Match Overview
Liverpool survived a second-half scare to defeat Bournemouth 4-2 in a dramatic Premier League opener at Anfield, overshadowed by an alleged racial abuse incident involving Cherries forward Antoine Semenyo. Substitute Federico Chiesa emerged as the unlikely hero, volleying home an 85th-minute winner after Bournemouth erased a two-goal deficit.
Controversy Mars Emotional Night
The match was temporarily halted in the first half after Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator in the home section. Play resumed following discussions between referee Anthony Taylor and both managers, with investigations ongoing. The incident starkly contrasted Anfield's earlier poignant tribute to Diogo Jota, the Liverpool striker who died tragically six weeks prior, as fans held aloft banners reading "Anfield Will Always Be Your Home."
Semenyo's Resilient Response
Undeterred by the abuse, Semenyo delivered a standout performance, scoring twice in 12 minutes to cancel out Liverpool's early advantage. His second goal – a 70-yard solo dash past Ibrahima Konaté – exposed defensive frailties in Arne Slot's revamped side. "The courage he showed tonight was exceptional," Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola later remarked.
New Signings Shine Amid Defensive Woes
Liverpool's £300m summer spending spree yielded immediate dividends as debutant Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring before setting up Cody Gakpo's strike. However, defensive lapses saw £100m arrival Florian Wirtz substituted prematurely, making way for match-winner Chiesa. The Italian's first Premier League goal capped a frenetic finale before Mohamed Salah added gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time.
Post-Match Reactions
Slot acknowledged his team's vulnerabilities: "We showed character but must improve defensively." Meanwhile, Bournemouth's hierarchy pledged full cooperation with authorities investigating the racism allegation. The Football Association has launched a formal inquiry into the incident as English football faces renewed scrutiny over spectator conduct.
Attendance: 53,294 | Star Performer: Federico Chiesa (Liverpool)
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