Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth Player Ratings: Federico Chiesa wins a thriller for defending champs Liverpool against a valiant Bournemouth on the opening day

Federico Chiesa was the hero at the death for Liverpool as they won a thriller 4-2 against Bournemouth to clinch all the points on the opening day. The Reds paid their respects to Diogo Jota before the game and won the game in a way he would be proud of. They squandered a two-goal lead only to win a thriller late on and serve us an instant Premier League classic and kicking off their title defence and the new Premier League season in style.

Liverpool took the lead through their new big-money striker Hugo Ekitike, who finished from close range after the ball ricocheted kindly into his path. Ekitike then made the second goal for Cody Gakpo, who danced past the defenders before firing home. The Antoine Semenyo show brought the Cherries back into the game as he scored a superb second-half brace. Federico Cheisa then swung the pendulum in Liverpool's favour as Salah also got a late goal to seal three points.

The Premier League champions Liverpool started the game in fine fashion as Salah saw his goalbound effort well saved by Djordje Petrovic. They were calling the shots, but the Cherries did well to find a footing as well. Marcus Tavernier, in particular, miscued a glorious cutback, allowing Alisson to save it. Ekitike then forced the issues when he dropped deep to link up with Alexis Mac Allister before coolly slotting home past the goalkeeper to score on his home debut for the club. It gave Liverpool a deserved 1-0 lead after 45 minutes of entertaining football.

Liverpool started the second half much sharper and doubled the lead as Ekitike found Gakpo inside the box. The Dutch international then created space after evading tackles before finding the bottom corner. Semenyo then turned the game on its head after a wonderful brace to make it 2-2. He finished a counter first after a cross found him and then emerged on a 50-yard run himself to slot home past an indecisive Liverpool defence to fire past Alisson.

The champions never know when to quit, as they shook off poor defensive moments by scoring adrenaline-rising two late goals. Chiesa volleyed home in the 88th minute to win the game for his side with his first Premier League goal. Salah then scored with his weak foot deep in the stoppage time to seal the result.

Here are the Liverpool vs Bournemouth Player Ratings.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Here are the Liverpool Player Ratings from the Liverpool vs Bournemouth Player Ratings.

Goalkeeper

Alisson-6.5/10

Produced a couple of regulation saves to deny the Cherries and was patient with his passing from the back. Couldn't save Semenyo's shot on target for the goal.

Defenders

Jeremie Frimpong-6.5/10

The right back had a calm game by his standards as he held his fort defensively. He tried to overlap at times, but the impact wasn't there.

Ibrahima Konate-6/10

Conceded an early corner with a lazy back pass, but he won almost all his duels and stepped out of the backline with the ball when needed. He was too hesitant to put a tackle on Semenyo for the second goal.

Virgil van Dijk-6/10

The captain dominated Evanilson and put in key blocks when needed. Shouldve scored with a header in the first half.

Milos Kerkez-6/10

Went to the ground too often to win the ball and was yellow-carded for one such rash tackle. He did his part to keep Semenyo quiet.

Midfielders

Dominik Szoboszlai-8/10

Brought out his flair game as he suddenly upped the tempo in Liverpool attacks. He improved his reading of the game for playing the deeper role. Kept running endlessly and won the ball back for his side to win the game.

Alexis Mac Allister-7/10

Was in full flow after a shaky start to keep circulating the ball and put in some dirty tackles to win the ball for his side. Provided the assist for Ekitike with a measured through pass.

Forwards

Mohamed Salah-8/10

Almost opened the scoring with an early curler. He was creating chances later on with his effective passing. Got his customary opening day goal with a late finish on his weak foot.

Florian Wirtz-6.5/10

Was given a rough welcome to the league as he didn't get many calls he deemed as fouls his way. Took his time to adjust to the intensity, and his passes were hit and miss.

Cody Gakpo-8/10

After a frustrating first half, he burst into life in the second with a wonderfully taken goal. Showed sharp reflexes to time his shot into the bottom corner.

Hugo Ekitike-9/10

Opened the scoring from close range after a composed finish from a chance he himself created by dropping deep. His battle with Diakite was thoroughly enjoyable.

Substitutes

Andy Robertson-6/10

Wataru Endo-6/10

Curtis Jones-6/10

Joe Gomez -6/10

Federico Chiesa-8/10

Scored his first Premier League goal to win the game for his side late on with a sweet volley.

Manager

Arne Slot-7/10

He used the tried and tested tactics along with new ones, thanks to the new signings he made. The chemistry between the new players was visible thanks to his meticulous coaching.

Bournemouth Player Ratings

Here are the Bournemouth Player Ratings from the Liverpool vs Bournemouth Player Ratings.

Goalkeeper

Djordje Petrovic-6.5/10

He was at full stretch to deny Salah early on. Particularly impressed with his kicking, but he was powerless to deny Ekitike for the opener.

Defenders

Adam Smith-6.5/10

The captain dealt well with Gakpo and made some threatening underlapping runs, which created chances for his side.

Bafode Diakite-7/10

A brilliant debut in the league as he went toe-to-toe with Ekitike. His physicality and temperament really stood out, along with his passing range.

Marcos Senesi-5/10

Got away with a cynical handball on the halfway line as he deliberately pushed the ball away from Ekitike, who was on a break. A ricochet of him fell for Ekitike, ironically, for the first goal.

Adrien Truffert-6.5/10

Posed a good threat from the left flank with his early crossing. Managed his best to stay in line with the tricky Salah

Midfielders

Tyler Adams-6.5/10

Dropped in between the centre-backs to help them out against Liverpool's dangerous attack. Dictated the play from deep with his fine passing.

Alex Scott-7/10

Acted as a second striker when his side pressed in a 4-4-2 and was able to win many loose passes along with duels.

Forwards

David Brooks-7/10

He was not able to get much against the pacy Frimpong, who never gave him a moment's peace. Created the first goal with a fine cross as soon as Frimpong left the pitch.

Marcus Tavernier-6/10

Started the game in the number 10 role, but he was floating all over the pitch to create openings, but he rarely had the chance to affect the play.

Antoine Semenyo-7/10

Finished a counter with a simple finish to make it 2-1. He was impressive with the ball at his feet all game long.

Evanilson-6/10

Found himself in a losing battle with van Dijk for a majority of the game. He wasn't receiving any service from wider or central areas to trouble the centre-backs on other occasions.

Substitutes

Hamed Traore-6/10

Ben Winterburn-6/10

James Hill-6/10

Eli Kroupi Jr-6/10

Manager

Andoni Iraola-6.5/10

Set his side up in a brave pressing manner early on without caving in to Liverpool's fear factor. Their compact shape made it difficult for the hosts to break them down. But eventually, the defence cracked under pressure. Semenyo gave him hope, but it wasn't enough.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match: Hugo Ekitike