ARNE'S ARMY ON MARCH AGAIN

Reds launch title defence in style against gritty Cherries

- By Chris McKenna

FOR all the money Liverpool have spent this summer it was the £10million man from last year who rescued them here.

Federico Chiesa was left at home for their preseason tour and the fan favourite looked to be heading for the Anfield exit.

Yet he enamoured himself even more to the home faithful last night as he came off the bench to fire Liverpool back in front after they had blown a two-goal lead.

With two minutes to go it looked like the defending champions were going to drop points on the first weekend.

Yet they won this game twice.

Anfield debut boy Hugo Ekitike scored one and helped Cody Gakpo get the second. But then a double from the brilliant Antoine Semenyo — who had earlier reported racist abuse — brought Bournemouth level. The clock was ticking down but then Liverpool produced the moment that proves why they are champions.

Mo Salah’s cross somehow dropped down to the Italian and he pulled off an inventive and superb finish to find the corner.