Liverpool’s return to Premier League motion was an evening of combined feelings at Anfield, as pleasure on the pitch intertwined with a heartfelt tribute for late ahead Diogo Jota, who died in a automotive crash in July. The Reds secured a 4-2 victory over Bournemouth of their season opener, and Mohamed Salah, who scored the sport’s remaining aim, was moved to tears as followers paid tribute to Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, who additionally died within the crash.
The pair had been concerned in a deadly accident on Spain’s A-52 freeway close to Palacios de Sanabria on July 3, simply days after Jota’s wedding ceremony to his long-time associate, Rute Cardoso. Driving a Lamborghini, the car suffered a tyre blowout, sending them off the highway and ending their lives. Anfield paid a heartfelt gesture, displaying banners declaring the stadium will “all the time be his residence” and becoming a member of Salah in an emotional homage.
“They sang for him (Jota) earlier than the sport, within the first minute, after 20 minutes, and once more on the finish. It was so spectacular, so highly effective,” Liverpool head coach Arne Slot mirrored after the sport. “His spouse is right here, his youngsters are right here, and for them it may be particular to listen to how a lot he is cherished over right here.”
A dramatic opener
On the pitch, the match delivered the drama followers count on from Liverpool. Hugo Ekitike made a direct affect on his league debut, opening the scoring within the thirty seventh minute, with Cody Gakpo doubling the lead shortly after the interval. Bournemouth, nonetheless, refused to fold. Antoine Semenyo pulled one again within the sixty fourth minute and accomplished his brace twelve minutes later, briefly unsettling the house crowd and giving the guests hope.
Liverpool’s response got here from the bench, as Federico Chiesa struck within the 88th minute to present Liverpool the lead once more.
A fourth, which all however ensured Liverpool’s win, arrived in stoppage time when Salah, chasing a unfastened ball previous the defence, minimize inside and slotted it into the underside nook, finishing a dramatic end. His 94th-minute strike not solely sealed the win but additionally noticed the Egyptian be a part of Andy Cole in fourth place on the all-time Premier League scorers’ record with 187 objectives. Overcome with emotion, Salah pointed to the heavens and mimicked Jota’s iconic aim celebration.
