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Liverpool rally late to fend off Bournemouth in thrilling PL opener

Liverpool rallied late to kick-start their Premier League title defence with a dramatic 4-2 win over Bournemouth as Anfield paid more heartwarming tributes to the late Diogo Jota.

The forward, who cruelly lost his life alongside brother Andre Silva in a car accident in early July, was honoured before, during and after the match with Arne Slot calling the commemorations "truly special" and supporters singing his song throughout.

Liverpool players, sporting black armbands, went about their business professionally for the first hour, scoring a goal either side of the break, and looking every bit ready to mount another title challenge. Star of the show Hugo Ekitike showed plenty of promise on his Premier league deubt, scoring one and creating another for Cody Gakpo.

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ekitike goal

Ekitike scores his first PL goal

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Gakpo goal vertical

Gakpo doubles Liverpool's lead thanks to Ekitike assist

But Antoine Semenyo, who had earlier reported an allegation of racist abuse from a supporter, had other ideas. Liverpool conceded twice to Semenyo fast breaks in the space of 12 second-half minutes, with Jamie Carragher criticising Slot's team for a "lack of balance".

Fortunately for the Dutchman, Liverpool showed why they are reigning champions before an emotional night drew to a close. Substitute Federico Chiesa put Anfield into ecstasy with an 88th minute strike and Mohamed Salah, in predictable fashion, wrapped up the points deep in stoppage time.

More to follow.

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Chiesa goal

Chiesa restores Liverpool's lead

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Salah goal

Salah gets Liverpool's FOURTH in THRILLING opener

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