Liverpool begin their Premier League title defence with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield
Liverpool opened their 2025/26 Premier League campaign in thrilling fashion on Friday night (15), defeating Bournemouth 4–2 at Anfield in a match that had drama, comebacks, and debut heroics.
The reigning champions raced to a 2–0 lead with goals from debutant Hugo Ekitiké and Cody Gakpo, only to be pegged back by two second-half strikes from Antoine Semenyo. Late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah, however, restored control and secured three points for Arne Slot’s side.
Ekitiké Shines in First Premier League Appearance
Summer signing Ekitiké, starting up front in his first league match for Liverpool, opened the scoring in the 36th minute after a determined solo run. Moments into the second half, he turned provider, setting up Gakpo for the Reds’ second with a neat pass inside the box.
The French striker’s performance capped a dream week, following his Community Shield goal and making him one of only two Liverpool players alongside Darwin Núñez to register a goal and assist on their Premier League debut.
Bournemouth Fight Back Before Reds Respond
Bournemouth, who lost ten players during the transfer window, refused to crumble. Semenyo cut the deficit in the 63rd minute, then stunned Anfield by equalising with a powerful run and strike from deep in his own half.
Liverpool responded decisively in the closing stages. Chiesa, introduced from the bench, restored the lead in the 87th minute before Salah’s stoppage-time finish sealed the 4–2 victory.
Milestones and New Faces
The match also marked goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s 300th appearance for Liverpool and featured several summer signings in the starting XI Jeremie Frimpong at right-back, Milos Kerkez on the left, Florian Wirtz in midfield, and Ekitiké in attack.
In the stands, new defensive recruit Giovanni Leoni, signed from Parma, watched his new side claim their first three points of the season.
