Chiesa rises to the rescue as Liverpool repel Cherries' fightback on emotional opening night

The Italian was the unlikely hero after a hectic beginning to the new campaign which saw moving tributes to Diogo Jota, VAR controversy, a reported racist incident and one hell of a Bournemouth fightback before the hosts reply

FRIDAY NIGHT ITALIAN: Liverpool's Federico Chiesa, left, celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. Pic: AP Photo/Ian Hodgson

Liverpool 4 Bournemouth 2 

Perhaps the only thing more difficult than winning the Premier League is to defend it.