Liverpool opened the new Premier League season with a dramatic 4-0 victory over Bournemouth, but the night was overshadowed by an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who died in July. Jota’s family were present at Anfield, where a banner read: ‘Rute, Dinis, Duarte, Matilda – Anfield will always be your home. You’ll Never Walk Alone.’ Mohamed Salah broke down in tears after the final whistle as fans sang in honour of the tragic Portugal international.
Federico Chiesa came off the bench to score his first Premier League goal for Liverpool, a volley in the 88th minute that sealed the win. Salah added a late goal to complete the scoring. However, the match was also marred by allegations of racist abuse towards Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who had scored twice to level the game. A Liverpool fan was escorted out of the stadium at half-time after Semenyo reported the abuse to referee Anthony Taylor.
Hugo Ekitiké impressed on his Premier League debut, opening the scoring with a cool finish after a ricochet off defender Marcos Senesi. Cody Gakpo doubled Liverpool’s lead early in the second half. Bournemouth fought back through Semenyo, who scored twice to make it 2-2, but Liverpool’s late surge secured the points.
Bournemouth had sold key players Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi for a combined £144.8m, and their absence showed defensively. However, manager Andoni Iraola will take comfort from his side’s overall display. Liverpool’s victory was a testament to their resilience, but the night will be remembered for the emotional tribute to Jota and the controversy surrounding the alleged racist abuse.
