Marcos Senesi a liabilty, Semenyo inspirational – Bournemouth ratings v Liverpool
Andoni Iraola can be proud of Bournemouth’s performance following a last-gasp defeat against Liverpool in front of an electric Anfield crowd.
The Reds raced into the lead through Hugo Ekitike, but not before Marcos Senesi avoided a sending off for a blatant handball to stop the Frenchman bearing down on goal on Friday, 15 August.
Cody Gakpo doubled their lead at Anfield before Antoine Semenyo, who was subjected to racial abuse in the first 45 minutes, halved the deficit before bagging his brace 12 minutes later.
All their hard work was undone, however, as Federico Chiesa smashed home a winner in normal time before Mohamed Salah put the game to bed in the fourth minute of added time in a 4-2 loss.
It was a brilliant Premier League opener, one that was an advert for the rest of the footballing world, and a great welcome back to the sport after 81 days away.
Marcos Senesi nightmare at Anfield
Djordje Petrovic – 7
A stunning set of saves from the new signing, quickly taking over from Kepa Arrizabalaga and making the spot his own. Shame about the two goals conceded.
Adam Smith (Off for Hill 90′) – 6
A very decent display from the veteran, given he was up against a star-studded Liverpool attack. Dealt with the pace well.
Bafode Diakite – 6
Has massive shoes to fill for the Cherries, but remained confident in defence and won several of his challenges.
Marcos Senesi – 2
Dangerous, and not in a good way. Following the exits of Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi, the defender had a duty, but after getting away with a blatant red card, he is clearly not up to the level.
Adrien Truffert – 6
Up and down the left flank all game, but was often caught out by the pace and skill of Salah.
Marcus Tavernier the creator for Bournemouth
Tyler Adams (Off for Kroupi 90′) – 5
A mixed performance from the American, with a number of missed tackles.
Alex Scott (Off for Traore 74′) – 4
Not his usual creative self in midfield, with those around him showing far more. Proved himself for England Under-21s but disappointed at Anfield.
David Brooks (Off for Winterburn 84′) – 7
Supplied a brilliant assist for the Cherries’ first goal, working his socks off to combat the Reds up and down the pitch. An absolute workhorse.
Marcus Tavernier – 8
Always a threat in and around the box with his long-range efforts. Tried his luck and continued to create chances, or at least attempt to, but couldn’t make the final pass.
Antoine Semenyo nearly wins a draw single-handedly
Antoine Semenyo – 9 – Player of the Match
Fought against adversity after being racially abused by a Liverpool fan, it was incredible to see the winger bounce back with two incredibly taken goals.
Evanilson – 5
Struggled to get as involved as his manager would have liked, though he still managed to get some shots off at Anfield.
Substitutes
Hamed Traore (On for Scott 74′) – 7
Grabbed an assist, making the needed impact at Anfield.
Ben Winterburn (On for Brooks 84′) – 4
Barely got involved in the final few minutes.
James Hill (On for Smith 90′) – N/A
Eli Junior Kroupi (On for Adams 90′) – N/A