**Bournemouth**battled hard but were pointless at full time in a 4-2 defeat to **Liverpool**at Anfield. Of all their players, the one who deserved most praise was Antoine Semenyo, a powerhouse who bagged a brace and continued to "create a lot of problems" despite being the target of discriminatory words.
‘I don’t feel it’s been that kind of game’
A trip to the reigning champions is always a tough ordeal to start the season. There is no prize for strong showings except points on the board, but Andoni Iraola was happy with what he saw from his players.
*“I am really pleased with the performance. We missed big a chance to take something. The game was quite level. I would say it means we played really well to play a level game against Liverpool. The key to have taken the points is conceding four goals. I don’t think it was a game to concede four goals.”*
The club have had to cope with a lot of change at the back. Kepa Arrizabalaga arrived at **Arsenal**after returning to **Chelsea**from his loan to the south coast. Illia Zabarnyi has signed for Paris Saint-Germain, his partner, Dean Huijsen, moved to Real Madrid, and Milos Kerkez was with the Reds.
“It doesn’t help. Definitely the first game the back four has played better especially I think it was a bit difficult for Bafode Diakite because he comes straight away we put him in a very demanding game.”
The old **Lille**defender did well on his debut, but small details undid hard work over ninety minutes.
*“I think he has played well. It’s certain things. You can concede four if they are all over you and your keeper saves a lot it could happen here in Anfield. I don't feel it’s been that kind of game to concede four. The last one we can blame ourselves because we don't continue the run but the keys for me is the third goal because we got the game where you want coming here and it has killed a little bit game.”*
Before **Mo Salah**showed the focus to run onto a loose ball and wrap up the three points, a forgotten man thrust himself into the spotlight for the Reds, restoring their advantage after a series of blunders.
“The momentum went for our side when the score was 2-2. It was a poor goal to concede the third one: no player is going for the first ball, two for the same ball with the clearance and then they finish really well. That's why they are so good because in moments where they are struggling they are not having the chances someone appears no in this case it was Federico Chiesa to make the difference.”
Above all, he applauded the squad for showing the guts to not give up amid all of the adversity.
“I finish really proud of a lot of the things we've done. The players have given everything. The easiest thing was to give up when you are playing well and then you are 2-0 down but that did not happen.”
All eleven players had to pitch in so the team could turn around the score and claw back the deficit. But one forward stood out for his sharp shooting and momentum-shifting presence on the pitch.
“Antoine started the season the way he finished the last one. He was creating a lot of problems to the fullbacks and two goals. First one was a combination through the left. We were putting a lot of crosses from the left and he arrives well. Second one is also transition but he takes it by himself and a good finish. It is a shame we scored two goals and go back home with nothing but we can find positives.”
‘It’s a big shame’
Unfortunately, Antoine Semenyo was at the centre of an incident of racial abuse during the first half.
“I didn't notice it live because a lot of people shouting but straight away Antoine and the ref both did. They explain the situation to both managers. To be fair I think Liverpool identified this person.”
The right winger was in something of a daze in annoyance at the situation after the final whistle.
“In the heat of the moment I think Antoine understood the situation. He was calm, continued playing for sure. We asked him he was fine to continue, looked composed but true that now at the end of the game. the head always goes to these things and for sure he's asking why still is happening today.”
It is a disappointment that prejudice will have to be a talking point that takes away from the action.
*“It is a shame that the first game of the Premier League, a very good game of football between two teams that are fighting to play a good game, we have to start talking about things that we considered from the past but they are not from the past. We have to continue reinforcing the messages.”*
The appetite was strong to see two sides go full throttle to kick off the new Premier League schedule. The action at **Anfield**was entertaining for the neutral on Friday evening, and the Cherries continue to impress with their intense, energetic game model. But some matters mean more than the sport.
“It's a big shame, a big shame because at the end most of the news will be about this thing and they have to be about the thing because obviously something that still is a big problem not in in football but overall and also in football. We should be talking about what a good game has been two teams playing well in the first game of the season and probably we will be talking about other things.”
The incident also takes away from the commemoration that celebrates the life of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, who both passed away in a tragic car incident in Spain at the start of July.
“Most important is the tribute for Diogo, his brother and we try to stand with the Liverpool family.”
The Spaniard spoke about what it meant to be in the ground in such an emotionally charged moment.
“I think that it was very emotional before the game. I think the minutes before the whistle also in the 20th minute you are on the game but you are aware of everything that is happening. The last two seasons we've been here for games at 2 in a completely different atmosphere and I think for our players, it has to be a pleasure playing today here with this level of the game of the supporters.”