2 win with his 10th opening-day goal, thrilling Anfield in a dramatic season opener.
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