The Premier League kicked off with a six-goal thriller as defending champions Liverpool defeated Bournemouth 4-2 at Anfield.

The opening day of the English Premier League delivered drama, as the champions, who nearly squandered a two-goal lead, fought back in the dying minutes to seal a 4-2 victory for Arne Slot’s side.

Before kick-off, late former Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and Andre Silva were honoured with a minute’s silence, as fans paid tribute by singing Jota’s name and the iconic “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Liverpool striker and new signing Hugo Ekitike scored his debut Premier League goal and second for the Reds, having first found the net in the Community Shield final. The new forward swiftly worked his way through the left flank and delivered a beautifully composed finish from a simple assist by Mac Allister.

Cody Gakpo doubled the lead after the break, connecting with a quick pass from Ekitike and striking brilliantly into the bottom corner of the visitors’ net. Gakpo honoured late forward Jota with a number 20 celebration.

In the 64 minute, Antonie Semenyo brought the Cherry back into the game with a simple ball from David Brooks over the halfway line, allowing the Ghanaian international to glide past Van Dijk and Konate and pull one back. Minutes later, he scored again to level the game, silencing Anfield and completing a remarkable comeback for Iraola’s side.

Arne Slot’s tactical changes paid off as his side took the lead, thanks to an impressive finish that was too fast for Petrovic to save, with Federico Chiesa, who came off the bench, making himself a hero for his team and scoring his first Premier League goal.

And it had to be the Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah, to seal the win for Liverpool. After a brilliant clearance from Wataru Endo reached Salah, the talisman secured the three points with a superb right-foot finish inside the left area, also dedicating and celebrating the goal to Diogo Jota, scoring his 187th Premier League goal and equalling Andy Cole in the all-time top scorers list.

In a sour moment in the match, a racial comment was reported to be directed at Bournemouth’s Antonie Semenyo which paused the game in the first half which was done by Referee Anthony Taylor before talking to the managers of both teams. This came a day after Mathy Tel was subject of racial abuse for missing a spot kick.

The Premier League Match Centre during the match shared a statement, condemning the incident. It stated: “Tonight’s match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during the first half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. This is in line with the Premier League’s on-field anti-discrimination protocol. The incident at Anfield will now be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs. Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society. We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”

Liverpool also condemned the allegations of racial abuse, stating, “We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms; it has no place in society or football.”

The Cherrys stood in support of their player, saying, “A great player, but above all, a great human being. Only a strong character shows such resilience in those circumstances. We love you and are all with you, Antonie.”

The title race continues on Sunday as Aston Villa face Newcastle, Brighton take on Fulham, newly promoted Sunderland clash with West Ham, and Wolves square up with Manchester City.

All eyes will also be on Chelsea, the World Champions, as they face Community Shield winners Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, big-spending sides Manchester United and Arsenal battle it out at Old Trafford, and Nottingham Forest play Brentford.

The weekend concludes on Monday with Leeds hosting Everton as the new campaign continues.

(NAN)