Unbelievable atmosphere - Slot reveals as Liverpool begin title defence

Liverpool coach Arne Slot described the win as an emotional victory against Bournemouth, saying it was “so impressive, so powerful.”

Liverpool opened their Premier League title defence thrillingly on Friday night, beating Bournemouth 4-2 in an emotional Anfield clash marked by a moving tribute to the late Diogo Jota.

The night began with a sombre but powerful remembrance of the Portuguese forward, who tragically died in a car crash in July alongside his brother, André Silva.

Fans sang Jota’s name before kick-off, again in the opening minute, on 20 minutes, and at the final whistle.

Liverpool looked to be in control when Hugo Ekitike and Gakpo struck, but Bournemouth hit back through Antoine Semenyo, who scored twice to level the contest. Substitute Federico Chiesa, whose future at Anfield has been the subject of speculation, scored the third while Mo Salah sealed the win with a decisive goal late on.

“Do you have half an hour?” Slot joked when asked to sum up the evening.

He added, “Unbelievable atmosphere in the final minutes. Winning the league last season will always be more special than beating Bournemouth at home, but those last six or seven minutes — wow, wow, wow, wow. How impressive that was.”

“Three teams were involved in this game,” Slot added. “Bournemouth, us, and the referee [Anthony Taylor], who just kept the game flowing. It was a great game to watch. In the end, we won it, which helps my emotions.”

Mo Salah's late strike provided the perfect ending to a night full of passion and poignancy as Liverpool began their Premier League title defence with a hard-fought victory.