Liverpool began their Premier League campaign with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday, marking an emotional return to domestic action with tributes to the late Diogo Jota.
The match was marred in the first half by a reported incident of racist abuse directed at Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, forcing a brief delay as officials and managers were informed.
Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring in the 36th minute, firing low past goalkeeper George Petrovic after breaking beyond Marcos Senesi.
Three minutes into the second half, Ekitike turned provider, setting up Cody Gakpo for Liverpool’s second.
Bournemouth responded through Semenyo, who scored twice in 15 minutes, first from close range on the hour mark, then with a solo run and finish in the 75th minute to level the match.
Federico Chiesa restored Liverpool’s lead in the 88th minute with a volley from a failed clearance, before Mohamed Salah sealed the result in stoppage time with a trademark solo effort.
