Salah and Semenyo shine in dramatic Premier League opener as Liverpool beat Bournemouth 4-2

The 2025-2026 Premier League season kicked off in thrilling fashion as Liverpool overcame Bournemouth 4-2 at Anfield, with African stars Mohamed Salah and Antoine Semenyo stealing the headlines.

Liverpool raced into a two-goal lead through Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo, but Bournemouth fought back valiantly thanks to Ghanaian striker Semenyo.

Semenyo halved the deficit in the 64th minute with a shot after David Brooks’ low cross, before striking again in the 77th minute with a superb solo effort from outside the box to make it 2-2.

Watch first goal for Antoine Semenyo:

Watch second goal for Antoine Semenyo:

Just as the visitors looked set to snatch a point, Federico Chiesa restored Liverpool’s advantage in the 88th minute. Deep into stoppage time, Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah sealed the victory with a right-footed strike from inside the area, marking his 10th career goal on Premier League opening weekends — a competition record.

The match was also marred by controversy when Semenyo reacted angrily to alleged racist abuse from a Liverpool supporter while the score was still 0-0. Referee Anthony Taylor stopped play in line with FIFA’s anti-racism protocol before the game eventually resumed.

After the final whistle, Salah broke down in tears as the Anfield crowd paid tribute to his former teammate Diogo Jota, who recently passed away in a tragic car accident.

Liverpool’s late surge ensured three points in a dramatic opener, while Bournemouth should take encouragement from Semenyo’s brilliant individual performance despite the defeat.