Mith a record win, Liverpool FC and coach Jürgen Klopp have arrived in the new Premier League season. The Reds demolished promoted AFC Bournemouth 9-0 (5-0) on Saturday and equalized the highest league victories of Manchester United (9-0 against Southampton and Ipswich Town) and Leicester City (9-0 at FC Southampton). “Everything was pretty much perfect,” enthused Klopp after the highest competitive win of his coaching career. “We scored wonderful goals.”
Former Hoffenheim player Robert Firmino played a large part in the first win of the season. The Brazilian set up goals from Luis Diaz (3rd minute), Harvey Elliott (6th) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (28th) and scored two goals himself (31st/62nd). Virgil van Dijk (45′), Chris Mepham (46’/own goal), Fábio Carvalho (80′) and again Diaz (85′) almost made it into a double-digit success with their goals.
With a hat trick within 19 minutes (62’/70’/81′), former Dortmund player Erling Haaland almost single-handedly turned the game over in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City 4-2 (0-2) against Crystal Palace. The Norwegian scored his goals four, five and six of the season. “A proud moment for me and my family,” said the goalscorer. “These games are the reason why I’m here – to turn things around in difficult times.” After the 0:2 at the break, Bernardo Silva scored the connection (53′), followed by the great performance of the 22-year-old.
A suspended Thomas Tuchel and almost an hour outnumbered did not prevent Chelsea FC from their second win of the season. England international Raheem Sterling scored for the Blues for the first time in the 2-1 (0-0) win against Leicester City (47th/63rd). “It was a good prospect. I’ve had the experience now, but there’s no reason to repeat it,” said Tuchel, who watched the match from the stands. Midfielder Conor Gallagher saw yellow and red after just 28 minutes.
Wesley Fofana, who will soon sign with the Tuchel team, was absent from the guests. According to media reports, the 2021 Champions League winner, including bonuses, should transfer up to 90 million euros to the league competitor.
