Plenty for Slot to unpack from that. It looks like we're going back to the rollercoaster ride that was the 2023/24 season, at least until the balance of the side is sorted tactically. But a win is a win.
Think all these pundits are forgetting that Grav wasn't there tonight, which is why the CM was rather open. Stick him back and things will change. It's not like the midfield has changed since last season, also Trent was never in the RB slot and Robbo didn't have any legs last season. So where's the difference, if anything Kerkez improves us cause he can actually run.
Shows how much we missed Gravenberch and the amount of defensive work he does. Does go very unnoticed at times, he’s great on the ball but his interceptions and duel success is brilliant. Hopefully next week when he’s back we’ll be a bit more secure
I thought changing both FBs was sensible as they're the two high energy roles but putting Endo at RB when Gomez was available way daft. Changing both CMs at the same time was equally daft. Fortunately, we got away with it in the end
First games are always a bit open and mistake ridden. Players are rusty, new boys not quite in tune and nobody is sure where the opposition is at. Last years against Ipswich was a mediocre performance at best and that was without a whole load of new players to bed in. Win your opener is the most important thing
Ali - not much to do. No real chance with either goal. Proper flap at one cross in the 2nd half though and just punched it about a yard away. Frimpong - Alright. Some nice forward runs, won ball couple times and used pace well forward and back but got done w couple. Can tell he’s more attacking than defensive. Vvd - solid enough. Not much happening, could have done better for the goals, didn’t open himself up for the 1st to see Semenyo behind him. Konate - started so th awful backpass and didn’t get much better. Pretty poor and 2nd goal ended up running away from Semenyo with back turned when he shot! Kerkez - shaky. Thought starting v old team was bad idea, too easier to impress. mac - Solid. Nice touches, looked bit rusty though which is expected. Nice pass to Ekitike for the first goal to break the lines. Szobo - alright but not his best game. Passing was off and seemed like don’t quite know his role. Wirtz - can tell he’s has quality on the ball, but needs time to get used to the game. Picks up really intelligent positions behind players on the turn though. Needs to do more out of possession Salah - thought he was good even before the goal. Few dangerous crosses and his first touch was on point as usual. Thought moment where Frimpong overlapped and allowed Salah to cut in is something going to see and come good. Gakpo - few dangerous moment and took the goal well but was pretty anonymous after that. Ekitike - motm. Some lovely link up before the goal, bit of luck for it but took it nicely. And made some good runs. Very positive sides to start his career.
A difficult watch at times. Slott really does need to sort out this attitude of two up so take attackers off for defensive players. The best means of defence is often attack. We were lucky tonight, if we had been up against City, Arsenal, or Chelsea we would have lost
BREAKING NEWS: Anfield was a cauldron of drama tonight as Liverpool fought their way to a thrilling 4-2 victory over Bournemouth, but the match has been overshadowed by an emotional confession from Ibrahima Konaté. Despite the Reds securing all three points, the French defender admitted he was far from his best—and the heartbreaking reason has now been revealed. After enduring a difficult night at the back, with errors that gifted Bournemouth hope, Konaté took responsibility in a brutally honest post-match statement. “I’m deeply sorry I cost us the game today and our three points. I received sad news from my family right when I was in the tunnel and it got into my head. I couldn’t perform well because of that,” Konaté admitted, his words laced with pain and regret. Liverpool’s attacking brilliance ensured victory, with four goals lighting up Anfield, but the defensive frailties were plain to see. Bournemouth capitalized on Liverpool’s lapses twice, leaving supporters nervous until the very end. Konaté, who looked unsettled throughout the game, revealed that his mind was consumed by off-field family news, received moments before kick-off. Fans, who were quick to vent frustration during the match, have since turned their anger into compassion after hearing Konaté’s revelation. Social media was flooded with messages of support for the Frenchman. One supporter wrote: “Family comes first, Ibou. You gave your all even when your head was somewhere else. Respect.” Another said: “You didn’t cost us, we won because we’re a team. Stay strong, brother.” Inside the dressing room, Arne Slot and senior leaders like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah reportedly stood by Konaté, assuring him that the squad is united behind him. Sources close to the camp described a tense but supportive atmosphere, with teammates urging the defender to keep his head up and reminding him that family always comes before football. The match itself was a rollercoaster. Liverpool’s forwards dazzled, turning pressure into goals, but every Bournemouth strike reminded fans how fragile the lead felt. Each defensive slip seemed to cast a heavier shadow over Konaté, whose normally commanding presence at the back was missing. But his decision to reveal the truth after the game has drawn admiration from many. Footballers are often seen as machines, immune to life’s struggles, but Konaté’s raw honesty reminded the world that they, too, carry unseen burdens onto the pitch. Liverpool’s 4-2 victory keeps their momentum alive, but the bigger story tonight is not just about points or goals—it’s about the courage of Ibrahima Konaté to admit his struggles and the humanity that binds the club and its fans together. Anfield roared in celebration of three points, but they also stood in silent solidarity with a player who gave everything despite carrying the weight of grief.
You say that but having a ridiculous overload in attack left exposed by a poor pass is how Bournemouth equalised, so the tactics were more problematic than the subs.
In other news the racist was clearly identifed and removed..from thr ground. Twitter reports thet it was a man in a wheelchair in the front row and it took quite a while to get hom.to move as its the police that have to do it. Apparently seymeno asked him to repeat what he said amd he did so with gusto. Seymeno did the right thing and eas exceptional all game.
