Liverpool’s Premier League title defence got off to a flying start with a thrilling 4-2 win over AFC Bournemouth at Anfield.
The Reds looked set for an easy victory as Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo put them in control. But defensive lapses allowed Antoine Semenyo to score twice and level the game.
Liverpool regrouped, though, and late strikes from Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah secured all three points on an emotional night that included tributes to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
Here is how Strictly Liverpool rated the players.
Alisson Becker – 6
A quiet first half, with a comfortable save from Tavernier. Had little chance with either of Semenyo’s goals.
Jeremie Frimpong – 6
Defended well on his side and got forward when possible. Subbed in the 60th minute, looked tired.
Ibrahima Konate – 4
Early mistakes put Liverpool under pressure. Caught out for Semenyo’s first goal and failed to challenge him for the second. Showed glimpses with the ball later, but costly errors.
Virgil van Dijk – 5
Could have done better with a couple of early headers. Allowed Semenyo in for Bournemouth’s first and struggled to organise the defence for the second.
Milos Kerkez – 6
Solid first-half performance against Semenyo, though booked for a mistimed challenge. Played a key ball for Ekitike’s goal. Subbed in the 60th minute.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7
Rusty from missing pre-season and guilty of a few sloppy touches, also booked for a late foul. Assisted Ekitike’s goal and looked sharper after the break before being subbed in the 72nd minute.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 5
Worked hard but lacked influence in the first half. A poor backheel allowed Bournemouth a counter for their first goal. Kept going and showed determination.
Mohamed Salah – 7
Bright start with a shot that forced a save and some dangerous moments. Faded in the second half before his cross led to Chiesa’s winner. Took his goal well in stoppage time.
Florian Wirtz – 6
Kept play moving in midfield but lacked a cutting edge early on. Improved after the break but struggled against physical challenges. Subbed in the 82nd minute.
Cody Gakpo – 8
Decent early involvement, including a cross for Ekitike. Scored superbly to make it 2-0 and was more threatening after the break.
Hugo Ekitike – 9
Dominated Bournemouth’s defence from the start. Scored his first Premier League goal and assisted Gakpo. Subbed in the 72nd minute after a commanding debut.
Substitutes
Wataru Endo (Frimpong 60’) – 5
Caught out for Bournemouth’s first goal but moved into midfield.
Andy Robertson (Kerkez 60’) – 5
Supported attacks but had limited involvement.
Joe Gomez (Ekitike 72’) – 5
Provided more defensive stability.
Curtis Jones (Mac Allister 72’) – 5
Kept things simple but effective.
Federico Chiesa (Wirtz 82’) – 9
Scored a sublime volley to secure the win. Match-winner.
