The Premier League opener between Liverpool and Bournemouth was an up-and-down match with no shortage of goals to kick off the Premier League season in style. The score was Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth. Here are some key takeaways.
Liverpool were not anywhere near their best. This is to be expected considering the season has just begun, but Bournemouth responded (initially) well to going 2-0 down with two quality finishes by Antoine Semenyo to level the score to 2-2. Liverpool capitulated late and if it wasn’t for late heroics by super-sub Federico Chiesa and the late late dagger by Salah, it could have been disastrous.
Bournemouth have nothing to be ashamed of in their performance. Semenyo was easily the best player on the team, maybe even the pitch, but the counterattacking play was admirable considering they were facing off against a passionate Liverpool home side on opening day. This is up with one of the hardest matches they’ll have all season, and it is likely to get better from here on out.
Liverpool have issues defensively. Their backline, on the second goal especially, was single-handedly dismantled by the brilliance of Antoine Semenyo. Even better attackers will feast if they don’t manage to sort out the issues, perhaps even in personnel. The fullbacks were extremely attacking minded which may have led to problems, but it is a problem that needs to be addressed going forward.
Antoine Semenyo was the best player on the pitch and may be above Bournemouth’s level. The Ghanaian international completely flipped the game upside down by scoring a quick second half brace to get Bournemouth level before two late goals for Liverpool. His pacey nature and attacking IQ was key in getting Bournemouth involved in this fixture.
Diogo Jota will never be forgotten and this match was a tribute to him. The emotion instilled into each moment from ‘You Never Walk Alone’ to the final goal was injected with passion for the club and in memory of the iconic number 20 who’s been immortalized in the clubs history.