The 2025/26 Premier League season kicked off in spectacular fashion at Anfield, where Liverpool claimed a thrilling 4-2 victory over Bournemouth.

It was a new chapter for the Cherries, playing their first competitive match since the departure of Ukrainian centre-back Illya Zabarnyi to Paris Saint-Germain. But the spotlight quickly shifted to Arne Slot’s revamped Reds, who came flying out of the blocks.

New signing Hugo Ekitike wasted no time in making his mark, netting early to ignite the Anfield faithful. Shortly after, Dutch international Cody Gakpo doubled the lead with a composed finish, seemingly putting the game out of Bournemouth’s reach.

However, the visitors refused to go quietly. A brilliant brace from Antoine Semenyo dragged Bournemouth level after the break, momentarily silencing the home crowd and reminding everyone that this side still has bite, even without Zabarnyi marshalling the back line.

Just as the match seemed to be slipping from Liverpool’s grasp, the big names stepped up. In the 88th minute, Italian winger Federico Chiesa—another high-profile addition—slotted home to restore the lead. And in stoppage time, talisman Mohamed Salah sealed the deal with a trademark finish, sending a message to the rest of the league: Liverpool mean business this season.

2025-26, England - Premier League

Liverpool - Bournemouth 4:2 (1:0)
Goals: Ekitike, 37 (1:0); Gakpo, 49 (2:0); Semenyo, 64 (2:1); Semenyo, 76 (2:2); Chiesa F., 88 (3:2); Salah, 90 (4:2)

Liverpool: Alisson; van Dijk; Kerkez M. (Robertson A., 60); Konate; Frimpong J. (Endo W., 60); Wirtz (Chiesa F., 82); Mac Allister A. (Jones Cur., 72); Szoboszlai; Salah; Gakpo; Ekitike (Gomez, 72)
Bench: Mamardashvili; Nyoni; Ngumoha; Elliott H.
Yellow Cards: Kerkez M. 43

Bournemouth: Petrovic Dj.; Diakité B.; Senesi; Smith Adam (Hill, 90); Truffert; Adams T. (Kroupi, 90); Scott A. (Traorè Hamed, 74); Tavernier; Brooks (Winterburn, 84); Semenyo; Evanilson
Bench: Dennis W.; Araujo J.; Soler; Billing; Rees-Dottin
Yellow Cards: Brooks 14; Evanilson 81