Title defence pressure- Salah and Chiesa save Liverpool’s blushes as Reds survive Bournemouth scare

The Reds went into the game on the back of a disappointing penalty shootout defeat by Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.

However, they were able to bounce back from the curtain raiser defeat with a 4-2 victory over the Cherries.

Before the game, Arne Slot asserts that while the team needs to improve defensively, particularly in their off-the-ball play, and integrate new players, they are ready for the Premier League season kick-off.

Arne Slot handed out four Premier League debuts as Liverpool began their defence of the title they lifted in May. Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike all joined the Reds in the summer window.

On the other hand, Andoni Iraola named his first Bournemouth starting XI of the season, with three debutants included. Djordje Petrovic, Adrien Truffert and Bafode Diakite all made their competitive Cherries debuts, as reported by BBC.

Liverpool started the game by scoring the opening goal in the 37th minute courtesy of new signing Hugo Ekitike before the half-time whistle.

Entering the second half, the Reds doubled their lead after Cody Gakpo’s brilliant run into the box before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.

However, everything turned around after Antoine Semenyo scored a brace to bring Bournemouth back into the game, but Liverpool fought hard late on to grab the winner.

Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah grabbed the late goals for the Reds, sending them to their first win of the season.