Chiesa and Salah Seal Dramatic 4-2 Win as Anfield Pays Emotional Tribute to Jota
Liverpool began their Premier League title defense with a thrilling 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday. The match was overshadowed by an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident last month.
⚽ Match Summary
- Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo scored to put Liverpool ahead.
- Antoine Semenyo struck twice for Bournemouth to level the match.
- Federico Chiesa restored Liverpool’s lead in the 89th minute.
- Mohamed Salah added a stoppage-time goal, securing victory.
Anfield Remembers Diogo Jota
The night was deeply emotional as Anfield paid homage to Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
- Fans displayed a mosaic of their initials and shirt numbers.
- A banner read: “Rute, Dinis, Duarte, Mafalda – Anfield will always be your home. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
- A minute’s silence was observed before kickoff.
- Salah honored Jota with his goal celebration and later broke down in tears.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot reflected:
“The tribute for Diogo was so powerful and unforgettable.”
Liverpool’s New Era
With nearly £300 million spent in the summer, Liverpool showcased their revamped squad.
- Debuts for Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong.
- The Reds continue to be linked with Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi.
Despite the win, defensive flaws remain a concern, as seen in pre-season and the Community Shield loss.
Key Controversies
- VAR Oversight: A potential handball by Marcos Senesi went unpunished.
- Racial Abuse Incident: The game halted briefly after Semenyo reported abuse from a fan. Police later removed the spectator.
Bournemouth captain Adam Smith said:
“Unacceptable. Hard to believe it still happens today.”
Liverpool’s campaign begins with three vital points, but the night belonged to Diogo Jota’s memory. Anfield proved once again that while football delivers drama on the pitch, it is also a stage for love, loss, and unity.
Also Read : Tribute to Former Liverpool Forward Diogo Jota Disrupted at Wembley During Community Shield
