Liverpool began the defence of their Premier League crown with a chaotic yet thrilling 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday evening.
Arne Slot’s men secured all three points in dramatic fashion thanks to Hugo Ekitike’s sharp finishing and Federico Chiesa’s late heroics, but the game also underlined the challenges the champions must resolve if they are to retain their title.
Here are five key takeaways from the opening night on Merseyside.
Federico Chiesa – instant cult hero
On the same day Giovanni Leoni officially became a Liverpool player, it was another Italian who stole the show.
Federico Chiesa, so often written off in recent years, announced himself to Anfield with a stunning late winner that sparked celebrations more befitting a title decider than an opening-day clash.
The Kop erupted as Chiesa’s finish sealed the points in the dying minutes, his composure and instinct reminding fans of strikers past who thrived on the big moments. Like Divock Origi before him, Chiesa may never be considered among Europe’s elite forwards, but his knack for delivering when it matters most is already winning hearts.
New teammate and fellow countryman Leoni, watching from the stands after his £26m move from Parma, could hardly have asked for a better introduction to the Anfield experience.
Defensive frailties remain a concern
For all the attacking excitement, Liverpool’s defensive issues remain a pressing worry. Bournemouth repeatedly exposed the Reds on the break, with Antoine Semenyo punishing two sloppy turnovers to level the scoreline.
Virgil van Dijk looked uneasy, Ibrahima Konaté struggled with positioning, and the new-look full-back pairing lacked cohesion. The departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold and the uncertainty around Andy Robertson only deepen the sense that this back line is still in transition.
Slot’s team cannot afford to be so open in midfield either and the absence of Ryan Gravenberch was keenly felt as Bournemouth found gaps far too easily. If Liverpool are to mount another historic campaign, these cracks at the back must be urgently repaired.
Hugo Ekitike looks the part
Liverpool fans got another taste of why Arne Slot was so determined to bring Hugo Ekitike to Anfield. The Frenchman opened the scoring with a calm finish and impressed throughout with his movement, strength, and intelligence.
The 23-year-old is a forward with an unusual blend of composure and explosiveness. He drops deep to link play, stretches defences with clever runs, and never seems flustered in front of goal. After glimpses at Wembley in the Community Shield, this was a proper statement performance on the league stage.
Comparisons with Darwin Núñez are perhaps inevitable, but Ekitike looks far more polished at this stage. Whether or not Alexander Isak arrives before the window closes, Liverpool already have a gem on their hands.
VAR controversy rears its head
It didn’t take long for the familiar frustrations around refereeing and VAR to resurface. Anthony Taylor struggled to keep up with the tempo, with several baffling decisions drawing the ire of both benches.
Slot was visibly agitated on the touchline, while the crowd inside Anfield made their feelings known after a handful of contentious calls. The Premier League promised more efficiency and clarity with VAR this season, but if this was any indication, the debate is only just beginning.
Diogo Jota – always remembered
Before a ball was kicked, Anfield paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, who tragically lost their lives in a car accident earlier this summer. Unlike the disrupted silence at Wembley, this one was impeccably observed, with banners, shirts, and chants carrying Jota’s name throughout the night.
It was impossible not to feel the weight of the occasion, particularly at full-time when Mohamed Salah stood before The Kop with tears in his eyes. This season will always carry the shadow of Jota’s passing, but Liverpool supporters made clear he will forever remain part of the club’s history as their number 20.
The reigning champions were breathtaking and brittle in equal measure. The attacking verve of Ekitike and Chiesa offers huge promise, yet the defensive fragility threatens to derail their ambitions if left unresolved.
Still, as Slot’s reign in the Premier League began with a dramatic 4-2 win, one thing became certain — the champions are back, and this season promises to be anything but dull.
