**Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth: Slot’s Reds Show Grit in Opening Thriller**
Liverpool began their Premier League season with a 4-2 win against Bournemouth at Anfield, a match that mixed standout moments with signs of fragility under new manager Arne Slot.
The night began ideally for the Reds as Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo put them ahead with two early goals, demonstrating the sharp finishing that has long characterized Liverpool when in top form. However, Bournemouth responded through Antoine Semenyo, who capitalized on defensive mistakes with a rapid double to quiet the Kop and bring the game level.
As tension built, Federico Chiesa celebrated his first Premier League goal in impressive fashion, calmly scoring to put Liverpool back in front. Mohamed Salah later added a crucial fourth, securing the win and underlining his lasting impact in attack.
The final score may have flattered Liverpool, but their ability to bounce back after Bournemouth’s resurgence underlined an important quality Slot will want to build on: resilience under pressure.
Aside from the result, the night held extra meaning. Slot’s tactical plans were put to the test under Premier League conditions, revealing both promise and areas needing improvement.
A key positive came with Joe Gomez’s return, featuring in league action for the first time since December. His inclusion eases a big concern for Slot, as only Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté were available as experienced central defenders for the match. Gomez’s ability to play across the defense now adds valuable depth as Liverpool look ahead to a tougher challenge aw
ay to Newcastle.
