Defending champions Liverpool started off their 2025/26 campaign by beating AFC Bournemouth 4-2 in their opening match.
The match was tied at 2-2 at one point in time, but the Reds scored in quick succession through Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah to secure the victory.
Liverpool remain one of the favourites to win the title this time around, too. Their defence, however, remains a slight concern, as they also let in two goals in the FA Community Shield match against Crystal Palace.
Hugo Ekitike Starred Yet Again for Liverpool
Hugo Ekitike scored a goal and registered an assist in his Premier League debut to help the Reds race to a 2-0 lead. The Frenchman scored his first goal for his new club against Crystal Palace days earlier.
Ekitike’s ability to glide across the pitch through a bunch of opposition defenders is his strength. He has demonstrated his ability in his two matches for Liverpool in ample capacity.
Moreover, the young French striker has a precise shot on him, which helped him find the corner of the net from the edge of the penalty box.
He scored against both Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, which goes on to show that Arne Slot’s team did the right thing by signing him.
Ekitike is really agile and fast in his movements, which makes it very difficult for defenders to mark him.
With another really mobile winger in Cody Gakpo alongside him, who frequently keeps moving inside to the central areas from the left flank, the task for Liverpool’s opponents is not going to be easy this season.
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No Isak? No Problem
The Reds have not yet totally given up on their pursuit of Alexander Isak, the Newcastle United striker.
But whether they get him or not, the Reds’ attack should remain potent enough, even keeping in mind the fact that they will no longer have the services of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez this season.
Chiesa and Salah showed that Liverpool retain their ability to score from quick counter-attacks. Salah remains imperious for the Reds and should be a constant source of goals this season, too. Chiesa’s form should be a really important factor for Liverpool and if the Italian makes his mark for them, it should be really beneficial for Slot’s team.
However, it is the vindication of Slot’s faith in Ekitike so far that should please the Liverpool management. If Isak does not arrive this season, the onus of scoring goals will be on the French striker to a large extent.
Ekitike has proven to be quite capable of fulfilling the responsibility so far. Should he manage to score more than 20 goals this season, the Reds will have a great chance of defending their Premier League title.
None of Liverpool’s signings in recent times, with the exception of Nunez to an extent, has failed to live up to expectations. Ekitike seems to be another player who will be able to justify the faith the club has in him.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Propaganda Photo
Recording Date: 15.08.2025