Liverpool duo Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Sara came to rescue their side as they kickstarted the Premier League title defense with a 4-2 win over AFC Bournemouth on Friday night. After seeing his teammates dump the two-goal lead, Chiesa got off the bench and restored Liverpool’s advantage with a sweet volley in the 89th minute, frenzying Anfield.
Sarah then puts the game to the dying embers of the collision, ensuring that the impressive braces of Antoine Semeño in the second half had been forgotten at Merseyside. Hugo Ekitike opened for Liverpool and opened with a first half-composed finish before teeing Cody Gakupo to double Liverpool’s lead after a half-time break.
Express Sport will see how Arne Slot’s side has changed during the opening night of the new campaign…
Allison-6
I didn’t do much about the Semenyo opener and left it flat the second time. Otherwise, I would not have had to make many saves.
Jeremie Frimpong – 6 (Endo, 60′)
It provided plenty of breadth and energy, but it would not have the impact he wanted in his league debut.
Virgil Van Djik -6
It’s not his best night, but there’s no real fault for himself. He created some important blocks, but he was not at his best, with little support from his centre-back partner or full-back.
Ibrahima Conate-4
Like the Community Shield Finals, the defender looks like his mind is elsewhere. It was placed inadequately on several occasions and almost got me in trouble with a few stray passes. He was caught up in David Brooks’ pace for a Bournemouth goal and strangely refused to engage with Semeño as he scored his second goal.
Milos Kerquez – 4 (Robertson, 60′)
Something like an immature debut by a defender who seemed to be stuck with proving his worth to his previous club. Rushley fell into a handful of challenges and was naturally booked. Better ability.
Alexis Mac Allister -7 (Jones, 70′)
A strong performance from Argentina as he continues to return to full fitness. He showed defensive grit and almost bagged the goal with a heavy strike in the second half.
Dominique Zobosilai-6
He worked hard but delayed some important mistakes, and made the wrong decision when he gave the ball for the Bournemouth opener and provided space in the final third.
Florian Wirtz – 6 (Chiesa, 82)
Some neat touches and passes, but someone’s performance settling into life in the Premier League. Nonetheless, there is no doubt about his talent.
Mohamed Sara-9
A bright performance from the Egyptians caused many problems right with his pace and tricks. He was perfectly deserved his goal to continue his impressive record in the opening game of the season.
Hugo Ekitike – 9 (Gomez, 70′)
An impressive debut by the Frenchman. He created his own luck before successfully acquiring his goals, and combined plays impressively throughout. If the former truck Frankfurt star can build on this exhibit, he will be a defender’s nightmare this season.
Cody Gakpo – 8
His desire to show great calm to pass through slot homes with many players, slot homes for his goals, and cut insides to influence plays, sparking Bournemouth issues.
Alternatives
Federico Chiesa – 8
He touched the ball only once before hitting the volley over Petrovich, but that was all he needed to assert his cult hero status among the loyal people of Liverpool.
Joe Gomez – 6
A stable option for right back to teammate end.
Curtis Jones – 7
He did some great runs behind the Bournemouth backline and advanced his side with his neat build-up.
Wataru End – 5
He looked uncomfortable at the right back of the change that changed the course of the collision.
Andrew Robertson – 5
When we caught him sleeping for Semeño’s opener and Bournemouth broke for the second time, it was nothing to be seen anywhere. When Liverpool had to resort to Scotland for his experience to watch the game, he couldn’t provide it.
