Liverpool v Bournemouth scores, results, news, fixtures, kick off, season opener, how to watch

This has been some way to open the new Premier League season. If you need a reason to start watching a little more religiously in 2025/26, this might be enough to twist your arm. And if you missed this game, it’s probably one to re-read from the start of the blog today and watch on replay, whether your support Liverpool or Bournemouth or not.

Here’s a wrap-up of the match from Reuters, and keep your eyes peeled for some commentary a little later. Thanks for your company.

Liverpool talisman Mo Salah and fellow forward Federico Chiesa struck late goals as the Premier League champions began the defence of their title by beating Bournemouth 4-2 in a thriller on the opening night of the season at Anfield on Friday.

On a bittersweet evening charged with emotion after the July death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, newcomer Hugo Ekitiké bagged a goal on his debut to put the hosts ahead after 37 minutes and Cody Gakpo doubled the lead in the 49th.

But Antoine Semenyo, who was the target of racist abuse in the first half that led to a pause in the game, pulled one back for the visitors in the 64th minute and completed a double 12 minutes later to rock Liverpool and shock the home fans.

However, substitute Chiesa sent the Liverpool faithful away happy with an 88th-minute strike after goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic swatted away a ball into the box by Salah, who scored himself deep into added time to wrap up the three points.