August 16, Liverpool: After the score was tied at 2-2 at one point, Liverpool made a late comeback to defeat Bournemouth 4-2 in their Premier League opener on Friday night thanks to goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah.
The Reds, who lost their top player, Diogo Jota, in a vehicle tragedy back in July, had a very emotional match. Before, during, and after the game, he was honoured, and some Liverpool players soaked up the passion and cries of the supporters for Jota.
Huge Ekitike made a strong debut in the Premier League, opening the score in the 37th minute to put his team ahead 1-0 at the break. Hugo returned to action just four minutes after the second half whistle blew, giving Cody Gakpo the chance to score the second goal in the 49th minute.
But Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth, who had previously claimed to have been subjected to racist taunts from Liverpool’s fervent home crowd, gave the reigning champions a serious scare by scoring twice in 12 minutes, in the 64th and 76th minutes, respectively. He revealed the defensive flaws that cost the Premier League winners the Community Shield.
The incident created that one bitter moment in a night that was otherwise a celebration of Joto’s life and career, as it led to a three-minute delay halfway through the first half and the ejection of a fan from the stadium. The tide swung back in Liverpool’s favour in the closing minutes of the game when Chiesa came off the bench to give his team the lead once more with a volley in the 88th minute.
An emotional Salah completed an incredible evening for Liverpool with a goal in stoppage time, extending his incredible record of scoring on the first weekend (10 goals) in the competition.
After the game, Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised Semenyo’s “mental strength” and stated that authorities are looking into the racial abuse.
“It is under investigation with the police now. We have made a very clear statement. This day should be about Diogo and the tribute, but we have to address this, so I am glad I have been asked. It is unacceptable,” said Slot as quoted by Sky Sports.
“I spoke to him [Semenyo] after the game to say we will do everything to find this person, and wherever we can, we will try to help. Credit to him, he’s very strong mentally, to get such a strong second-half performance after this shows the kind of player he is. Unacceptable in football in general, let alone at Anfield,” he concluded.