Liverpool opened the new Premier League season in triumph and in tears. Extreme emotions will accompany the champions throughout their title defence but were particularly apt on the night Anfield paid tribute to Diogo Jota and Arne Slot’s side showed the incredible will-to-win that defines them.
Mohamed Salah was inconsolable after the final whistle. Moments after sealing an enthralling victory over Bournemouth and recreating Jota’s Baby Shark celebration, the Liverpool forward broke down in tears in front of the Kop as they sang in honour of the tragic Portugal international. Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, children and family had found the strength to be present and were welcomed with a sign that read: ‘Rute, Dinis, Duarte, Matilda – Anfield will always be your home. You’ll Never Walk Alone.’ It was one moving moment among many as Anfield remembered their number 20 and his brother, André Silva, following their deaths in July.
