Liverpool survive red card scare to crush Cherries at Anfield

Liverpool were twice forced to overcome adversity before banking their first three points of the new season against Bournemouth at Anfield.

The lively visitors made an aggressive start and took the lead through Antoine Semenyo's powerful strike.

That seemed to rouse the Reds and by half-time they had taken a 2-1 lead thanks to Luis Diaz's clever finish and Mohamed Salah, who was alive to hoover up the rebound after seeing his penalty saved.

Alexis Mac Allister was then a little unfortunate to see red for his tackle on Ryan Christie, but no sooner had they been reduced to 10 men, Liverpool extended their lead to 3-1 through Diogo Jota.

At the heart of everything good for the hosts was Hungary international Dominik Szoboszlai, a summer recruit from RB Leipzig, who seemed to relish his first appearance at Anfield.

"I am feeling tired but really happy that I could make the first home game in front of the fans," said the 22-year-old midfielder. "The win is the most important and now we are looking forward to the next game.

"Sometimes we start strong, sometimes we start like this. The best thing was the reaction from the whole team. Some of us made some mistakes but the reaction was unbelievable. We scored a quick goal and scored again. And also the red card and after the reaction was also really good. We are looking forward.

"I just enjoy playing football. These guys have so much quality and we understand each other so good. I hope I can play as much as possible."

The home crowd might have been rabid ahead of their first glimpse of Premier League action this term, but they were soon sat in stunned silence.

A positive start from the visitors was rewarded with the opening goal, although some sloppy Liverpool defending certainly