Liverpool started off their 2025-26 Premier League season with a bang as they managed to beat Bournemouth 4-2 in their opening game of the campaign.
Although there were points in the tie when it felt like Arne Slot’s men would end up losing to the Cherries, the Reds pulled through and managed to prove their dominance.
Indeed, there were a couple of players, such as Milos Kerkez and Ibrahima Konate, who performed well below par and almost cost Liverpool the three points.
However, thanks to the resilience in the first-team squad, they pulled through and ensured that their season got off to the best start possible.
Federico Chiesa celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Bournemouth in the Premier League at Anfield
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
But the game didn’t come without its questionable moments.
Former Premier League referee believes VAR checked Marcos Sensi’s handball too quickly
Within the first 15 minutes of the game between Liverpool and Bournemouth, it felt like the Reds would dominate the clash.
However, there was a moment where the ball came off Marcos Sensi’s thigh and went into his hand, which VAR deemed to be an accidental handball.
However, on the replays shown, it was clear that the defender moved his hand to try to keep the ball from bouncing away from him.
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And, while live on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, former referee Dermot Gallagher and ex-Premier League player Jay Bothroyd gave their thoughts on the situation.
“To me that’s rubbish [that Sensi’s handball wasn’t a clear and obvious offence], if you’re talking about the one with his elbow, that could be seen as accidental,” Bothroyd said.
“But the one where he’s reached for the ball and touched the ball with his hand, you see that the ball has come away from his hand, so obviously he’s touched it, that’s the one where he’s clearly gone for the ball, and that’s why it should be a red card.”
To which former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher replied: “I think they’re just repeating what VAR said because the VAR cleared it, I was watching the game and VAR said ‘it’s not a handball offence because it’s come off his thigh onto his elbow’ which is never going to be hand ball, but he hasn’t looked for the swipe.
“I think he clearly looked at it too quickly.”
"That's a poor decision."
Was Hugo Ekitike denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity by Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi? ❌ pic.twitter.com/oFk8xHiGm6
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 18, 2025
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Liverpool need to be a lot better during the rest of their Premier League campaign
If Liverpool don’t end up coming away with the Premier League title this term, it’ll be a massive failure on their behalf.
The Reds have spent over £250million on improving their ranks, and at the moment, it’s unclear whether they’ve actually progressed.
Indeed, it’s still early days, and the new players still need time to gel with one another, but, with their Champions League campaign just around the corner, they must ensure they’re the best team on the pitch for each game.
Now that we’re edging closer to deadline day, decisions are going to have to be made on whether Liverpool can afford to get rid of any more of their players, such as Harvey Elliott.
Arne Slot gestures to his team during Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Preston North End at Deepdale.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
If they manage to sign some, then of course, players should be allowed to leave, but if the transfers of players such as Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi aren’t able to be pulled off, Slot may have to keep hold of some of his talent.
Which, at the end of the day, wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, especially with all the change that has occurred this term.