Chiesa seals late win for Liverpool

A dramatic season opener at Anfield ends with a late Chiesa strike after Semenyo's two goals, while a racist abuse incident casts a shadow over the night.

Chiesa seals late win for Liverpool

Liverpool opened their title defence with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield, with Hugo Ekitike scoring early and Cody Gakpo adding a second after the break. Antoine Semenyo struck twice for the visitors, including an equaliser 14 minutes from time, before Federico Chiesa arrived off the bench in the 82nd minute to restore Liverpool’s lead. Mohamed Salah added a late fourth as the champions moved to 1-0 in the new campaign.

The match was paused briefly after Semenyo reported racist abuse from a spectator. An anti-discrimination message was read at half-time as the mood at Anfield shifted from celebration to reflection. Liverpool’s starting XI included four summer signings making their Premier League bows: Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. Klopp’s side then shifted tactically, with both starting full-backs withdrawn at the hour mark, prompting a renewed Bournemouth belief. A first-half handball decision involving Senesi sparked a long VAR review, which ultimately did not lead to a penalty or red card as play resumed with a free kick for Bournemouth.

The night underscored Liverpool’s attacking depth, but also the defensive questions that persist early in Slot’s reign. Ekitike looked the part of a No 9, linking play and supplying the assist for Gakpo, while Wirtz and Frimpong showed why the club chased them. Yet the two goals conceded revealed fragile moments at the back, a reminder that consistency is still a work in progress. The arrival of Chiesa could be the spark needed to balance the season’s demands while the window stays open. Bournemouth, led by Iraola, pressed with pace and counter-attacking intent, proving they can trouble a champion if opponents mistime possession.

Beyond the tactical chatter, the night’s racism incident tests the sport’s ability to protect players and preserve a welcoming atmosphere. The Premier League will face continued scrutiny over stadium safety and fan conduct, and clubs will be judged on how quickly and clearly they respond. The emotional tributes to Jota and Andre Silva added a somber tone, reminding everyone that football sits at the intersection of sport and life, and success must come with responsibility toward players and supporters.

Highlights

The transfer window remains open and Liverpool will look to build on this victory with fresh pieces.