Harvey Elliott has admitted it was a "dream" to score a Premier League goal as he helped Liverpool claim their first win of the season by thrashing Bournemouth 9-0 at Anfield.
The 19-year-old, who made the move to Anfield from Fulham in the summer of 2019, has made no secret of his affinity to his boyhood club during his years on Merseyside so far, and that was no different on Saturday afternoon when he was on hand to curl home the Reds' second goal of the match just six minutes into the first half.
Racing onto Roberto Firmino's lay-off just outside the box, the England under-21 midfielder struck a fine curling effort past Cherries goalkeeper Mark Travers before breaking out into an emotional knee-slide and later pointing to his family, who have been regular watchers of his matches at Anfield since 2019.
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Explaining the emotions of netting his first goal in the Premier League, Elliott told the BBC: "The emotion got to me a bit. To score at Anfield was a dream of mine as a kid. With a lot of pressure on us, it was a massive relief. Five goals was the perfect first half."
"I’m loving it. I went through what I went through.," Elliott added. "I’m trying to be here for the team and do what I can."
Having made the worst start to a Premier League season since 2012, as they failed to win any of their opening three games, Elliott assured listeners that he and his team-mates would not get carried away with the record-breaking triumph ahead of Wednesday night's clash with Newcastle United.
"It's massive [win], but for us it’s nothing to get too excited about," said the midfielder. "Hopefully, go again on Wednesday, same result – well maybe not as many goals.
"It’s a massive relief for us and our fans to put in a performance and show people who doubted us. We’re buzzing."
Elliott's fine display was made all the more admirable after he revealed his nan passed away earlier this week, causing him to be overcome with emotion as he netted his first goal of the season.
"My nan passed away a few days ago, so just for her really and the three points," said an emotional Elliott to LFCTV after the game.
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