Liverpool 4 Bournemouth 2: Ekitike impresses, super-sub Chiesa delivers, but Slot nearly costs Reds

Liverpool defeated AFC Bournemouth 4-2 in an enthralling encounter in the 2025/26 Premier League opening game at Anfield on Friday evening.

Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring, poking the ball through the legs of defender Marcos Senesi, to set himself up in a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic and then put the ball home.

Four minutes after the restart, Cody Gakpo doubled the scoring, dazzling his way through the Cherries’ defence before firing a low shot past Petrovic.

Antoine Semenyo halved the deficit for the away side with a precise finish from David Brooks’ pass, and he completed the comeback with a brilliant individual effort in the 76th minute.

Substitute Federico Chiesa restored the Reds’ lead with a swift shot, and Mohamed Salah sealed the victory in stoppage time.

Manager Arne Slot almost cost the Reds the victory for the second consecutive game with his substitutions.

The decision to replace Jeremie Frimpong with Wataru Endo was ill-conceived, leaving the Reds more vulnerable. Slot noticed this gaffe and made another substitution, replacing Ekitike with Joe Gomez.

To his credit, bringing on Chiesa also proved to be a masterstroke, but if Liverpool are to retain the league title, Slot’s decision has to be almost impeccable.

Captain Virgil van Dijk, criticised for his Community Shield display against Crystal Palace, delivered a commanding performance.

According to OptaJoe, he made 17 clearances, 13 of which were headed clearances; ‘both were his most in a single Premier League game’ for the Merseyside outfit.

He kept striker Evanilson quiet, nearly scored in the first half, recorded 95 touches, completed 87% of his passes, won 11 of 12 aerial duels, and triumphed in his only ground duel.

Although Liverpool came out victorious, Slot has a lot of work to do to retain their Premier League crown.