Although they conceded four goals, they went toe-to-toe with their hosts, as the defending champions had to work hard to ensure that Andoni Iraola’s side returned to Dorset empty handed.
But all in all it was a positive season opener for the Cherries – here are five things we learned on Merseyside.
**Antoine Semenyo is brilliant – and mentally very strong**
What happened to Semenyo in the first half at Anfield should never happen, on a football pitch or otherwise.
To have to report racist abuse from a fan was disgraceful and saddening – but the Ghanaian responded in the best way with his performance on the pitch.
His two goals were excellent.
_(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)_ The first was a fine finish first time as he raced onto a perfect cross from the left from David Brooks, who had been played in behind by Tyler Adams as the Cherries went rapidly from back to front.
The second was the pick of the goals on the night. Semenyo received the ball just outside the Bournemouth box and carried the ball deep into the Liverpool half, with the defence retreating.
With two teammates open to the left of him as he reached the Liverpool box, he perhaps should have sought a pass – but instead he found the bottom corner with a rifled shot.
Semenyo will be key for the Cherries this season – and his new contract to ward off other clubs this summer could be the move of the window for Bournemouth if he continues the season as he started it.
**David Brooks was on fine form**
Another big positive for the Cherries was Brooks – he was a constant threat to the Liverpool defence and teed up Semenyo with a pinpoint cross after a good run in behind for the Bournemouth opener.
_(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)_ The Welshman is another who may be a key cog in the Cherries machine this season, after playing a big role in preseason and hitting the ground running this term.
There may well be forward reinforcements in the remainder of the transfer window, but Brooks has firmly put his hand up to nail down his spot in the side.
**Defence will take time**
While there were plenty of positives on the night across the pitch, the Cherries will be hopeful of ironing out the defensive errors that contributed to the four goals they conceded.
_(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)_ But with a new back four, playing together for the first time, there was bound to be one or two teething problems.
Bafode Diakite was thrown straight in at the deep end after signing last week and did well, although was caught out of position on a couple of occasions.
Marcos Senesi will hope to hit some form soon, he was largely solid but had a couple of poor moments, one of which saw him appear to handle the ball when last man which could have seen him sent off.
Adrien Truffert looked good, as did Adam Smith, who was dependable as ever. The four will need time to gel, but there may yet be further reinforcements.
**Centre back still needed**
On that note, the Cherries must be looking to bring in another centre back while the window is still open.
_(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)_ They have replaced one of the two departing centre backs in Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi, with Diakite arriving, but Iraola wants another.
The sooner this comes in the better, to bolster the starting XI and squad depth – this is the most vital area for reinforcement in the coming couple of weeks.
**Midfield adaptability**
The Cherries have a couple of key injuries in midfield and in the 10 position, with Lewis Cook, Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert currently out.
The latter two may return soon, and most likely will ease back into the starting XI, but until that point, we will likely see a flexible midfield.
On Friday night, Tyler Adams was the anchor in front of defence, with Marcus Tavernier and Alex Scott rotating between sitting deep alongside the American, or pushing further forward.
Both midfielders are more attack minded, but have shown that they can operate in a more defensive role.
Iraola admitted this was largely to combat the way Liverpool set up – but it is a glimpse of what could be to come in midfield while Christie, Cook and Kluivert work their way back to fitness.