When the substitution board lit up in the 82nd minute, signaling Federico Chiesa’s entrance for record signing Florian Wirtz, few at Anfield, where Liverpool were pressing hard for a winner in front of the Kop on their Premier League return, 82 days after lifting the trophy, expected him to be the one to ignite celebrations.
Hugo Ekitike had already made a dream debut, putting Liverpool ahead in the first half. The Reds looked dominant at times, nearly doubling their lead when Ekitike met a Cody Gakpo cross with a header, only to send it over the bar.
Gakpo eventually made it 2-0 with a signature finish, thanks to a clever assist from Ekitike, who was already showing signs of justifying his £69 million price tag.
But Bournemouth weren’t done. Two swift and clinical counterattacks, both finished brilliantly by Antoine Semenyo, stunned the home crowd and threatened to spoil what had been an emotional night for the reigning champions.
As the match entered its final minutes, disappointment loomed. Yet, under Anfield’s lights, Liverpool often finds a way. Chiesa, the late substitute, delivered a moment of magic, striking a sublime half-volley into the bottom right corner to restore the lead.
Mohamed Salah then sealed the victory, ensuring Bournemouth had no way back, and marked the moment with a tribute to Diogo Jota with his celebration.
After the final whistle, liverpoolfc.com caught up with Federico Chiesa, who had just netted his first Premier League goal.
“It is, it was a great goal. Today was really emotional. After I scored, my thoughts went to Diogo, to Andre and his family, who were here today, and yeah, I was really emotional about that, but the goal was for him,” said the 27-year-old.
“In my mind I think that Diogo was somewhere in here like helping me to score, I would I’d like to think it like that you know, he’s always with us he’s gonna be with us and it was tough today but there was a great atmosphere, the fans were amazing throughout the game and yeah, and also I’m really grateful for the song they’re singing and nothing yet, really, really emotional.
“We showed that last year we deserve to be champions, we wish showed character with determination and you know every game in the Premier League is not finish until the ref blows the whistle, so we have to be more concentrated because we had the end and we could have a bit more I would say maturity but this word in English I want to say I want to say another way but yeah be more concentration because I think we played a really good game and Bournemouth had these chances in counter-attack against us, so at the end we had to score 2 goals but we need to improve.
We don’t need to arrive at the end that we need to get two goals to win the game and but I think at the end of the day, we showed why we were champions last year, we have players that can come in and then get us over the hurdle, get us the win.”
Chiesa had a frustrating first season at Liverpool, being reduced to a bit-part player due to injuries, lack of form, and stiff competition for places. However, he feels this is a brand new start for him. He is adamant that he still has a role to play in this team and can offer more this season.
He described the feeling leading to his winning goal in front of the Kop. “It seems like in the second half, when you’re attacking towards the Kop, it feels like the ball wants to go inside the net, you know, and today I wanna think that we had the help of Diogo and his brother up there.
I love the club, I think I’m playing for one of the best in the world, and I feel the passion of the fans. I feel like the energy thing at Anfield is mesmerising. It’s just incredible, and I’m so happy to be here.”
Virgil van Dijk shared his excitement for the Italy International. “For sure, you know, he worked so hard and has a great character. We all love him and I’m very pleased for him. Especially on a night like this, where there are so many things in everyone’s mind because you can’t escape that, and I’m pleased for him, pleased for the team. We managed to get the three points, and now we work and move on.
The skipper was also happy with the win, but acknowledged the circumstances surrounding their first game back in the top flight made it more difficult for them.
“We start with a win, a lot of good things, good moments with and without the ball. Unfortunately, we conceded two goals on the break, where we should have done better overall. But under the circumstances, an emotional night for all of us, first game of the season against a team that will never give up, well known for it, in my opinion, with a great manager, we managed to get the three points. We have a lot of days to work in the upcoming week to be ready for the next game.”
“Nobody should underestimate what’s going on, and we are there for each other with the players with the staff, but we need all of our fans as well in order to get us through everything, and let’s give it everything, give it a go, and enjoy the ride as well. We are very privileged and blessed.”
Van Dijk shared his contentment with the four debutants on the night. Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike all started their first league game for Liverpool on Friday night.
“Absolutely normal. I’m pleased with the performances of those guys. I think they were all tired towards the moment where they got subbed. That’s absolutely normal. The Premier League is the hardest league in the world, the demands are so high, and you just have to get used to it. I think the guys will do so perfectly. Time for them to recover. Like I said, we have plenty of days now to prepare for Newcastle, and we have to be ready because it’s going to be tough there.”
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