<div>
<p>Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth</p>
<div>
<p>
<img alt="Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth: Perfect Hugo Ekitiké debut helps Liverpool overcome tough Bournemouth test" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/liverpool-striker-hugo-ekitike-1755292070-174947.jpg" title="Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth: Perfect Hugo Ekitiké debut helps Liverpool overcome tough Bournemouth test" />
</p>
<p><span>©IMAGO</span></p>
</div>
<p dir="ltr">Liverpool began their Premier League title defense with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Bournemouth on Friday night. Despite Andoni Iraola's team being significantly weakened during the transfer window, losing three key defenders from last season, the Cherries managed to equalize after trailing by two goals, leveling the score with 15 minutes remaining. However, in an unexpected twist, Federico Chiesa made a late impact by scoring a right-footed volley shortly before the match concluded, securing the win for Arne Slot's team, followed by an impressive fourth goal from Mohamed Salah in the final moments of the game.</p>
<br>
<h2 dir="ltr">Ekitiké Shines in Premier League Debut with Liverpool</h2>
<br>
<p dir="ltr">In a match where Bournemouth pushed Liverpool to their limits, new signing Hugo Ekitiké emerged as a standout performer. The French striker opened the scoring in the first half following a fortunate deflection, putting the ball in the net in the 37th minute. Ekitiké then assisted Cody Gakpo for a brilliant individual goal shortly after halftime, helping Liverpool double their lead.</p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr">
<img alt="Ekitike goals and assists" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/ekitike-goals-and-assists-1755292107-174948.png?lm=1755292126" title="Ekitike goals and assists" width="503" />
</p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr">Ekitiké's effective performance on his debut came as no surprise to followers of his career. As shown in the chart above, Ekitiké scored an impressive 22 goals in all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt last season, while also contributing 12 assists. This season marks his most productive yet, and historically, he has maintained a ratio of creating goals at roughly half the rate of his own scoring.</p>
<br>
<div>
<p>Player Comparison</p>
<div>
<p>Liverpool FC</p>
<p>Newcastle United</p>
</div>
<div>
<p>€75.00m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€120.00m</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>Centre-Forward</p>
<p>Position</p>
<p>Centre-Forward</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>-</p>
<p>Contract until</p>
<p>30.06.2028</p>
</div>
<br>
<p><span>Full Player Comparison</span></p>
</div>
<p dir="ltr">This impressive track record is what led Liverpool to invest €90 million in the 23-year-old striker during the summer transfer window. The Anfield club not only sought another consistent scorer to aid their title defense but also desired a player capable of enhancing the performance of other attackers. Given that Liverpool's strategic play often leans towards the right wing, where Salah frequently receives the ball, if Ekitiké can effectively contribute both goals and assists, he could prove to be a remarkable acquisition, potentially leading the club to reconsider their previous interest in breaking their transfer record to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle.</p>
<br>
<h2 dir="ltr">Bournemouth Show They're More Than Just Individual Talents</h2>
<br>
<p dir="ltr">Despite returning to the south coast empty-handed, Bournemouth supporters can take heart from their team's efforts at Anfield. The transfer window has been challenging for the Cherries, having lost key players Dean Huijsen, Ilya Zabarnyi, and Milos Kerkez for a total of €172 million. While the final scoreline reflected a loss, Bournemouth remained competitive throughout the match, with notable performances from new defensive signings: central defender Bafodé Diakité, left-back Adrien Truffert, and goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.</p>
</div>