Liverpool [UK], August 16 : Late strikes from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah helped Liverpool secure a thrilling 4-2 win over Bournemouth in their Premier League opener on Friday night, making a late comeback into the game after scores were levelled at 2-2 at one point.
The contest was a highly emotional one for The Reds, who had lost their star player Diogo Jota in a car accident way back in July. He was honoured before, during and after the match, with several Liverpool stars soaking up all the emotion and chants by fans for Jota.
On his Premier League debut, Hugo Ekitike was impressive, opening the goal tally for his side in the 37th minute to take the scoreline to 1-0 at half-time. Just four minutes after the whistle for the second half was sounded, Hugo was back in action, creating an opportunity for Cody Gakpo to deliver the second blow in the 49th minute.
However, Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo, who had earlier reported facing racial abuse from the Liverpool's passionate home crowd, gave the defending champions a massive scare, scoring twice in 12 minutes, in the 64th and 76th minute respectively. He exposed the defensive weaknesses that cost the Community Shield to the Premier League champions.
The incident caused a three-minute stoppage midway through first half and a fan was ejected from the stadium, creating that one sour moment in a night that otherwise a celebration of Jota's life and career.
In the final minutes of the match, the pendulum moved back in Liverpool's favour as Chiesa left the bench to give his side the lead again in the 88th minute with a volley, and an emotional Salah capped a brilliant night off for Liverpool with a goal in the stoppage time, which extended his unbelievable record of scoring on opening weekend (10 goals) in the competition.
Speaking after the match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot lauded Semenyo's "mental strength" and said that the matter of racial abuse is under police investigation.
"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.
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