Chiesa delivers decisive moment as Slot praises Liverpool’s resilience
Chiesa strikes late to seal Liverpool’s opening victory
Liverpool began their Premier League campaign with a dramatic 4-2 victory at Anfield, with substitute Chiesa providing the pivotal goal in a contest that ebbed and flowed against a stubborn Bournemouth side.
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Head coach Arne Slot saw his team race into a two-goal lead through Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo, only for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo to turn the game on its head with a quickfire brace. With momentum threatening to slip away, Chiesa entered the fray and converted a crucial chance before Mohamed Salah added a fourth to confirm the result.
Slot described the Italian’s intervention as a defining contribution on a night when Liverpool were tested to their limits.
Slot applauds Chiesa’s impact
Speaking afterwards, Slot underlined the significance of Chiesa’s strike and the emotional connection it carried.
“He came in at a moment when we badly needed a goal,” Slot explained. “For him to deliver in that situation is special. The supporters have shown patience and backing towards him, so it was fitting that he could give something back with a goal that mattered.”
The manager also reflected on the high intensity of the contest, praising both sets of players for their intent. “It was a match where the referee allowed the game to flow. Both teams pressed, attacked, and created transitions. There was no thought of slowing things down, which made it such a demanding evening.”
Bournemouth show resilience in defeat
While Liverpool’s attacking quality eventually shone through, Bournemouth demonstrated why they are regarded as one of the Premier League’s most persistent sides. Twice punished by counter-attacks, Liverpool found themselves dragged into a battle when the game appeared comfortable at 2-0.
“We started the second half strongly, but Bournemouth never stopped competing,” Slot acknowledged. “You have to give credit to them, they kept coming forward. In the end, fitness and intensity from our side made the difference.”
Emotional reaction from Chiesa
Chiesa later admitted that his decisive finish was accompanied by a wave of emotion. The atmosphere inside Anfield, where supporters had been vocal throughout, added extra weight to the moment.
“The feeling the fans gave me was incredible,” Chiesa reflected. “They were with me all the way through, and scoring that goal was not just about the result but about giving something back to them.”
Liverpool’s victory ensured a positive start to the Slot era, but it also highlighted the challenges ahead. Bournemouth’s resistance was a reminder that no points will come easily, and that depth from players such as Chiesa could prove decisive across the season.
