Liverpool have got their Premier League title defence off to a winning start in thrilling fashion as they scored late to beat Bournemouth at Anfield.
It looked to be a comfortable night for the Reds as they opened up a two-goal lead in the second half, but then found themselves level with the Cherries late in the game.
It took an unlikely hero in Federico Chiesa to put them back ahead in the dying moments, before a more familiar goal-scorer netted a fourth.
Hugo Ekitike opened his Premier League account for the Reds as he put them ahead on 37 minutes, continuing his fine start to life at Liverpool after netting in the Community Shield last weekend.
The Frenchman turned provider after the break as he teed up Cody Gakpo and the Dutchman coolly curled in an effort into the bottom corner, just four minutes into the second half.
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Anfield was rocking by this point, with Liverpool looking very dangerous, but it was the away team that grabbed the next goal and turned the tide somewhat.
Antoine Semenyo scored the goal for the Cherries just after the hour mark after a rapid and efficient break, with David Brooks putting in a brilliant ball from the left for his teammate to finish.
It was a similar story just over 10 minutes later as Semenyo was the man to finish off a counter-attack again, stunning Anfield by putting Bournemouth level.
The Reds were concerningly open through the middle of the pitch as the Cherries broke, with Ibrahima Konate unable to stop Semenyo on the edge of the penalty box and he fired beyond Alisson.
Arne Slot’s men were desperately pushing for a winner and eventually found it through substitute Chiesa who volleyed home a loose clearance inside the area on 88 minutes to delight the home fans.
Mo Salah then rounded off the scoring in injury time, showing great fight and energy so late in the day to end the drama.
It was an emotional evening at Anfield as tributes were paid to Diogo Jota before kick-off after his tragic death last month.
While that was observed perfectly by the fans on Merseyside, there were awful scenes in the first half as Semenyo reported to the referee that he had been racially abused by a Liverpool supporter.
The match was paused briefly as the referee spoke to both managers about the situation, with players on both sides showing support for the Bournemouth star.
There was also controversy of a much less important kind on the field as Marcos Senesi was fortunate to avoid any punishment on 12 minutes as he appeared to handball and prevent Ekitike running in on goal from the halfway line.
More to follow…
