Liverpool began their Premier League title defence with a chaotic but ultimately successful 4-2 victory over a spirited Bournemouth side on Friday night. While it was far from a perfect performance, the eventful opener at Anfield provided several key insights into Arne Slot’s new-look team. Here are three of the biggest takeaways.
1. Who Needs Isak When You’ve Got Ekitiké? The biggest positive for Liverpool was the stunning competitive debut of new number nine, Hugo Ekitike. The Frenchman immediately put any concerns about the new attack to rest, scoring a brilliant opening goal and later providing a clever assist for Cody Gakpo. His intelligent movement and ruthless finishing made him look like a “natural fit” from the very start. While the club’s high-profile pursuit of Alexander Isak continues in the background, if Ekitike can maintain this scintillating form, the desperate need for another nine-figure striker may not be so urgent after all.
2. Federico Chiesa: The Unlikely Hero With the game surprisingly tied at 2-2 and the champions staring down a disappointing opening-day draw, it was an unlikely hero who emerged from the bench to rescue the three points. Federico Chiesa, who struggled for form last season and has been heavily linked with an exit this summer, scored a brilliant and instinctive volley in the 88th minute to secure the victory. It was his first-ever Premier League goal for the club and a huge moment that could be the start of a “rejuvenation project” for the Italian winger at Anfield.
3. Early Signs of a Champion’s Mentality Pundits often say that the hallmark of a title-winning team is the ability to secure three points when not playing at their best, and Liverpool did exactly that on Friday. They twice surrendered a lead, and their defence once again looked shaky and vulnerable to the counter-attack. However, when it mattered most, they dug deep and showed the collective character and mentality to find a late winner. It’s a crucial trait that they will need in abundance if they are to successfully defend their Premier League crown.