Liverpool began their title defense in the Premier League with a 4-2 win against Bournemouth at Anfield on Sunday. The opening ceremony was followed by a competitive match that set the tone for an exciting inaugural season. It paid tribute to Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash earlier this month.
The match opened with a heartfelt tribute, with an emotional minute’s silence to remember Jota. During the game, players and fans continued to honor his memory. Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, expressed pride in his team’s performance while acknowledging the emotional weight of the occasion.
Liverpool made their move Liverpool took the advantage in the 23rd minute. Hugo Ekitike, in his league debut from Eintracht Frankfurt, scored a goal that would have Jota proud. Immediately after his strike, Ekitike proudly raised two fingers with one hand. With the other hand, he made a zero, signifying Jota’s number. He was still mopping his eyes as he clapped farewell to fans who serenaded him with Jota’s chant moments after the final whistle.
Cody Gakpo made it 2-0, shooting into the bottom corner. Bournemouth were only behind for a matter of moments, with Antoine Semenyo responding quickly to pull a goal back. Semenyo was racist abuse shouted at him that day, that even stopped the game temporarily. This incident led to a broader conversation about expectations between officials and players.
Mo Salah extended Liverpool’s advantage by scoring in the 75th minute, bringing his total Premier League goals to 187, placing him joint-fourth on the all-time scorers’ list alongside Andy Cole. Salah’s reaction was to first point to the heavens before attempting to replicate Jota’s homegrown shark goal celebration.
Federico Chiesa put the icing on the cake with an incredible goal in the 88th minute. This late-winning goal confirmed Liverpool’s incredible start to the new season, leapfrogging them past adversity.
Ekitike on his performance afterwards, “Clearly, I think it was a great performance, I can do even better.”
Bournemouth captain Adam Smith said he was appalled by the racist abuse which marred what should have been a historic match. He said at the time, “In this day and age, it shouldn’t be happening.”
