Liverpool flew into a 2-0 lead against Bournemouth to kick off the Premier League season before conceding two goals on the break to enter the closing stages of the game with a draw. It was nervy, and the match itself was overshadowed by the first time Diogo Jota was honored by a full Anfield crowd — there were tears in the stands and the players, too, were certainly feeling the emotion. That Liverpool managed to win in dramatic fashion meant everyone left on a high singing Federico Chiesa’s song on the concourses, but the late scenes also added emotion to an already potent emotional mix.
Speaking to [Liverpoolfc.com](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/virgil-van-dijk-we-managed-get-win-emotional-night-all-us), captain Virgil Van Dijk looked to the positives in a challenging, imperfect, and dramatic game:
“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.”
Virgil also underscored how expected it is that Liverpool’s new signings take some time to fully integrate:
“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.”
Naturally, Chiesa was singled out for his heroics off the bench despite very limited minutes for Liverpool thus far in his career:
“For sure. He works so hard, he’s a great character, we all love him. Very pleased for him. Especially on a night like this where there are so many things in everyone’s mind, because I can’t escape that. I’m pleased for him, pleased for the team. Nice to get the three points and now we work and move on.”
Finally, Van Dijk gave a nod to the complex emotions everyone is feeling in the wake of Diogo Jota’s loss — emotions that were more visible at the start of this game with the fans and the players coming together:
“For sure. I think nobody should underestimate what’s going on. 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. Let’s give it everything and give it a go and enjoy the ride as well, because we are very privileged and blessed, like we all know.”
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